Key Takeaways
1. Pebble has launched two new smartwatches, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2, featuring the open-source PebbleOS and e-paper displays.
2. The Core 2 Duo has a 1.26-inch display, 30-day battery life, step and sleep tracking, and is made of polycarbonate with IPX8 water resistance.
3. The Core Time 2 offers a larger 1.5-inch touchscreen display, 200×228 resolution, and a more premium design with a metallic frame and buttons.
4. Both models provide access to over 10,000 Pebble apps and include health tracking features like heart rate, step, and sleep tracking.
5. Pre-orders are available for both models, with the Core 2 Duo priced at $149 and shipping in July 2025, while the Core Time 2 is priced at $225 and shipping in December 2025.
Pebble smartwatches were anticipated to return with the previously announced PebbleOS. Now, PebbleOS has launched two new smartwatches featuring their signature e-paper displays, named the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Core 2 Duo
Eric Migicovsky, the Pebble smartwatch founder, has just revealed these watches from the Core series. The first one is the Core 2 Duo, which keeps the original Pebble design and operates on the open-source PebbleOS. It boasts a 1.26-inch black and white e-paper display and includes access to over 10,000 Pebble apps along with various watch faces. The watch is made with polycarbonate, ensuring it has IPX8 water resistance.
This model features a microphone and can track your steps as well as your sleep cycle. One of the standout features of Pebble’s e-paper watches has always been their long-lasting batteries, and the Core 2 Duo takes this to the next level with an impressive 30-day battery life, a significant upgrade from the 7-day life of the Pebble 2. It operates on the Nordic nRF52840 BLE chipset and comes with more reliable buttons. Additionally, the Core 2 Duo includes a speaker, barometer, and compass.
Core Time 2
The Core Time 2 seems to be the more upscale option out of the two newly introduced models. Eric even referred to it as his “dream watch.” It features a taller 1.5-inch e-paper display with 46-bit colors, a higher resolution of 200×228, and supports touchscreen functionality. This model also provides various watch faces and access to over 10,000 Pebble apps. For a more premium feel, the smartwatch is constructed with a metallic frame and buttons, and it also has an IPX8 rating for water resistance.
The Core Time 2 is available in two colors, black and white. Besides the extensive 30-day battery life, this model offers heart rate, step, and sleep tracking as well. It also includes a microphone, speaker, and a linear resonance actuator. The device is designed with a standard 22mm strap. Both models use the PebbleOS platform, which includes essential fitness tracking features.
Pricing and Availability
Both smartwatches can be pre-ordered at store.rePebble.com. However, inventory is limited, so production quantities are also constrained. Migicovsky recommended that buyers place pre-orders since sign-ups have already surpassed the available units. Pre-orders are fully refundable until shipping. The Core 2 Duo is priced at 149 US Dollars, scheduled to ship in July 2025. In contrast, the Core Time 2 is set to ship in December 2025 with a price tag of 225 US Dollars.
