YouTuber Jack Spiggle Builds World’s First Mechanical Apple Watch from E-Waste

Jack Spiggle is a YouTuber and engineer who goes by the name NanoRobotGeek on YouTube and has converted an Apple Watch into a mechanical timepiece. 

This Mechanical Apple Watch is a unique and innovative clock that combines the classic look of an analog watch with the sustainable and environmentally friendly features of a mechanical movement. 

Powered by a Seiko NH38 automatic movement, this watch does not need to be wound and will keep time for up to 41 hours on a single wind.

It is made from recycled materials, including a stainless steel case and a sapphire crystal watch face. It is also water resistant to 50 meters, making it a great option for everyday wear. 

In addition to its sustainable features, the Mechanical Apple Watch also offers a number of practical and stylish features, such as a hacking seconds complication, a power reserve indicator, and a second-time zone complication.

For people looking for a stylish and functional watch that is also environmentally friendly, then the Mechanical Apple Watch is a great option.

Some Cool Features of Jack’s Mechanical Apple Watch

Around a year after Apple’s Watch Ultra launch, NanoRobotGeek (Jack Spiggle) sourced first-gen Apple Watches, discontinued in 2020. He bought some for stainless steel and sapphire glass. 

He created a mechanical Apple Watch with a functional crown and button, blending vintage aesthetics with modern innovation.

The Mechanical Apple Watch offers several practical and stylish features, such as a hacking seconds complication, a power reserve indicator, and a second time zone complication. It is also water resistant to 50 meters, making it a great option for everyday wear.

Let’s see what are some of the best Jack’s mechanical Apple Watch features:

• Stainless steel case: 

The case of the Mechanical Apple Watch is made from stainless steel. This makes the watch durable and water-resistant to 50 meters.

• Sapphire crystal: 

The watch face is made from sapphire crystal. This makes the watch scratch-resistant and durable.

• Custom adapter plate: 

The Mechanical Apple Watch uses a custom adapter plate to fit the mechanical movement into the Apple Watch case. This allows the watch to retain the original Apple Watch design.

• 3D printed crown

The crown of this Apple Watch is 3D printed. This allows the crown to be made to the exact specifications of the Seiko NH38 movement. 

• Hacking seconds

This Mechanical Apple Watch has a hacking seconds feature, which allows the second hand to be stopped when the crown is pulled out. This is useful for setting the watch to the exact second.

• Power reserve indicator

It has a power reserve indicator, which shows how much power is left in the movement. This is useful for knowing when to wind the watch.

• Second-time zone

 The Mechanical Apple Watch has a second-time zone complication, which allows you to keep track of the time in another time zone.

• Date window

 It has a date window, which displays the date.

How was the Mechanical Apple Watch made from E-waste?

Jack Spiggle began by obtaining a first-generation Apple Watch, no longer supported by Apple, due to its simpler design. He carefully removed its electronic components using a soldering iron, avoiding damage to the case and movement.

To replace the electronics, Spiggle selected a Seiko NH38 mechanical movement, known for affordability and reliability. He 3D printed a custom adapter plate to fit this movement into the Apple Watch case. 

As the mechanical movement was larger, some case modifications were necessary, including drilling a hole in the crown.

With components in hand, Spiggle meticulously assembled the watch, ensuring proper alignment. After successful assembly, he tested the watch’s functionality, confirming its smooth operation. 

The “Mechanical Apple Watch” is a testament to Spiggle’s creative engineering and highlights the potential of repurposing old technology with innovative design.

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