Introducing a DIY smartwatch project unlike anything you’ve come across before. The DRM Watch 3 from Drfailov is unique in that it comes with a 2.7-inch Sharp Memory Display. This is a lot from a smartwatch perspective and will take up a lot of wrist space. As you can see in the image above, the large size of the watch doesn’t make it clunky or bulky like most DIY smartwatch projects.
For those not familiar with Sharp’s memory-in-pixel displays, these are essentially LCD panels, but with some of the best features of E Ink displays. This includes frugal battery requirements, along with daylight readability. The latter bit may not be as good as an e-paper display, but it’s good enough to be used effectively even in bright sunlight. Drfailov claims the 450mAh battery is enough to last two weeks on a single charge.
Meanwhile, as Hackster.io noted, Drfailov had to opt for an ingenious solution to compensate for the lack of backlight: an electroluminescent panel cut to size for the 2.7-inch Sharp Memory Display. There was also. Beneath the display and backlight layer is a PCB packed with all the electronic bits needed for smartwatch functionality. Chief among them is the ESP32-S2 microcontroller. It also has the ability to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi and can connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth functionality.
Overall, the DRM Watch 3 is large but slim, which is what makes the watch look classy despite its size. You can further enhance the look by 3D printing a suitable enclosure. Perhaps you might choose a CNC-machined metal casing, which can give your watch a more premium look.
As I have a keen interest in technology, I always try to keep up to date with the latest developments in technology and gadgets. This includes smartphones and tablet devices, but also extends to AI and self-driving cars. The latter is my latest craze. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, and trying out different recipes. Film is also a very interesting aspect for me and I will probably make a film sometime in the future.
