Blocks Smartwatch

 Home > Browse Our Collection > Miscellaneous > Blocks Smartwatch
 

This was a Kickstarter concept project, the idea was to have a watch where modules could be changed out, such as weather, heart rate, GPS and others.

The Kickstarter far exceeded the goal of $250,000, reaching $1,613,874, but various delays and problems led to the company becoming bankrupt.

The big selling point that the watch would never be out of date, as upgraded modules could be added to the core easily. However the project ran into numerous difficulties, including the company losing its main supplier, and the software partner being bought out by Google, thus delaying their side of the project enormously.

In late 2017, 500 watches were sent out to backers as the company had sourced a second string supply, and lower production costs, but by March 2018 the money had gone, all used in R&D.

Another major backer withdrew in May 2019, and shortly after the inventory stock was destroyed in a fire. 

The project finally met its end in August 2019 when a letter was sent out to the remaining backers explaining the company had gone into liquidation.

A lack of experience bringing product to market, and less than stellar contract negotiation were major factors in the demise of the project.

Date : 2015 to 2015

Manufacturer : Blocks

Physical Description : Outer box, Core Module box and lid, x3 Foam inserts, Core module (watch face), USB cable, Charging cradle, Instructions leaflet, Clasp box sleeve and base, x2 Foam inserts, Silicone clasp, GPS Module box sleeve and base, x2 Foam inserts, GPS module Adventure Module box sleeve and base, x2 Foam inserts, Adventure module, Heartrate Module box sleeve and base, x2 Foam inserts, Heartrate module, Button Module box sleeve and base, x2 Foam inserts, Button module, Battery Module box and sleeve, x2 Foam inserts, Battery module, LED Module box and sleeve, x2 Foam inserts, LED module Printout of Kickstarter/watch info

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH62053. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.
 

Scan of Document: Blocks Smartwatch

Click on the Image For Detail






Help support the museum by buying from the museum shop

View all items

Founding Sponsors
redgate Google ARM Real VNC Microsoft Research
Heritage Lottery Funded
Heritage Lottery Fund
Accredited Museum