Create a Digital Pocket Watch with ESP32-C3

In this era of smartwatches, people may have forgotten what traditional watches look like. The author decided to create a watch that has both digital functionality and a retro appearance, named DigiPclock.

DigiPclock is a digital pocket watch. A pocket watch is a watch that can be carried in a pocket, while a wristwatch is worn on the wrist. Therefore, the author added a digital screen to this pocket watch, making its surface look like an old-fashioned analog clock.

Materials List

• Beetle ESP32-C3 (RISC-V chip)
• GC9A01 Round Display
• Slide Switch
• Capacitive Tactile Switch
• Battery 600mAh
• Jumper Wires
• 3D Printing Equipment
• M2x3mm Brass Inserts
• M2x8mm Bolts
• PCB Prototype Board
• BC857 Transistor
• 10 Ohm Resistor

Step 1: Video Tutorial

Step 2: Create 3D Model

Create a 3D model using Tinkercad

The STL file can be viewed at this link on Tinkercad: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/91OvOYNHjWQ

Print settings are as follows:

• Material: ABS – Black
• Nozzle: 0.2mm
• Fill Rate: 40%

Step 3: Install Libraries

Ensure that Arduino IDE is installed on your computer and that you understand the basics of Arduino.

Before uploading the code, the Arduino IDE must have the necessary libraries. TFT_espi is the best display library that can run almost all types of displays, including e-paper displays.

Step 4: Upload Code

• Download the code from the GitHub repository
• Unzip the folder and open the digiPclock.ion file in Arduino IDE
• Ensure that all ESP boards are installed in Arduino IDE
• Connect the DFRobot Beetle ESP32 – C3
• Open Tools >> Board ESP32 >> ESP32C3 Dev Module
• Select the port connected to the circuit board
• Now click the upload button

Compiling the code may take some time; it depends on the system configuration. After uploading the code, you can connect the circuit to test the code. More can be found at: https://github.com/vishalsoniindia/digiPclock

Step 5: Circuit Connection

After uploading the code to the ESP32C3, the ESP can be connected to the circuit as shown.

Step 6: Testing and Usage

Three mode tests:

• Time Setting Mode
• Time Display Mode
• Sleep Mode

Time Setting Mode: Press the mode button and slide the power switch, and the display will show the time setting instructions. After entering the time setting mode, turn on Wi-Fi on your phone and search for digiPclock Wi-Fi to connect, then a webpage will open where you can click the set button, choose the hour and minute for your time, and then click save. After saving the settings, the hotspot of digiPclock will turn off, and the watch will display the time.

Time Display Mode: In time display mode, the watch will show an analog clock on the display; press the button on the right side to enter this mode. It will wake the ESP32 from sleep mode and display the time. Release the button to enter sleep mode.

Sleep Mode: If everything is normal, the display will show that it has entered sleep mode, and the screen will go black. This feature is added to save battery life because the current consumption of the ESP is lower in sleep mode, which can extend the device’s running time.

Charging

There is a Type-C port at the bottom of the device, which can be charged using a Type-C mobile charger. It takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge, and it can be used for up to 4 days.

Current Consumption

The author connected a multimeter between the battery and ESP32C3. The current in time display mode is 110mA, and in sleep mode, it is 5.9mA. (By making some custom modifications to the circuit and components, current consumption can be reduced)

Step 7: Enclosure

Sand the edges, use a soldering iron to insert the brass inserts into the display screen battery and ESP32, and place the switch on the side, then close it up.

Step 8: All Done

Go show off your digital pocket watch!