“I decided to create a watch that is both digital and has a vintage look. So I created digiPclock.
In this smart watch era, where people are forgetting about old watches, I decided to create a watch that is both digital and has a vintage look. So I created digiPclock.
What is digiPclock
digiPclock is a digital pocket clock. A pocket watch is a watch that is made to be carried in a pocket, as opposed to a wristwatch, which is strapped to the wrist. So I added a digital screen to this pocket watch, so the face looks like an old analogue clock.
How digiPclock Works
digiPclock has an ESP32, which is the heart of this project. ESP32 has inbuilt RTC so no need to connect external RTC for Correct time information. It shows an analogue clock on the GC9A01 LCD display. The time can be set by the portal. The whole system runs on batteries, so battery saving is also important. I added sleep functionality to reduce battery consumption. There is a type-C port that is used to charge the device. Good thing about it is, it does not require internet.
DFRobot
This project is sponsored by DFRobot, and they have sent me the DFRobot Beetle ESP32-C3 and other stuff to help me in this project. Check out the link for more products.
Traditional Pocket Clock
They were the most common type of watch from their development in the 16th century until wrist watches became popular after World War I, during which a transitional design, trench watches, were used by the military. Pocket watches generally have an attached chain to allow them to be secured to a waistcoat, lapel, or belt loop and to prevent them from being dropped. Watches were also mounted on a short leather strap or fob when a long chain would have been cumbersome or likely to catch on things. This fob could also provide a protective flap over their face and crystal. Women’s watches were normally of this form, with a watch fob that was more decorative than protective. Chains were frequently decorated with a silver or enamel pendant, often carrying the arms of some club or society, which by association also became known as a fob.
Supplies:
- DFRobot Beetle ESP32 – C3
- GC9A01 Round Display
- Slide Switch
- Square head tactile switch with cap
- Battery 600mAh
- Some Wires
- 3D print
- M2x3 mm Brass inserts
- M2x8 mm Bolts
- Zero PCB
- BC857 Transistor
- 10 Ohm resistor”