DIY ChronoWatch X2040 Turns a Raspberry Pi Microcontroller Into a Custom Touchscreen Timepiece
Smartwatches are easier to buy than ever, with many affordable models offering fitness tracking, notifications, long battery life, and polished software. But for makers, tinkerers, and Raspberry Pi fans, building a wearable from scratch can be far more satisfying than simply purchasing one. That is exactly where the ChronoWatch X2040 stands out.
Created by maker Vishal Soni, the ChronoWatch X2040 is a DIY wearable powered by the RP2040 microcontroller. While it is not a full smartwatch in the traditional sense, it is an impressive open-style project for anyone interested in electronics, 3D printing, microcontrollers, and custom wearable gadgets.
The project is designed to be replicable, with build instructions, software, and 3D-printing files made available for hobbyists who want to assemble their own version. The construction process is described as relatively simple, though some soldering is required, so it is best suited for users with at least basic electronics experience.
At the center of the ChronoWatch X2040 is the RP2040, a small but capable microcontroller often associated with compact DIY electronics projects. Instead of relying on a separate board and display setup, this build uses a round 240 x 240 LCD touchscreen module that already integrates the processing hardware. This helps keep the design compact and cleaner, which is especially important for a wrist-worn device.
Power comes from a small 950 mAh battery measuring approximately 10 x 25 x 35 mm. For a simple timepiece with lightweight features, that should be enough to make the device practical for experimentation and casual use.
The outer shell is 3D-printed using ABS filament. ABS is known for being more durable and heat-resistant than some common beginner-friendly filaments, but it can also be more difficult to print properly. The project reportedly uses a 0.1 mm nozzle, which is not typical for everyday 3D prints and may require more patience, tuning, and precision from the maker.
On the software side, the ChronoWatch X2040 currently focuses on basic functions. The custom firmware supports essential timekeeping features such as displaying the date and running a stopwatch. However, because the RP2040 does not include built-in Bluetooth, the device cannot sync with a smartphone or show mobile notifications like a conventional smartwatch.
That limitation does not mean the project has no room to grow. A pedometer, for example, could be added with the right sensor and software support. Other possible upgrades could include custom watch faces, alarms, timers, simple fitness tools, or additional interface improvements.
The real appeal of the ChronoWatch X2040 is not that it replaces an Apple Watch or a modern fitness tracker. Instead, it offers something different: a hands-on learning experience and a customizable wearable platform. For anyone interested in Raspberry Pi projects, DIY smartwatches, 3D-printed gadgets, or microcontroller-based electronics, this build provides a fun and approachable starting point.
It may not be the most feature-packed wearable on the market, but the ChronoWatch X2040 proves that building your own touchscreen watch is entirely possible with the right parts, patience, and curiosity.
