The first step in designing a watch is the definition of a global product concept based on research and documentation covering economic, technical, social, aesthetic and environmental criteria. This global concept is then summarised in specifications which set out the fundamental guidelines and requirements for the design, development and production of the project.
Working from these specifications, the watch designer produces sketches and other renderings of the proposed new product. He/she then develops the idea in consultation with microtechnology engineers, microtechnicians and prototypists.
Source: Ecole Supérieure du Canton de Neuchâtel (ESNE), Applied Arts; State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, Study Framework for training in higher education colleges – Advanced qualification in design - February 25th 2010, status as of January 1st 2011