DELO project was conceived a while back with the idea of making a programmable watch using a high-resolution OLED screen. Elise and I (together with Ben Fry!) learned all about OLEDs in a class on flat panel display technology we took at MIT, so it was really exciting to see these displays become available as products. Once we were able to get our hands on some samples (Varitronix 9662A, now obsolete), the project got its start.. display driver and microprocessor circuits were designed, built out and tested; software framework put in place; initial watch faces designed and programmed..

At this stage, DELO electronics are in their 4th revision and finally near completion. The hardware is designed around 32-bit LPC2148 ARM microprocessor by NXP (formerly Philips) and a monochrome 96×64 OLED display (with area color) incorporating Solomon Systech SSD1303 driver. On-board electronics include a DC converter and charging circuit for one lithium-polymer battery. USB connection is used for charging the battery and transferring data to the watch. Next up.. pictures and video of new watch faces!

Our first DELO prototype features an ebony wood casing, custom designed and milled on our trusty Modela MDX-15. We settled on ebony for its rich dark texture and sturdiness.. in fact, the wood milled really well and gave a nice smooth finish. It remains to be seen whether the material is fit for everyday wear, but we’re quite happy with the initial outcome. Note to self: orient the watch case along wood grain for even better results :)

Some of our initial experiments with animated watch faces, shown here running on the latest DELO electronics board. Embedded software will allow the watch to display bitmap animations that can be created with a web-based editor. In addition, we’ll be releasing an open-source graphics programming library written in C, which can be used to make unconstrained watch face programs including 3d designs. Created either way, animated watch faces would be available to download on our site ready to upload to your watch via USB ;)

Long in the works, finally on the cusp of debut: DELO, an OLED watch with a mini 3d engine and completely customizable animated watch face. The version shown has an ebony wood case and gold plated brass buttons and strap.

We’ll be launching a DELO site that allows anyone to design and upload a watch “font,” and we’ll also be showcasing designs from people you might have heard of. The watch is the first in a family of timekeepers that include an alarm clock and software widgets.