Summary of F*watch – a fully open electronic watch
F*watch is a fully open electronic watch project started at CERN as a gift, featuring an integrated GPS receiver. Its complete design—electronics, mechanics, and software—is released under free licenses and created with free tools. Key features include multiple sensors, a 128x128 LCD, USB connectivity, MicroSD, and rechargeable battery power, with 3D-printed mechanics and FreeRTOS-based firmware. The project supports community involvement via a mailing list.
Parts used in the F*watch:
- GPS receiver
- Pressure sensor
- 3D-accelerometer
- Compass
- Ambient light sensor
- 128x128 pixels LCD with backlight
- Micro-USB connector
- 4 Buttons
- Buzzer
- Vibrating motor
- MicroSD memory slot
- 500 mAh Lithium-ion battery
- Fuel gauge
- 4-layer PCB
- 3D-printed watch case and buttons
Project description
F*watch is a fully open electronic watch project featuring an integrated GPS receiver.
The development started at CERN as an after-work project to make a special present for a retiring colleague who likes hiking and timing.
The full design (electronics, mechanics and software) is available under free licenses and the design is exclusively made with free tools.
To be informed of the latest developments, and participate in the discussions, please subscribe to the mailing list.
Specifications
Electronics
- Sensors
- GPS
- Pressure sensor
- 3D-accelerometer
- Compass
- Ambient light sensor
- I/O
- 128×128 pixels LCD with backlight
- Micro-USB connector, 4 Buttons
- Buzzer, vibrating motor
- MicroSD memory slot
- Various
- 500 mAh Lithium-ion battery, fuel gauge
- 4-layer PCB
- Developed with open KiCad design tool for schematics and PCB
- Block diagram
Mechanics
- 3D-printed watch case and buttons
- Developed with open FreeCAD design tool
Software
- FreeRTOS operating system
- Bootloader, drivers, applications
- Interface to USB host (e.g. download track data, upload firmware)
- Developed with open gcc compiler
For more detail: F*watch – a fully open electronic watch
- What is F*watch?
F*watch is a fully open electronic watch project featuring an integrated GPS receiver, with designs released under free licenses. - What sensors does F*watch include?
It includes a GPS, pressure sensor, 3D-accelerometer, compass, and ambient light sensor. - What input and output components does the watch have?
It has a 128x128 LCD with backlight, micro-USB connector, 4 buttons, buzzer, vibrating motor, and a MicroSD slot. - What power components are used in F*watch?
It uses a 500 mAh Lithium-ion battery and a fuel gauge. - How is the watch mechanically constructed?
The watch case and buttons are 3D-printed and developed with the FreeCAD design tool. - What software does F*watch run?
It runs FreeRTOS and includes a bootloader, drivers, applications, and a USB host interface for data transfer and firmware upload, developed with the gcc compiler. - What design tools were used for the electronics?
The electronics were developed with the open KiCad design tool for schematics and PCB. - Is the full design available to the public?
Yes, the full design for electronics, mechanics, and software is available under free licenses. - How can I follow project developments?
You can subscribe to the project's mailing list to be informed of the latest developments and participate in discussions.
