Modular's PixelTime Is a Chunky-But-Funky MicroPython-Powered ESP32-C3 RISC-V Wristwatch

Pseudonymous maker "Modular" is back with another Espressif ESP32-powered gadget, and this time it's a wearable: the MicroPython-powered PixelTime chunky wrist watch.

"I really like some electronic watches from the early years and want to make one for my own use," Modular explains, in translation from the original Chinese, of the project's origins. "It is mainly used as a timing tool and supports automatic Wi-Fi time adjustment. It also supports ultra-low power consumption to ensure standby time."

The gadget itself is powered by an Espressif ESP32-C3 microcontroller, a low-power single-core part with a 32-bit RISC-V core running at up to 160MHz. Rather than a traditional display, though, the PixelTime opts for something a little more eye-catching: a 15×8 matrix of 120 surface-mount RGB LEDs.

Like the infamous Sinclair Black Watch, launched in 1975 as one of the first affordable wristwatches to use LEDs as a display, the PixelTime saves power by keeping the display lit only when you need it. "Due to the large number of colorful LEDs," Modular admits, "a large amount of heat will be generated, so long-term operation is not recommended. [It] automatically enters standby mode if no operation is performed for five seconds."

Other features of the watch include an overall thickness of just 8.3mm (around 0.33") when using a 200mAh 302530 lithium battery, support for 20mm watch straps, and a four-pole magnetic charging system to keep the battery topped up. "No need for complicated functions," Modular says of the software, "just a pure timing tool."

Design files and source code for the watch are available on Modular's GitHub repository under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license; additional information is available on OSHW Hub.