In a world where consumer smartwatches are tightly controlled, collect extensive personal data, and often lock users into proprietary ecosystems, open source alternatives are more than just a novelty. They’re a necessity.

One such project that caught my attention is S3Watch, an open source ESP32-S3 smartwatch project originally designed by Joaquimorg. I forked this project and began enhancing its media player, settings, and overall functionality to make it more user friendly, privacy respecting, and performant.

Why Open Source Matters in Wearables

Smartwatches track everything: heart rate, steps, location, and sometimes even audio or media usage. Closed source devices leave users in the dark about what data is collected and where it goes. Open source projects like S3Watch empower users to:

  • Control their device: Full transparency into software and storage
  • Customize features: Create unique watchfaces, apps, and media experiences
  • Enhance security and privacy: No hidden telemetry; everything runs locally
  • Extend lifespan: Community driven updates long after commercial support ends

Open source watches aren’t just gadgets. They’re statements about reclaiming digital autonomy.

Hardware Overview: ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-2.06

The S3Watch project runs on the Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-2.06, a powerful wearable development board. Key hardware features include:

  • ESP32-S3R8 processor: Dual core LX7 up to 240 MHz, Wi-Fi + BLE
  • Display: 2.06 inch AMOLED, 410×502 resolution
  • Sensors: QMI8658 6 axis IMU for motion, steps, gestures
  • RTC & PMU: PCF85063 + AXP2101
  • Audio: Onboard codec + microSD support
  • Connectivity: I2C, UART, USB pads
  • Battery & charging: 3.7V Li-ion with efficient PMU

This hardware paired with open source firmware forms a versatile and transparent platform for wearable prototyping.

Getting Started: Building and Flashing

The S3Watch project integrates smoothly with ESP-IDF and Visual Studio Code:

  1. Install VS Code and the ESP-IDF extension
  2. Configure ESP-IDF 5.x
  3. Open the S3Watch project
  4. Select esp32s3 as the target
  5. Build and flash
  6. Use the monitor for real time logs

Dependencies such as the Waveshare board support package and LVGL are handled automatically.

Recent Enhancements: My Fork and Commits

December 7, 2025

  • NVS for Time & Wallpaper Settings: Preferences now persist across reboots
  • Improved Media Player Image Support: Faster and more stable handling of RGB565, JPEG, and PNG

November 30, 2025

  • Refactored Media Player & Settings: Cleaner structure, easier future improvements
  • Display Updates: Better stability and rendering performance
  • Improved Time & Date UI: More intuitive interaction and proper NVS storage

November 29, 2025

  • Updated Project Configuration: Better support for modern toolchains and improved build performance

Why This Project Matters Today

Open source ESP32-S3 smartwatches like S3Watch combine hardware freedom with privacy first design. Unlike commercial devices, they give users direct control over:

  • Data collection
  • Features and customizations
  • System behavior and UI

With ongoing improvements and community contributions, the watch becomes a secure, customizable open source companion.

Conclusion

In an era of surveillance and closed ecosystems, open source wearables prove that freedom and privacy can fit on your wrist. Powered by the ESP32-S3, a high quality AMOLED display, and transparent firmware, S3Watch stands for control, creativity, and true device ownership.

Every update brings it closer to a smartwatch built entirely for the user, not a corporation.