1. Introduction

Custom smartwatch development is rapidly becoming a major opportunity for global brands, startups, wholesalers, and corporate gift suppliers. As users demand more personalized wearable technology, brands now seek unique devices that reflect their identity, offer tailored functions, and stand out in competitive markets.

Whether you want to launch a niche healthcare device, create a branded smartwatch for enterprise use, or scale a mass-market wearable product line, partnering with an experienced OEM/ODM manufacturer dramatically reduces development complexity and speeds up product launch.

At Shenzhen Geyan Technology, we specialize in full-stack smartwatch customization—covering hardware engineering, firmware & algorithm development, UI/UX design, APP integration, industrial design, testing, packaging, and certifications.
This guide breaks down the entire OEM/ODM process so you can clearly understand what's involved and make the right decisions for your project.

2. OEM vs ODM: Which Path Fits Your Business Strategy?

Choosing the right production model determines your costs, timeline, and the uniqueness of your final product.

OEM vs ODM Comparison

Dimension	OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)	ODM (Original Design Manufacturer)
Core Concept	You provide original ideas—we develop a fully custom smartwatch from scratch	You customize our existing smartwatch models
Customization Depth	Full hardware + firmware + UI/APP customization; unique mold & structure	Logo, color, strap, watch face, APP theme, minor firmware adjustments
Best For	Innovative brands, large launches, niche features, unique algorithms	Lower budget projects, corporate gifts, quick launch cycles, market testing
Example	A fitness brand requiring proprietary heart rate algorithms or custom sports tracking	A company adding logo, watch faces & branded packaging to our existing model
MOQ	From 500 units	From 200 units
Lead Time	45–60 days (ID + MD + prototype + production)	25–35 days (minor customization + production)

Tip:
If your brand wants a unique shape, unique UI, or custom health algorithms, choose OEM.
If you want fast, cost-effective branding, choose ODM.

3. Step-by-Step Smartwatch Customization Process

Below is the complete development process with technical details for each phase.

Step 1 — Requirement Consultation (1–3 Days)

We clarify your goals to ensure technical and commercial alignment:

Market & User Insights

·         Regions: EU, US, Middle East, Southeast Asia

·         User types: teens, elderly, athletes, corporate users, niche religious users

·         Use cases: health tracking, fitness, corporate gifts, GPS safety, prayer/Qibla features

Technical Specifications

·         Functions: HR/SpO₂/ECG/GPS/NFC/TWS calling

·         Battery: 7–14 days standby

·         Display: 1.3–1.8” LCD / AMOLED

·         Waterproof: IP67 / IP68 / 3ATM

·         Algorithms: HRV, sleep analysis, steps, blood pressure estimation

·         Certifications: CE/FCC/RoHS, SASO (Middle East), UN38.3/MSDS (battery)

Business Goals

·         Target retail price or unit cost

·         Order quantity and scaling plan

·         Launch roadmap

·         APP and cloud data requirements

Step 2 — Product Planning & Component Proposal (2–5 Days)

We deliver a detailed solution including budget, hardware specs, and system architecture.

Chipset Solutions

·         Realtek RTL8763/8762 series — cost-effective, stable, mainstream

·         Nordic nRF52840 — ultra-low power, BLE 5.0, ideal for advanced sensors

·         ATS3607 + health algorithm suite — professional-grade data accuracy

Sensor Options

·         MAX30102 / VP60A for HR & SpO₂

·         AMS AS7050 for ECG/PWTT

·         u-blox / BeiDou GPS modules for high-precision outdoor tracking

·         Bosch G-sensors for motion tracking

Battery & Durability

·         200–500mAh Li-polymer

·         7–14 days standby

·         Scratch-resistant glass, reinforced housing, shock-proof internal structure

Cost Breakdown
Includes hardware BOM, ID/MD fee (OEM), customization fee (ODM), packaging, certification, shipping.

Step 3 — Industrial Design (ID) & Mechanical Design (MD)

OEM Projects

We produce:

·         3D CAD design

·         Exploded structure diagrams

·         Mold design & tooling

·         Engineering verification samples (EVT)

Design customizations include:

·         Case materials: aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, ABS+PC, stainless steel

·         Finishes: matte, glossy, sandblasting, anodizing

·         Straps: silicone, metal, leather, woven nylon

·         Waterproof design: rubber sealing, structural reinforcement for IP68

ODM Projects

Choose from 50+ existing models, then customize:

·         Logo on watch body

·         Watch faces

·         Color variants

·         Strap materials

·         Packaging design

·         APP theme & icons

Step 4 — PCB, Firmware & App Customization (10–15 Days)

PCB Development

·         Adding modules: GPS, NFC, temperature sensor, speaker, mic

·         Battery optimization: reduce power consumption by up to 30%

·         EMI/ESD protection design

Firmware Development

·         UI/UX (icons, animations, color theme, watch faces)

·         Custom features (sports modes, religious functions, ECG tuning)

·         Synchronization and notifications

·         Bluetooth stability optimization

APP Customization

·         Complete branding (logo, style guide, theme colors)

·         Dashboard overhaul (health, fitness, sleep data pages)

·         Multi-language support (20+ languages, including Arabic RTL layout)

·         Optional SDK/API for enterprise clients

·         Integration with Google Fit / Apple Health

Step 5 — Prototyping (7–10 Days)

We produce 3–5 working samples for:

·         Hardware testing

·         Firmware verification

·         UI/UX preview

·         APP compatibility testing

·         Packaging evaluation

We offer two rounds of free revision based on your feedback.

Step 6 — Certification (7–15 Days)

We provide full support for global compliance:

Mandatory:

·         CE, FCC, RoHS

·         UN38.3/MSDS (battery transport)

Regional:

·         SASO / SABER (Saudi Arabia)

·         TELEC (Japan)

·         IC (Canada)

Special Categories:

·         Muslim smartwatches: prayer algorithms, Qibla accuracy calibration, Halal document support

Step 7 — Mass Production (15–20 Days)

Our ISO 9001-certified factory provides:

Quality Control Procedures

·         IQC: testing chipsets, sensors, batteries

·         Inline QC:

o    72-hour aging

o    Waterproof pressure chamber test

o    Bluetooth connection stress test

·         OQC: 100% full-function testing

Defect rate: 0.3% (industry average: 1.8–2.5%).

Step 8 — Packaging & Worldwide Delivery

Packaging options:

·         Standard packaging: cost-effective, recyclable

·         Premium magnetic boxes: ideal for gifting

·         Eco-friendly packaging: biodegradable, EU-compliant

Shipping: DHL, FedEx, UPS, air/sea freight with door-to-door service.

4. Why Choose Geyan Technology?

·         12+ years of smartwatch engineering & manufacturing

·         Strong in hardware, firmware, algorithm, UI/APP development

·         500+ global brands served, including Middle East, EU, US, Japan

·         0.3% defect rate — industry-leading stability

·         Low MOQ for startups (200–500 units)

·         Rapid Prototyping within 72 hours

·         Advanced R&D including GPS, ECG, Muslim features, and custom health algorithms

·         Case Study: 100,000+ units sold of a Muslim smartwatch in 6 months

5. Conclusion

Customizing your own smartwatch doesn’t have to be complicated. With a reliable OEM/ODM partner like Geyan Technology, you get a streamlined development process, transparent planning, and technical excellence—all aimed at helping your product succeed in global markets.

Ready to Build Your Custom Smartwatch?

Contact our engineering team for a free consultation.
We’ll provide tailored solutions based on your budget, market goals, and target users—turning your concept into a high-performing, best-selling wearable.