Core Time 2: $225 Spiritual Successor to Pebble Time 2

Key Takeaways

1. The Core Time 2 is a premium smartwatch running on PebbleOS, continuing the legacy of the Pebble Time 2 from 2016.
2. It features a 1.5-inch 64-color e-paper screen with a flat glass lens and is compatible with existing PebbleOS apps and watchfaces.
3. The watch supports touch input and includes four metal buttons for control, with a design that allows for interactive watch complications.
4. It offers health tracking features like a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and a pedometer, and boasts a battery life of up to 30 days.
5. The Core Time 2 is priced at $225, available in black and white, with limited quantities and expected shipping in December 2025.

The Core Time 2 has been unveiled as the premium smartwatch running on PebbleOS by Core Devices, a company started by Eric Migicovsky. The Core 2 Duo is another model released alongside it. This new device can be seen as a continuation of the Pebble Time 2 from 2016.

Display Features

With a 1.5-inch (200 x 228) 64-color e-paper screen, the Core Time 2 features a flat glass lens to minimize glare, contrasting with the curved glass used in the Pebble Time series. It will be compatible with the multitude of apps and watchfaces created for PebbleOS; however, these will show a border due to the larger screen size of the Core Time 2. Developers are expected to address this issue through updates to their apps and watchfaces.

User Interaction

The display is encased in a metal frame and supports touch input, which is different from the Core 2 Duo model. A press release states that the touch capability will enable watch complications that can be tapped to access related apps, similar to what is offered on the Apple Watch Series 10 (currently priced at $329 on Amazon).

Design and Specifications

There are four metal buttons for controlling the watch, and it comes with 22mm straps, much like the Core 2 Duo. The smartwatch will also be water-resistant upon release, with specifications aiming for an IPX8 rating.

The Core Time 2 is equipped with a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and a pedometer. Additionally, it includes a microphone, speaker, and a linear resonance actuator. Interestingly, the spec sheet does not mention a barometer or compass, both of which are features of the Core 2 Duo. The battery life is expected to last up to 30 days and can be charged using a standard Pebble charger.

Pricing and Availability

The Core Time 2 will retail for $225 and will be available in black and white, with a potential third color option. A companion app will be available for both Android and iOS devices. This smartwatch will be exclusively sold through the rePebble store and will be produced in limited quantities, with shipping expected to start in December 2025.

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