Description
Watchy is an E-Ink watch with open source hardware and software. It has a barebones design utilizing the PCB as the watch body, allowing it to be worn as-is, or further customized with different 3D printed cases and watch straps. It is a unique timepiece that is also a wearable development platform, allowing users to create their own experience.
Watchy’s E-Ink display delivers an always-on, beautiful, crisp image clearly visible under bright sunlight, and requires no power between updates. At 200 x 200 pixels and monochrome, the display offers a distinctive aesthetic.
Watchy has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity, allowing it to connect with internet APIs (e.g., weather, news, traffic, maps, Spotify, etc.), as well as Bluetooth LE enabled devices.
With makers/hackers/tinkerers in mind, we chose the ESP32 for its large community and support for a wide variety of development options, such as Arduino, Micropython, ESP-IDF, and Zephyr-RTOS.
Features & Specifications
- Ultra-low-power e-paper 1.54″ display with 200 x 200 resolution and wide viewing angle
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth LE connectivity
- 3-axis accelerometer with gesture detection
- Real-time clock for accurate time keeping with calendar and alarm functions
- Built-in USB-to-serial adapter for programming on the go
- Vibration motor for alerts
- Four tactile buttons
- Open source hardware & software
- Tons of examples & cool watch faces
- 3D case designs (stls) to customize your watchy (and watch straps)
- New injection-molded plastic case
New Enclosures
This Crowd Supply campaign addresses one of the most frequently requested features of Watchy — an enclosure! Though we think the plain PCB look is one of the most distinctive features of Watchy, and will continue to offer new 3D printed watch case designs, we think a lot of fans would appreciate a nice injection-molded plastic or CNC anodized aluminum case.
Injection-molded Case
Every Watchy produced as part of this campaign will be bundled with a new watch case! We will be offering three of our own designs, and we will solicit third-party submissions for a vote during the campaign. We will then select which design will be mass produced and offered to everyone!
Watchy 3D printed case – this campaign introduces a new injection-molded case in a color to be determined
CNC Anodized Aluminum Case
For those who don’t mind the extra weight and want a more rugged enclosure, a separate pledge level is available for a CNC anodized aluminum watch case. The design and color of choice will also be be decided by popular vote.
CAD render of the new CNC aluminum enclosure
What’s in the box?
Backers of the Watchy Kit + Case (both early bird and regular) will get the kit pictured below, plus the new injection-molded plastic enclosure (not shown).
The Anodized Aluminum Case pledge level on its own includes only the new aluminum enclosure.
Watchy Kit product packaging (left), Watchy Kit unboxing (center), fully assembled Watchy (right)
Watchy Kit components (left to right, top to bottom): E-Ink display, assembled PCB, battery, wrist strap
A fully assembled Watchy without an enclosure
Custom Watch Faces
Check out our watch face gallery. We regularly create new watch faces and showcase community creations. Every watch face is fully open source and part of our Arduino Library.
Open Source
Everything about Watchy is open source under the MIT License and OSHWA-certified: