Three Weeks of the Inkwell Watch

Three weeks ago I shared a build log on Reddit showing the curved eink watch I had been building in my shed here in lutruwita Tasmania. I expected a few curious comments. Instead the response was enormous and it completely changed the direction of the project.

Here is the original post if you want to see where it started: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1saalnq/diy_watch_i_made_an_opensource_eink_smartwatch/

Since then it has been a whrilwind.

• The project has found a name. It is now the Inkwell Watch. I have even ported the logo to the prototype watch

• The build log won second place in an Instructables contest!

• I have spoken with factories, watch founders and engineers to understand what it takes to turn a one off prototype into something that can be produced at a small scale.

• Iv'e started design and prototyping on the first available version. The Inkwell Watch Bold

In the middle of all this I had surgery on a broken elbow. The Inkwell ended up helping me recover. I used the built in gyroscope to track my wrist rotation during physio. I can now reach about eighty degrees of pronation which feels like a small victory.

Designing the next version

A lot of work is happening behind the scenes.

• I have started a complete redesign of the printed circuit board so the electronics can shrink into a much slimmer body.

• I am designing a titanium housing.

• I have also begun designing a silicone wristband with a magnetised clasp.

  The goal is to keep the original spirit of the watch. Calm technology. Long battery life. Readability in all light conditions. A device that supports your day rather than interrupts it.

The next version has a name. It will be called the Inkwell Watch Bold. The plan is to create only 30 bespoke units for early adopters who want to help shape the future of the project.

The website is live

The official site is now up at https://inkwell.watch

I even have a discord! https://discord.gg/pCnfqxMW

If you are interested in the project or want to express that you might buy one of the first thirty units, please join the mailing list.

Knowing how many people are out there and where you are located will help me plan materials and production.

Thank you for being here at the beginning.

Selby