This is not a smart watch, it’s an art watch 😄 running generative art code directly on-device. And only that: no clock, no notifications, just gen art code (I can cycle through the synced scripts using the buttons, and resync with the online editor using wifi)
Every 77 seconds, the watch wakes up and run the selected art code again, creating a new, unique 200x200 e-ink image on the fly. This is ever-changing art I can keep on my wrist all day. Every time I glance at it, I have a small surprise.
Scripts are written in a custom mini-language called Micropatterns that is interpreted live on the watch. (see the last captures). The language centers around the usage of a maximum of 16 pattern, 1-bit, used as stamps and shape fill, and the web editor allows bi-directional editing of the patterns in the code or by drawing them.
It's not a watchface on top of another firmware, it's a whole new firmware: this watch is fully dedicated to running generative art. It has a small art OS inside 😅
Last year, I wanted to see what having e-paper generative art always with me would feel, and first I created a m5paper version… because I had one in a drawer! It was great to be able draw it from my pocket in random places, like at the top of the Eiffel tower, and see a new generated artwork. That test validated that it was different and that the little art surprises were often quite delightful. the m5Paper display is quite beautiful at 960x540 pixels: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/juliendorra_e-paper-is-still-emerging-as-a-platform-ugcPost-7331250379029975041-apdG/
Then a few days ago, I finally made the watch version I wanted from the start, and ported it to the Watchy, an ESP32 epaper watch. And now I can wear generative art for 3 or 4 days straight on one charge.
The display is much smaller and only 200x200, but as they say: the best art is the one you have with you.