Meteorite Watchface 3D Texturing
I transformed the base 3D watch model into a photorealistic marketing asset. This meant accurately replicating the Widmanstätten pattern (the unique crystalline structure in iron-nickel meteorites), refining the watch geometry, and creating professionally lit 3D renders for print and digital marketing.
Diatom Watches creates limited-edition, space-inspired timepieces using rare materials like meteorite dials and Apollo 11 components. The goal was to capture the meteorite's intricate structure for high-fidelity 3D product visualisations across all marketing channels.
Macro Photography, 3D Texturing & Photorealistic Rendering
I started with detailed macro-photography analysis of genuine meteorite samples to understand the precise scale, depth, and reflective properties of the crystalline lattice. This helped me recreate how light interacts with this extraterrestrial material and build the material data maps needed for physically accurate 3D product rendering.
Material Data Mapping for Photorealistic Results
I used a procedural workflow to make the digital material react realistically to light. Using photo editing software, I generated Roughness, Metallic, Normal, and Bump maps from the meteorite photography.
The 3D texturing process includes:
Bump Maps: Convert the 2D crystalline pattern into a height map that simulates the structure's subtle relief without complex geometry.
Roughness and Metallic Maps: Define the material's polish level, controlling reflection intensity and creating the distinct metallic appearance of iron meteorite.
Layering these maps lets the 3D rendering software interpret a flat surface as a rich, three-dimensional material for flexible, high-impact product photography from any angle.
The Result
The project produced photorealistic 3D product visualisations that showcase the unique meteorite watchface. These marketing assets appeared across over ten major media outlets and eliminated the need for traditional product photography.
