Malaysia Watch Forum

Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: danny on April 24, 2012, 06:51:40 AM

Title: Open Source Watch Movement - Android for timepieces anyone?
Post by: danny on April 24, 2012, 06:51:40 AM
I came across this ambitious initiative (http://openmovement.org/) (hat tip to EHF Live!) to raise funds for an open source watch movement design. (Note that the website is available only in German and French, so you'll need Google Translate to decipher the content)

I believe this is in response to ETA's plans to curb supply of watch movements to the watchmaking industry and, if successful, it will presumably provide an affordable watch movement which can be adopted by watchmaking companies. Great way for the smaller independent brands to break away from ETA's shackles.

Smartphone fans will note that this is actually the same model adopted by Google to promote Android and it has succeeded beyond their wildest imagination. So if this initiative does take off with the right funding (wonder if Google is keen to participate in this?) then ETA had better watch out.

 :Cheers:
Title: Re: Open Source Watch Movement - Android for timepieces anyone?
Post by: chrisyen on April 24, 2012, 08:55:24 AM
yeap... it will be good to have this...

then we will have a standard base movement
and standard module for
- chrono
- big date
- moon phase
- rattrapante
- perpetual calendar
- etc

but will this work?
Title: Re: Open Source Watch Movement - Android for timepieces anyone?
Post by: terrenceterrence on April 24, 2012, 09:06:56 AM
Habring is doing quite a good job in this aspect of modular customisation albeit in a bespoke manner.

Would love to see how this would impact the world of horology if it ever takes off
Title: Re: Open Source Watch Movement - Android for timepieces anyone?
Post by: rusminag on April 24, 2012, 09:10:21 AM
Some may not dig it as they prefer exclusivity...
Title: Re: Open Source Watch Movement - Android for timepieces anyone?
Post by: bwee on April 24, 2012, 10:23:27 AM
why is Seiko not in the picture? i mean Seiko has its own movement and it is used by various mainstream and independent watch makers.. right?
ETA's loss is Seiko's gain (in my opinion).
Title: Re: Open Source Watch Movement - Android for timepieces anyone?
Post by: takashi78 on April 24, 2012, 01:46:23 PM
That is IF Seiko wanna sell their base movements.

As for the topic, if it ever happens will take at least 3-5yrs.

Even a prototype i think we are looking at 2yrs at least.
Title: Re: Open Source Watch Movement - Android for timepieces anyone?
Post by: Gigi on April 24, 2012, 06:08:43 PM
That is IF Seiko wanna sell their base movements.

As for the topic, if it ever happens will take at least 3-5yrs.

Even a prototype i think we are looking at 2yrs at least.

You need to get the machinery to machine all the main-plates and stuff. Not cheap as far i know and you gotta cover back the cost of the machine too