ⓘ Elecrow
The compact HMI display can serve as the core platform for a custom smartwatch
A new, compact HMI display from Elecrow offers a solid feature set for makers looking to build a custom smartwatch. While a microphone and speaker are integrated out of the box, developers will have to compromise on certain health and navigation sensors.
Elecrow has expanded its lineup with the CrowPanel 2.01-inch HMI ESP32 Watch Display. Far from being just a simple screen, the module integrates a full development board powered by the popular ESP32-S3 microcontroller. While performance is limited and the chip cannot handle complex 3D graphics, such capabilities are rarely necessary for a DIY wearable. At the same time, built-in support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth makes it well-suited for connected smartwatch projects. The display measures 2.01 inches diagonally and features a touch-enabled IPS panel with a resolution of 240 x 296 pixels, interfacing via SPI. For audio capabilities, Elecrow has equipped the CrowPanel with a built-in microphone and speaker.
However, anyone looking to replicate a modern flagship wearable will notice a few omissions. While a gyroscope is included for motion sensing, the board lacks several sensors typically expected in today’s smartwatches; there is no onboard GNSS module for independent location tracking, and optical sensors for heart rate monitoring are not included. A vibration motor is present. A battery is not included in the package, but the board features the necessary contacts to connect one. An encoder is also part of the kit, and additional sensors or actuators can be connected via the expansion interfaces.
As is typical for this product category, the CrowPanel 2.01-inch HMI ESP32 Watch Display—which retails directly from the manufacturer for $19—is not a plug-and-play device. It requires some programming effort to become functional. That said, its utility extends beyond wearables; the module can also be used as a compact control panel for smart home systems. Those looking for similar hardware alternatives can find comparable displays from brands like Waveshare on Amazon.
ⓘ Elecrow
An integrated microphone and speaker provide out-of-the-box audio capabilities
ⓘ Elecrow
The ESP32-based module is highly versatile, doubling as a smart home control panel
I have been active as a journalist for over 10 years, most of it in the field of technology. I worked for Tom’s Hardware and ComputerBase, among others, and have been working for Notebookcheck since 2017. My current focus is particularly on mini PCs and single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi – so in other words, compact systems with a lot of potential. In addition, I have a soft spot for all kinds of wearables, especially smartwatches. My main profession is as a laboratory engineer, which is why neither scientific contexts nor the interpretation of complex measurements are foreign to me.