Your Smartwatch Might Be Spying — This Custom Build Isn't

When someone is interested in a new smartwatch, the next steps usually involve researching what is available commercially and reading some product reviews. However, Redditor CoreMemory_156 took a completely different approach and built a DIY smartwatch from the ground up. This approach may not be as easy — and it definitely won’t look as good as an off-the-shelf product — but it does allow for total customization. Better yet, when you build everything yourself, you know your device isn’t spying on you.

CoreMemory_156’s oversized wristwatch is built around an ESP32-WROOM-32D microcontroller on a homemade PCB. This chip is wired to a 240×280 LCD display, accelerometer, heart rate sensor, real-time clock module, vibration motor, speaker, and a 200 mAh rechargeable battery. While not specified, the case appears to be 3D printed and is attached to a wrist strap.

At present, there are several clock styles available, and the watch can display custom wallpaper. As far as apps are concerned, there is a heart rate monitor, a Tetris clone, a timer, a flashlight, and an ultrasonic blaster for playing with dogs.

Looking ahead, CoreMemory_156 plans to develop a Pong game, and also add a temperature sensor. A light sensor will be added to dim the screen according to the ambient lighting level. Bluetooth music control is also in the works, as are some gyroscope-based games.

There is no build guide available yet, but using the bill of materials and pictures, you can get some good ideas for your own smartwatch creation. If you do make something, be sure to let us know!