Man Builds Apple Watch from Scratch in One Week in China
▼ Summary
– A YouTube creator named Strange Parts attempted his most challenging project: building a functional Apple Watch from scratch while in Shenzhen, China.
– He collaborated with a team called Nest Works to reverse-engineer the hardware, using parts like an aluminum frame, battery, screen, and a logic board.
– The physical assembly of the casing and components was completed efficiently in Shenzhen, but the team ran out of time to make it fully operational before his departure.
– Back in the US, he finished configuring the device using an iFixit guide, and the final product successfully replicated the look and functions of a genuine Apple Watch.
– The creator stated the project’s purpose was as a stepping stone to enable future builds with custom modifications or new materials.
A YouTube creator known for ambitious tech projects recently completed one of his most challenging builds yet: a fully functional Apple Watch assembled from scratch in just one week. The endeavor took place in Shenzhen, China, a global hub for electronics and component sourcing. While many have attempted to create replica Apple products using parts found online, the results often fall short due to obvious hardware flaws or poorly executed software. This project aimed to push those boundaries, striving for a final product that could genuinely rival the authentic item in both look and performance.
The creator, who runs the channel Strange Parts, collaborated with a local engineering team called Nest Works. Their mission was to reverse-engineer the popular smartwatch. The process began with crafting the physical components. Using 3D printers and precision machinery, the team produced an aluminum casing and a custom strap that fit together perfectly. They sourced a screen, a battery, and the crucial goal: a functional logic board to serve as the device’s brain.
Time, however, became a pressing constraint. As his departure flight neared, the core assembly wasn’t complete. The unfinished device had to be shipped back to the United States for the final stages of work. There, the creator relied on detailed repair guides from iFixit to properly configure the logic board and integrate all the hardware components. This meticulous phase was critical to transforming the collection of parts into a working smartwatch.
The effort paid off spectacularly. The finished DIY Apple Watch booted up successfully, displaying the familiar watchOS interface. Key applications, including the heart rate monitor, operated seamlessly, making the device nearly indistinguishable from a store-bought model. For the creator, this project was about more than just replicating a product; it was a foundational experiment. He explained that building this watch is a stepping stone toward future, more innovative versions that could feature unique modifications or be constructed from novel materials. With Apple continually advancing its product line, projects like this one provide a fascinating look at the possibilities of custom hardware and the intense engineering behind everyday devices.
(Source: Supercar Blondie)
