I’ve been conflicted about the new Pebble smartwatches, but now we’ve been given a far better look at the reimagined Pebble Time 2, I think it’s time for me to properly embrace Pebble’s new era because until now, I haven’t really committed.
But it’s not only because of the watch’s design that I’ve put my money down for the Pebble Time 2. It’s all because of the adage that “people buy people first.”
The design really works
Finally, an adult’s Pebble watch
Pebble co-founder and the man responsible for the brand’s resurgence in 2025, Eric Migicovski, has shown off the final design for the Pebble Time 2, previously known as the Core Time 2, before Migicovski regained the rights to use the Pebble name.
Finally, after all these years, we have a Pebble smartwatch that looks like a watch I want to wear.
I bought the original Pebble because it was one of the first, true, workable smartwatches. It also came out when I knew nothing at all about watches, and was fine with it looking like I’d chosen a child’s watch by accident.
The Pebble Time 2 pulls off a neat trick.
The design isn’t entirely removed from the Pebble’s unique look, but so much more mature and refined than the version shown in March, and the watch-like shape moves it on in exactly the right way.
I love how it’s based on a 2016 concept design by the Pebble team because the wider watch world practically operates on heritage these days, and how it’s not just being offered in boring black or white.
Canceling my spur-of-the-moment order
Getting back on the pre-order train
I’m already looking at the blue and silver concept version of the Pebble Time 2 with envious eyes.
I love the polished stainless steel case and how it contrasts well with the deep blue strap. I can picture myself wearing it, which was something I never did with the Core/Pebble 2 Duo.
When the new Pebble smartwatches were announced, I didn’t have the nostalgic glow others had about the Pebble. I just saw more of the same, coming at a time when the rest of the smartwatch world had moved on.
Design is hugely important, and the Pebble/Core 2 Duo is, and always will be, inherently unattractive.
Sadly, this didn’t stop me from eventually ordering one. Call it FOMO if you like, but I did like the idea of trying a smartwatch that had been zapped into 2025 from 2013, Back to the Future-style.
However, I didn’t really want it, and ended up canceling my pre-order. But I think I want the Pebble Time 2, and have hopped back on board the pre-order train to get one.
Infectious enthusiasm
Buying into the dream
Here is what I mean about being conflicted.
I disliked the original Pebble’s design, and my original pre-order was done out of curiosity rather than desire. It’s not a good combination, and canceling it at the last minute reflected my lack of true interest.
Here’s why I think it’s different this time.
Migicovski has been detailing the new Pebble’s return journey in both written and video form, and it has been an instrumental part of my renewed interest.
He seems like a thoroughly nice person, calmly explaining what has been happening behind the scenes without pretense or any over-the-top enthusiasm.
Despite this, his clear love for what he’s doing and the product shines through.
I dislike being pushed into thinking a new product is the best thing ever, especially by “entrepreneurs” who’ll say and do anything to be like their (usually disgustingly rich) idols.
Migicovski comes across as an enthusiast first, and his complete lack of sales patter makes me want to listen, and has also helped push me into pre-ordering.
What the tech industry needs
More enthusiasts, fewer billionaires
There are some who see the Pebble’s comeback as being what the smartwatch market needs, but I disagree.
There’s space for all kinds of smartwatches, catering to all kinds of different people. Just because the Pebble harks back to a “simpler” time, it doesn’t mean we should automatically rejoice in its arrival.
Instead, perhaps it’s Migicovski that the wider tech world needs at the moment.
By this I mean an enthusiast, just like you and me, with a clear vision they’re passionate about, who isn’t tied down to a large corporation, keen to make any political aspirations known, or desperately trying to convince us a product with AI is worth paying extra for.
It could all be a very convincing act, and I don’t know Migicovski personally, but his apparent honesty and enthusiasm for a product not being released by one of the world’s largest tech firms seems like something worth supporting.
Tech that’s cool
Made by relatable makers
I don’t think the Core/Pebble Duo 2 is what the tech world needs. It’s a throwback for the hopelessly nostalgic, and it’s held back by it.
The Pebble Time 2 doesn’t have the same baggage. It’s the smartwatch Migicovski once considered making, but only now has the ability and resources.
Like the plan to bring back the BlackBerry, there’s a positive vibe about the Pebble Time 2, which gives me hope the tech industry isn’t only about mega-corporations, grifters, and tiresome billionaires these days.
