Producing the tantalum cases for the Project 21 requires the best of modern technology and manual craftsmanship. The monobloc and caseback start out in a Kern MicroHD, one of the most advanced CNC machines used in watchmaking.
A monobloc in early stages of the machining process. Tantalum is a ‘sticky’ metal that wears out CNC tools and can behave unpredictably under machining. This means that it requires constant monitoring.
Tantalum test components showing the case in various stages of processing.
A raw monobloc post-machining. Notice the jagged edges along the case? This is a result of tantalum’s ‘stickiness’ and needs to be manually finished and dealt with.
Case components in various stages of finishing. Notice how any machining burrs and artefacts have already been resolved.
Josh’s team created custom 3D printed jigs and holders to assist with finishing the cases. Pictured here is the holder used for brushing the bezel and lugs.
Prelude to the sandstorm - where the sides of the cases are finished.
This step must be done with the utmost care as few seconds too long might result in abrading too much tantalum and permanently altering the profile of the case and rendering it unusable.
The polishing of the rehaut.
Reviewing the technical documentation for the crown stems. One of the few non-tantalum components of the case (along with the screws).
Production of the crown stems.
The tantalum crowns. The crowns had been finished prior to Praneeth’s visit, but they need to be attached to the crown stem prior to final assembly.
Published: 29th April 2025
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