Build Your Own Steampunk Smartwatch for Under $10
A DIY guide to creating a functional, open-source brass smartwatch from scratch.
1Challenging Sealed Appliance Culture
Huy Vector of HVT Lab created a functional, steampunk-inspired smartwatch for under $10, rejecting the industry trend of glued-shut, disposable electronics. This device features a brass tubing frame, an ESP32-C3 microcontroller, and a 1.3-inch OLED display. It successfully pulls iPhone notifications via Bluetooth while remaining fully repairable and transparent to the user.
2Brass as Structural Engineering
The watch uses brass tubing not just for aesthetics, but as a functional electrical ground for the internal components. By soldering the battery negative terminal and the ESP32-C3 ground pin directly to the frame, the entire cage acts as a circuit path. A slide switch provides manual power control for the device.
3Hardware and Firmware Evolution
The project ports Zak Kemble’s 2013 N|Watch firmware to modern hardware. The ESP32-C3 chip offers 4MB of flash storage, which is 125 times more space than the original ATmega328P chip. This upgrade enables features like Bluetooth connectivity for iPhone notifications, all while maintaining compatibility with various watch faces like MATRIX and CUBE.
4Open Source Repairability
By providing free wiring diagrams and firmware, the project invites users to bypass corporate ecosystems that often brick devices via software updates. The build process requires no coding, as firmware flashes directly from browsers like Chrome or Edge. This accessibility ensures that owners maintain full control over their hardware and software.
5Future of DIY Gadgetry
Huy Vector’s approach, including his AI-powered assistants and CNC-machined music players, demonstrates a shift toward personal manufacturing. By owning the schematics and solder joints, users gain independence from proprietary app shutdowns. This movement encourages individuals to view gadgets as recipes they can modify, repair, and improve upon indefinitely.
Original article: Yanko Design — Build Your Own Steampunk Smartwatch for Under $10