Open source watch movement
Home - openmovement – watchmaking 2.0
World’s first open source mechanical Swiss watch movement In 2021 the first 3D file was put online. On 1.7.2022, the third file – OM10 01.3 – has been released. After all the years in which we have invested well over 5,000 hours in volunteer work in openmovement, the year 2022 started with very happy news: […]
I'm a mechanical engineer and I have two hobbies. Watches and Linux.
The main reason I like Linux is because it is open source. This means that an entire community collaborates on a piece of software. And everyone can take what they need. They only need to give back as well.
Today I found out that there's such a thing with watches too. The open movement. An open source watch movement where an entire community works together on a movement.
At the moment there's work being done on two movements.
OM10, hand wind
OM20, automatic
This is very exciting for me and I just wanted to let people know this exists.
I'm a mechanical engineer that just started out collecting watches.
That's a fascinating looking project. Thanks for sharing.
Good in theory but there are too many affordable options out there. Seiko for around 50 bucks or a Swiss quartz for a few bucks.
Constant FOSS user in my professional life... but I admit I don't completely understand the motivation behind the OM, since mechanical watchmaking seems to be an industry *not* marked by exponential progress. Surely there are enough decent movements that are now in the public domain because of age? What exactly is the issue with the current proprietary watch movement landscape that's being addressed here?
But what the hell, even if it's just marketing nonsense, I've bought all kinds of modular / repairable / open-source crap in my life because I agree with the moral purpose of it. Every brand needs its twist and I'd definitely support one that made the OM a physical reality.