In an era where technological advancements often come at the cost of repairability, Pocuter is challenging the status quo with its latest innovation, the Spectra Smartwatch. Designed with a commitment to being both hackable and easy to repair, the Spectra stands out in the crowded smartwatch market—a sector typically dominated by hard-to-access devices like the Apple Watch. This forward-thinking design is a testament to Pocuter’s expertise in crafting compact electronics, as exemplified by their previous creation, the diminutive Pocuter One computer.
Currently available for preorder via Kickstarter, the Spectra Smartwatch marks a bold move in Pocuter’s product lineup. With delivery dates anticipated around July 2025, interested buyers can secure this pioneering device at an early bird price of approximately $209, before it rises to the full price of around $272. Though this is the company’s seventh Kickstarter endeavor, it’s arguably their most ambitious project yet. Despite three years of development effort, the final hardware for the Spectra is still being refined—an indicator of reduced, yet present, risk for potential backers.
The Spectra comes with customizable options, including various colorways and a standard 22mm watch band, ensuring a blend of personalization and practicality. Engineered with an Espressif ESP32-S3 processor enhanced by 8MB RAM and 32MB of executable flash memory, this smartwatch also boasts a 368×448 AMOLED display, a digital crown, and connectivity features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Adding to its arsenal, the device includes fitness tracking, environmental sensors, and an expandable microSD slot that can potentially accommodate up to 500GB of additional storage. All of this technology is housed within a CNC milled aluminum frame, with an optional upgrade to a stainless steel variant.
What truly sets the Spectra apart is its user-centric internal design, which greatly simplifies battery access. As noted by iFixit, the device features a mainboard that conveniently moves aside, utilizing spring contacts instead of cumbersome cables. This thoughtful engineering echoes the repair-friendly philosophy seen in products like Fairphone’s Fairbuds, potentially setting a new standard for wearables by promoting easier battery replacements.
Interestingly, iFixit was given a disassembled preview of the Spectra, although it remains unclear whether the final product will be shipped in assembled form. Pocuter is committed to offering replacement options for every component, reassuring users of the ease with which the device can be maintained. Instead of relying on glues and epoxy that frequently complicate or outright prevent repairs, the Spectra is secured by just seven Phillips head screws, heralding a new era of accessible, user-friendly technology in the wearables market.