The most reliable way to build a DIY smartwatch is to start with a firmware project made for a specific board, get its display and controls working over USB, then add battery power and an enclosure. For a compact learning project, an ESP32-C6, small OLED, and button are enough to prototype a clock and timer. For a richer starting point, choose the exact ESP32-S3 board supported by the firmware you plan to use.
Decide what your first watch needs to do
“Smartwatch” can mean a programmable clock on your wrist or a connected wearable with touch controls, notifications, sensors, and companion-app support. Those capabilities depend on the board, connected components, firmware, and any phone software—not on the board alone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Keep the first version narrow: show the time and make one input action work. Add weather, notifications, activity tracking, or other sensors only after confirming that the chosen hardware and software support them. A documented ESP32-C6 project includes clock, weather, and timer screens; an ESP32-S3 project documents a much broader set of functions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsChoose a build path before buying parts
These paths differ in how much hardware integration and troubleshooting they demand. The figures below are project specifications, not independent performance test results.
#1 Best Overall
- STEM LEARNING MADE FUN: Dive into the world of electronics, coding, and wearable technology while building your very own NASA-themed smartwatch. It's a hands-on experience that lets you explore cutting-edge tech in a fun and engaging way!
- PERFECT GIFT FOR AGES 9+: Designed for kids, teens, and adults, this kit offers an engaging introduction to the components and functionality of smart devices.
- TRACK TIME & MORE: Features a digital clock, games, step counter, and coding-based custom functions.
- ALL-IN-ONE KIT: Includes all necessary components, step-by-step instructions, and access to coding resources to guide you through the building and programming process.
- STEM GIFT FOR FUTURE INVENTORS: A fantastic gift for any young tech lover - this kit combines learning and fun, making it ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
| Path | What it offers | Effort and trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32-S3 integrated board and existing firmware | The firmware targets the Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-1.8: ESP32-S3R8, 1.8-inch 368 × 448 AMOLED, capacitive touch, power management and LiPo connector, motion sensor, RTC, audio codec, microSD, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth LE. The project documents features including notifications through Gadgetbridge, activity and sleep features, alarms, and applications. | The most direct route to a feature-rich documented starting point, if you obtain the exact supported board and follow the project’s current setup requirements. Project capabilities are not a guarantee that every feature works with every version or configuration. Firmware project and setup documentation. |
| ESP32-C6 with OLED and button | Soldered’s project uses a NULA Mini ESP32-C6, a 0.96-inch 128 × 64 SSD1306 OLED, and a momentary button. Its screens cover a clock, weather, timer, and animated home screen. | A reasonable learning prototype with documented Arduino setup, wiring, Wi-Fi configuration, upload, and serial-monitor diagnostics. A small LiPo battery and charger, plus a printed enclosure or strap, are optional additions for wearable use. Project instructions. |
| Custom ESP32 wearable | Espressif’s MutantW profile describes a 44 mm watch with an ESP32-WROOM, custom PCB, 1.7-inch 240 × 280 LCD, buttons, vibration motor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and over-the-air programming. | Offers greater control over form factor, but requires more hardware integration and enclosure work. Treat it as an adaptation path, not a guaranteed parts-for-parts beginner recipe. MutantW project profile. |
| RP2040 watch-board adaptation | A Raspberry Pi article describes a board with an RP2040 and 1.28-inch TFT. The makers added a rechargeable LiPo battery, investigated the display and controls, and designed a printable case. | The board lacked documentation and a battery, so the project involved reverse engineering and adaptation. Expect more troubleshooting than with a maintained, documented kit. Raspberry Pi project article. |
| Open platform or custom PCB | OpenTimeWatch describes ESP32-S3-based open hardware and software, including support for boards such as LILYGO TQT Pro and a separate custom smartwatch PCB. Its documented features include watch faces, games, a torch, motion sensors, Wi-Fi time setting, a speaker, battery voltage, and charging. | Offers platform flexibility, but inspect the status of individual features: the project says its activity view is a dummy and is not functionally implemented. OpenTimeWatch project. |
For a feature-rich firmware route, start with its named Waveshare target. For a small learning build, follow the ESP32-C6 project’s exact board and wiring. Do not assume firmware for one board will work on another: display drivers, pin assignments, memory, and power management can differ.
Check the parts and interfaces
Use the selected project’s current documentation as the bill of materials and compatibility reference. Before ordering, confirm the exact board variant, display, input method, and power arrangement.
Rank #2
- 【Beginner-Friendly DIY Electronics Kit】This soldering kit contains through-hole components designed for easy soldering practice, suitable for those new to electronics assembly. The included parts can be assembled using basic soldering equipment.
- 【Automatic Power Conservation Feature】The device includes a power management function that activates after a short period of non-use. The display can be quickly restored with a simple button press.
- 【Straightforward Time Adjustment Controls】Two clearly labeled buttons allow for simple time setting adjustments. One button modifies hours while the other adjusts minutes, with an option for faster setting changes when needed.
- 【Clear View Enclosure Design】The assembled project features a transparent housing that allows observation of the internal components. The durable construction maintains functionality while providing visibility of the circuitry.
- 【Comprehensive Assembly Instructions】The package includes detailed visual guides and circuit diagrams to assist with the building process. Helpful reference materials are provided to support the assembly experience.
- Board and firmware: Verify the project supports the exact board revision and follow its required board profile, settings, and library versions.
