We’ve lined lots of watch tasks right here on the Hackster weblog. However, if we’re being trustworthy, not lots of them have been designs that a mean particular person would wish to put on. Model and options are undoubtedly components, however bulk is arguably the largest downside with DIY designs. The miniaturization wanted to shove a bunch of tech right into a tiny watch bundle requires assets which can be out of the attain of most hobbyists. However Drfailov managed to tug it off and constructed this spectacular ESP32-based watch that you could be truly wish to put on.
Drfailov’s DRM Watch 3 appears unbelievable. It’s, admittedly, fairly huge, however that’s a results of the display screen Drfailov selected and that display screen is what makes the watch so interesting. Nonetheless, Drfailov’s packaging is extraordinarily spectacular and this watch is fairly darn slim. And it’s a nice-looking watch that doesn’t in any respect give off “DIY” vibes — if we had instructed you that this was a client gadget that simply hit the market, you’ll have believed us.
The important thing element is that superior show, which is a 2.7” Sharp Reminiscence Show that mixes a few of the finest options of LCDs and e-ink shows. Sharp Reminiscence Shows only recently began gaining traction within the maker neighborhood over the previous couple of years. They use little or no energy and are fairly readable in daylight (like an e-ink show), however refresh at a quick charge (like an LCD). For gadgets that have to preserve energy consumption at a minimal with out sacrificing refresh charge, they’re a terrific alternative. Additionally they have a definite black-on-gray look that appears neat.
Most Sharp Reminiscence Shows, together with this one, don’t have a backlight and so Drfailov had so as to add one. He made it utilizing an electroluminescent panel minimize to dimension to match the footprint of the show.
That display-backlight sandwich matches on prime of the customized PCB that’s densely filled with the entire parts essential to make the watch work. That features, most significantly, an ESP32-S2 microcontroller. The ESP32-S2 has Wi-Fi for connecting to networks and Bluetooth for connecting to a person’s smartphone. Energy comes from a 450mAh lithium battery and Drfailov says that it’s good for about two weeks of use between fees.
The enclosure is 3D-printable, however the entrance panel can be CNC-machined out of aluminum, metal, or extra unique metals for a premium look.