The smartwatch has been a thing for quite a few years now, long enough for many to take for granted the remarkable engineering that has gone into the creation of these sci-fi-inspired devices. The A-Team of disassembling and repairing smart-everything, the guys at iFixit have taken apart the Apple Watch Series 2, and it sure is worth it to take the opportunity and have a closer look at how it’s constructed.

The main internal components of the 38mm Apple Watch Series 2. All images by iFixit.com

The problem is that neither looking at the immaculate computer rendered images of the Apple Watch, nor holding the perfectly-CNC-milled metal and glass case in hand, can give one a good idea about the delicate technology that’s tucked away safely on the inside of the aluminum, 316L stainless steel, or white ceramic case.

This tiny piece is the now-GPS-capable antenna, wrapped around the inside of the case

If you like watches for their pure mechanical complexity and remarkable refinement, then yes, chances are that hearing about some printed circuitry, milliamp-hours, and some weird new abbreviations may not be things you are inherently interested in… The reason this teardown is worth checking out is that to see how much technology is crammed into such a small space, and just how capable these tiny pieces of plastic and silicon are when put together in the right order – you might actually find it awe-inspiring. I sure did.

In red: the barometric pressure sensor, in orange the gyroscope and accelerometer, both seen on the back of the S2 main processing unit.

Just as was (and actually still is) the case in the Swiss watch industry, a complex timepiece whether it be electronic or mechanical, could not be produced without a large number of highly specialized suppliers and their technological advancements in their own fields of expertise. Having visited a fair number of watch manufactures, small and large, there is always a lot to learn – but I think I have a solid understanding of how major watch components work and function together. On the other hand, however, I have no idea how such a small barometric pressure sensor or accelerometer is produced or how it works exactly.

The new speaker that was designed to fill with water, then vibrate to pump excess water from the body of the speaker.

So most of the internal components you see removed from the Apple Watch Series 2, come from specialized suppliers – but I guess that is normal and, if anything, goes to show that many companies in different industries have to work together to ultimately offer something as “smart” as a smartwatch today can be.

The Taptic Engine and increased capacity battery take up most of the small space inside the 38mm Apple Watch Series 2

For the full teardown with lots more images and detailed explanation of what each of the components do, and how they ended up fitting into a case so small, check out iFixit’s Apple Watch Series 2 Teardown here. via: TheVerge.