- Display and wiring: Check the display interface and pin mapping. A physically similar screen may use a different driver or connection.
- Input: Confirm which GPIO the button or touch controller uses and whether the project expects a particular configuration.
- Connectivity and sensors: Match the project’s documented Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, motion sensor, or other hardware requirements to the functions you want.
- Battery and charging: Check the board’s supported battery connector and charging arrangement, as well as the battery and charger instructions. LiPo connectors and charging setups are not universal.
The ESP32-S3 firmware documentation provides Arduino IDE 2 setup, Espressif ESP32 board support, required libraries, board settings, and upload steps. The ESP32-C6 project documents its Arduino configuration and wiring. Follow the relevant project rather than mixing instructions from different boards.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Bring up the watch on USB first
- Install the project’s development environment. For the ESP32-S3 target, use the documented Arduino IDE 2, Espressif board support, libraries, and board settings. For the ESP32-C6 build, follow its Arduino setup and library instructions.
- Connect the board and display as documented. Check the project’s wiring and pin mapping before applying power.
- Upload the project firmware or example over USB. Use the upload procedure for that board; do not substitute settings from a different target.
- Confirm the screen and input work. Check that the display initializes and that a button press or touch action produces the expected response.
- Use serial diagnostics if the project documents them. The Soldered project describes checking output in the serial monitor after upload; use its guidance to identify setup or connection problems.
Keep the watch open and USB-powered until the basic functions work. This makes wiring, firmware, and display issues easier to isolate before battery integration or enclosure assembly.
Rank #3
- DIY electronic watch kit: The watch uses plug-in components to reduce soldering difficulty and is suitable for beginners.
- Silicon watch band:The blue silicone strap is wear-resistant, providing a comfortable experience for both sports and leisure.The length of the watch strap is 90+120mm, plus 50mm for the watch, the overall length of the watch is 260mm.
- Watch functions: the watch with transparent shell, red LED 4 digital tube,and 2 set buttons S1,S2.Press any button to display the time, which will automatically turn off after 10 seconds. Keep holding down S1 and adjust the minutes. Keep holding down S2 and adjust the hours. By short circuiting the solder joints on the back, a 24-hour display can be set.
- Watch size: 50x45x16mm. digital tube display size: 0.28 inch.
- Tutorials: Package includes paper instructions and web page with step-by-step soldering pictures and videos. Low soldering difficulty by using direct plug components.widely used in schools to help students learn basic mechanical and electronic skills.Through the analysis of the circuit, understand the working principle of the circuit, learn to train electronic skills, welding training.
Add functions one at a time
Once the clock and input work, add only the functions your platform documents and that you can verify on your build. The ESP32-C6 project provides clock, weather, and timer screens. The ESP32-S3 firmware lists a broader set of capabilities, including touch interaction, notifications through Gadgetbridge, activity and sleep features, and alarms; availability can depend on project version, configuration, and companion software.
OpenTimeWatch illustrates why feature lists need context: although it lists activity-related features, its documentation explicitly says the activity view is a nonfunctional dummy. Treat a feature as available only when the project describes it as implemented and you have confirmed it in your own configuration.
Rank #4
- 【Compatible Model】: The replacement display screen of this Samsung Galaxy Watch4 has a brand new original quality. It is designed specifically for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 40mm SM-R860 SM-R865, but is not compatible with the 44mm version. Please confirm your smartwatch model before purchasing.
- 【Quality Guarantee】:100% Original screen, All screens undergo strict double quality checks before shipment to ensure that all functions of the screens are normal.
- 【Perfect Packaging】:Origina Galaxy Watch4 display screen+repair tools. Equipped with a complete set of repair tools, it is the best choice for DIY users and technicians to replace faulty screens.
- 【Installation Guide】Before replacing the screen, be sure to disconnect the watch battery. You can find videos on YouTube about the installation of this model of screen and install it carefully, but I strongly recommend that you go to a professional watch repair shop to install the screen.
- 【After Sale Service】:Please check if the screen is damaged or broken after receiving the package,If you receive a product that is not working, please don't worry, we will provide you a new replacement or provide you a satisfied solution,please contact me in a timely manner.
Integrate a battery and enclosure carefully
Battery and charging
Add a battery only after the USB-powered build works. The ESP32-C6 project identifies a small LiPo battery and charger as optional wearable components. In the Raspberry Pi adaptation, the makers encountered an unusual battery connector and resorted to direct soldering; that is a project-specific account, not a general wiring recommendation. Choose a battery and charging setup compatible with your board, and follow their instructions rather than assuming connectors or charging circuits match.
Case and strap
Design the enclosure around the assembled components, not an idealized watch outline. Leave room for the actual battery shape, display visibility, buttons, charging access, and antenna operation. A printed case or strap is optional in the ESP32-C6 project; both MutantW and the Raspberry Pi adaptation document printed case parts. Prototype the fit before final assembly.
Test the intended use before wearing it
Check the functions that matter for your particular build, including time display or sync, controls, screen readability, connectivity, charging, and enclosure fit. Record the board, firmware version, wiring, and settings that work so you can reproduce or troubleshoot the build.
The cited project descriptions do not establish a guaranteed battery runtime, water resistance, medical-grade sensing, or universal phone compatibility. Do not assume those properties from a component list or from another person’s build; they depend on the exact hardware, software, and assembly.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
