The technological field is in such a quick environment that it leaves behind archaic but beloved artifacts in favor of newer and shinier trends. Let’s go back in time, not only for a quick nostalgic indulgence, but instead to bring back a product that was ahead of its time. That is precisely the kind of idea that Eric Migicovsky, the mind behind the Pebble smartwatch, is pursuing.
It’s looking like a Pebble, it works like a Pebble, but it’s not called a Pebble. Eric Migicovsky, original creator of the beloved Pebble smartwatch, just launched two smartwatches; the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2. These devices are purposed into being spiritual successors to the original Pebble lineup and reaching out to that type of simplicity and functionality that turned Pebble into a favorite among wannabe tech geeks.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
In case you don’t know, Pebble is a Palo Alto-based startup that was one of Kickstarter’s crowdfunding platform earliest big success stories back in 2012. They had smartwatches before anyone had heard of Apple or Google, selling over two million units before a financial shutdown in 2016. Fitbit bought its assets, which later made its way to Google, seemingly concluding near-death status for the Pebble brand.
All of this changed in 2024 when Migicovsky, rekindling the spirit of Pebble, resurrected it partly due to Google’s open-sourcing of PebbleOS. With Core Devices, his new company, he has brought these new smartwatches to life using the original Pebble software.
Core 2 Duo: The Rebirth of the Classics
At its heart, it is a modern adaptation of the Pebble 2, which features a black and white always-on E Ink display, physical buttons for navigation, there is a touch screen where all interactions become tactile and simple, Bluetooth connectivity for notification and music control, and up to 30 days’ worth battery life, far exceeding today’s battery hungry smartwatches. It also includes a hackable, open-source ecosystem, letting developers and enthusiasts tinker with it.
Core Time 2: A Premium Alternative
The Core Time 2 experience is basically the same as that of Core 2 Duo except for:
- Brand new larger 64-color display screen
- Metal casing for that premium feel
- Touchscreen capability, though currently Pebble apps do not support touch interaction
In short, Core Time 2 combines modern futuristic looks with its original Pebble aesthetic form and focuses on function.
Passion Project for the Community
Migicovsky puts Core Devices as a passion project and not a corporate-driven smartwatch industry. Migicovsky wrote in a blog post announcing the devices,
“This project is a labour of love rather than a startup trying to sell millions of watches. There may be some rough edges (literally). Things will get delayed. Some features will not be ready at launch. Things could break. Things could not last as long as you’d like.The only thing we can guarantee is that it will be awesome and a lot of fun! Every time you look down at your watch, you will smile.”
Pricing & Availability
The Core 2 Duo will be available for $149, and the shipping is estimated to begin in July 2025. Core Time 2 will be available for $225, with shipping set for December 2025. The shape and purpose of the smartwatch developed by Core Devices stand in contrast to the many overly complicated wearables on the market. In this age of Apple’s, Samsung’s, and Google’s high-tech smartwatches, will a minimalistic and retro-inspired device find its way into the market? Whether they would rise to the level of a culture devoted to the original remains to be seen, in any case, Pebble fans will enjoy the much awaited return to a simpler, more functional experience in smartwatches.
