When Eric Migicovsky first launched Pebble on Kickstarter back in 2012, he was solving the simple problem of getting smartphone notifications on your wrist without constantly pulling out your phone. Fast-forward thirteen years, and after Pebble’s sale to Fitbit, Google’s acquisition of that IP, and the eventual open-sourcing of PebbleOS, Migicovsky is back with something that’s both familiar and completely refined. We covered the announcement back in March, but now the Pebble Time 2 (previously called Core Time 2) has been fully revealed.
Photo: Pebble
Stainless Steel Sophistication
Notably changed from earlier prototypes, Pebble has now upgraded to 316 stainless steel construction for the front, back, and buttons to help the watch handle daily wear much better. The knurled texture on the buttons mirrors the beloved Pebble Time Steel, but the overall profile has been refined with more curves and angled button placement that breaks away from the straight-line arrangement of previous models.
At 48g with the strap (32.5g for just the case), the Time 2 smartwatch features a screw-mounted back cover that replaces snap-on mechanisms, which should improve both water resistance and long-term durability, which customers always had issues with.
Photo: Pebble
E-Paper Gets an RGB Boost
The 1.5-inch, 64-color e-paper display remains the centerpiece, but Migicovsky’s team has added something even cooler: multicolor RGB LED backlighting. Instead of the single-color backlights from earlier models, users can now customize colors or let the system change hues based on notifications and apps. It’s a small detail that adds personality without sacrificing the core benefit of e-paper, which is primarily its legendary 30-day battery life.
The touchscreen capability means fewer physical interactions, though the four-button layout stays for tactile feedback when you need it. Flat hardened glass reduces reflections, improving on the earlier curved designs.
Photo: Pebble
Audio and Sensing Upgrades
Two microphones instead of one also enhance environmental noise cancellation possibilities, while the integrated speaker handles calls and notifications. The compass sensor joins the existing heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and sleep analysis, creating a surprisingly comprehensive health and navigation package for a device focused more on function than flashy features.
The linear actuator motor provides haptic feedback that can vary based on notification type, and the quick-release 22mm strap system can be easily swapped without tools.
Spec Sheet
Model: Pebble Time 2
Display: 1.5″ 64-color e-paper touchscreen
Case Material: 316 stainless steel
Backlight: Multicolor RGB LED
Battery Life: 30 days (estimated)
Sensors: Heart rate, compass, accelerometer
Audio: Dual microphones, speaker
Water Resistance: TBD (screw-mounted back cover)
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Pricing & Availability
The Pebble Time 2 ships in December for $225, with four colorway options including blue, red, black, and raw steel. Customers who pre-ordered the $149 Pebble 2 Duo can upgrade while keeping their place in the queue. After nearly a decade away, it’s clear Migicovsky hasn’t lost his touch for creating smartwatches that prioritize utility over gimmicks.
Pebble Time 2 Smartwatch Reveal
Months after first announcing its comeback, Pebble has now given the final reveal of the Pebble Time 2 smartwatch, swapping in stainless steel cases, adding four colorways, and putting customizable RGB lighting in the e-paper display.
