Embedded electronics and app for watches

Embedded software Hardware Innovation

The Zurich-based start-up Aramedes has set itself the goal of building watches that combine traditional watchmaking craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology in order to offer functionality that would not be possible using purely mechanical means. In addition to the mechanical movement, an electronic component is also to be built into the watch.

  • Situation

    The demands on the electronics in watches are very high: they have to be extremely small, light, energy-saving and reliable, as well as deeply integrated with the mechanics and optimally networked with the smartphone.

  • SCS solution

    SCS has developed all the electronics for the watches in the Aramedes Mecca Collection, from the hardware to the firmware, as well as a matching smartphone app. The watches offer up to three additional functions that support Muslims in practising their religion.

  • Added value

    Thanks to our broad expertise, we were able to support Aramedes in all aspects of the design, offer a customised system and a suitable smartphone app "from a single source", and implement the project efficiently.

Project description

The watches in the Aramedes Mecca Collection offer up to three additional functions that support Muslims in practising their faith. Sub-dials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock show the direction of Mecca, the daily prayer times and, for the fasting month of Ramadan, sunrise and sunset. Aramedes successfully launched the brand and its products at Dubai Watch Week 2021 and presented them to the global public.

In this project, SCS was responsible for the electronics and firmware in the watch, as well as for the development of a smartphone app. Thanks to its many years of experience and broad expertise, SCS was able to offer a fully comprehensive solution. Thanks to the close collaboration with Aramedes, this project was realised efficiently and successfully.

SCS was involved in the mechanical-electrical co-design. Thanks to the low-power design, the watch has a battery life of several years with a single button cell. Thanks to the rigid-flex PCB, it was possible to minimise the overall height and weight while at the same time achieving a very good feel, which was a challenge given the limited space available.

Embedded software for the integrated Arm Cortex-M4 processor was developed for the electronic functions. In addition to controlling the hands, this also handles the signal processing for compass calibration and compensation. SCS has also developed an app that connects to the watch via Bluetooth (BLE 4.0) and provides it with all the necessary information such as location and time so that all the watch’s functions can be conveniently configured and used.

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