Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has launched two new smartwatches that challenge industry norms. The Core 2 Duo ($149) and Core Time 2 ($225) feature e-paper displays with up to 30-day battery life, physical buttons, and open-source PebbleOS. You'll find a black-and-white screen on the Core 2 Duo, while the Time 2 offers a 64-color touchscreen in a metal body. These retro-inspired devices cater to users who value simplicity and customization over complex features.
While the original Pebble smartwatch brand faded years ago, its spirit lives on in two new devices created by Pebble's founder Eric Migicovsky. The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 smartwatches combine retro style with modern functionality, targeting users who prefer simplicity over complicated features.
You can pre-order the Core 2 Duo for $149, with shipping expected in July. The more advanced Core Time 2 costs $225 and will ship in December. Neither model will be available in retail stores, as they're being produced in limited quantities.
The Core 2 Duo resembles the original Pebble 2 with its polycarbonate frame and 1.26-inch black-and-white e-paper display. It comes in white or black color options.
Sporting a polycarbonate body and classic e-paper display, the Core 2 Duo channels original Pebble simplicity in black or white options.
The Core Time 2 features a metal construction and a larger 1.5-inch color e-paper touchscreen with higher resolution.
Both watches maintain the minimalist design that made Pebble popular, including physical buttons for navigation. The Core Time 2 adds touch capability for easier interaction with its 64-color display.
You'll appreciate the exceptional battery life of up to 30 days, thanks to the energy-efficient e-paper displays. This stands in sharp contrast to mainstream smartwatches that require daily charging.
The devices run on open-source PebbleOS, making them highly customizable. Michigovsky's decision to create these watches was self-funded entirely after finding no suitable options in the current market. They connect to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth for notifications and music control.
Both models include speakers and microphones that enable interactions with tools like ChatGPT.
These smartwatches aren't competing directly with major brands like Apple. Instead, they target a niche market of users who value battery longevity, simplicity, and hackability. The original Pebble was highly successful with over 2 million units sold before the company's closure in 2016.
Though they can't legally use the Pebble brand name due to Fitbit's acquisition (now owned by Google), these devices clearly draw inspiration from the canceled Pebble Time 2.
For fans of the original Pebble ecosystem, these watches offer a nostalgic yet updated alternative to today's feature-packed but battery-hungry smartwatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Battery Last on These Retro-Inspired Models?
Both of these retro-inspired Pebble models offer an impressive 30-day battery life on a single charge.
You'll enjoy a significant improvement from earlier Pebble watches, which typically lasted around 7 days. This extended battery performance stems from their low-power e-paper displays and advanced battery technology.
Compared to mainstream smartwatches that require charging every 1-2 days, you'll experience substantially longer usage between charges with either the Core 2 Duo or Core Time 2.
Are These Smartwatches Compatible With Both Android and Ios?
Yes, these smartwatches are compatible with both Android and iOS. The new Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 models will work with both operating systems through a companion app, continuing Pebble's cross-platform tradition.
You'll be able to access over 10,000 apps from the existing Pebble store.
While older Pebbles faced iOS pairing issues, these new models aim to provide seamless integration with updated software solutions.
What Health Tracking Features Do These Retro Designs Include?
These smartwatches include several basic health tracking features.
You'll get step tracking on both the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 models. They also offer sleep tracking functionality that works without a heart rate monitor, using the built-in accelerometer to analyze your movement patterns during sleep.
The Core Time 2 includes a heart rate monitor, while the Core 2 Duo doesn't. Overall, they focus on providing simple fitness tracking rather than extensive health monitoring.
How Water-Resistant Are the New Pebble Smartwatches?
The new Pebble smartwatches target IP68 water resistance certification, which is an improvement over older models.
Both Core 2 Duo with its polycarbonate frame and Core Time 2 with its metal construction are designed to handle swimming activities.
This contrasts with previous models like the Pebble Classic (water-resistant to 30m) and Pebble Time Round (only splash-resistant).
You'll be able to swim with these new models, unlike some of their predecessors.
When Will International Shipping Be Available for These Watches?
International shipping will be available from the moment preorders open.
You can secure both Pebble models now through their online store at store.rePebble.com, with worldwide shipping confirmed for all countries.
Due to limited quantities, placing a preorder is essential to reserve your watch.
The Core 2 Duo will ship internationally starting July 2025, while the Core Time 2 will ship in December 2025.
You'll receive shipping notifications and tracking information via email.
