Ewan Wills Released EWatch ESP32-S3 Smartwatch
The DIY hardware project offers a modular development platform for hobbyists to build custom wearable firmware.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Ewan Wills has released the EWatch, a programmable smartwatch built around the ESP32-S3 processor. The device provides an open hardware platform for developers using C, C++, Python, or Rust.
Why it matters
The project enables hobbyists to create custom wearable applications on a standardized development board, filling a niche for open-source hardware enthusiasts. It serves as a testing ground for integrated firmware development environments.
The device features a 1.69-inch color touchscreen powered by a 350mAh battery on a 34 by 28mm PCB. The hardware includes a latching circuit for software-controlled shutdown and supports programming via Arduino IDE, PlatformIO, or ESP-IDF.
The players
Ewan Wills
The creator of the EWatch project who led the five-year development of the wearable hardware platform.
The details
The EWatch is built on a two-layer ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) finished printed circuit board, a high-quality surface finish used to prevent oxidation and ensure reliable soldering. Power management is handled by a specialized latching circuit, which enables the watch to perform complete software-controlled shutdowns to conserve energy. Beta testing for the platform identified necessary refinements for display connectors and enclosure tolerances, addressing physical assembly constraints.
Timeline
The EWatch project underwent five years of development prior to September 2026.
The Tech Race
The EWatch extends the ecosystem of the ESP32 microcontroller series by packaging the popular chip into a dedicated consumer-facing wearable form factor. It competes for attention among low-power development platforms by offering a refined, production-ready enclosure for hobbyist code.
The platform is currently available for purchase in bare PCB, kit, or fully assembled configurations for developers using Arduino IDE or similar environments. Users should note that the device is designed as a development platform rather than a pre-configured commercial consumer wearable.
The takeaway
The EWatch demonstrates how long-term hobbyist development can culminate in a modular hardware kit for niche users. Developers should monitor for the release of the EWatch Cloud service to see how AI-assisted firmware development evolves for the ESP32-S3 ecosystem.
What happens next
Future updates include the release of EWatch Cloud, a browser-based development environment that will feature an AI assistant trained specifically on EWatch code libraries.
Further reading
For more on the current state of custom hardware, explore our Consumer Electronics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LinuxGizmos.
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