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Pebble fans are hungry for further details on the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. To this end Eric Migicovsky has shared more info, answering questions but also sparking debate about durability and missing features. Some fans have even 3D-printed mock-ups to get a better look.
Granted, the watches are still in the works – so some of this might change. But let’s go into more details on what further info has been revealed.
What’s on offer?
In the last article, we covered the key details.
The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 are both built around the open-source PebbleOS, offering a return to the classic Pebble experience. The Core 2 Duo is essentially a Pebble 2 with updated internals, keeping the same plastic body, black-and-white reflective LCD, and button-based navigation. Meanwhile, the Core Time 2 revives elements of the unreleased Pebble Time 2, featuring a larger color display, a heart rate monitor, and a slightly bigger frame with metal buttons and casing. Both promise 30-day battery life and will ship with a charger using the classic Pebble connector but with a USB-C end.
Eric has made it clear that these are the only two models planned. There re only a few people working on this project – so it’s not really a fully fledged company.
So, there won’t be a Pebble Time-shaped version, a Round model, or any other variations. He prefers the design of the original Pebble and Pebble 2 and wants to keep things simple.
Some fans have even taken the initiative to 3D-print mock-ups of the watches, giving a better sense of their size and shape. While not official, these models provide an early look at how they’ll compare to the originals.
The images below show Core Time 2 vs Steel and Pebble 2 on the wrist.
What’s missing and why
Unlike modern smartwatches, the Core watches stick to the essentials. There’s no NFC for payments, no GPS, no offline Spotify, and no Qi wireless charging. These omissions aren’t accidental—Eric has been clear that he’s focusing on a minimal, practical design rather than competing with full-featured smartwatches.
The Core Time 2 does have a touchscreen, but it’s not meant to replace buttons. It’s primarily there for quick interactions, like tapping complications to open apps or scrolling through lists. That said, button navigation remains the main focus, and Eric has even suggested that an option to disable the touchscreen might be added.
Another missing feature is call support. The watches won’t support Bluetooth Classic, which means no direct phone calls. While a workaround might eventually be possible, it won’t be a built-in feature. The built-in speaker is meant more for AI chatbot interactions than voice calls.
An interesting quirk is that the Core 2 Duo includes a barometer and compass, while the Core Time 2 does not. This wasn’t a strategic decision—Eric has said he added them as a favor to a friend. If you find them useful, great, but there’s no deeper reasoning behind their inclusion.
Worth noting is that iPhone users will get basic functionality—notifications, media playback control—but deeper integration might be limited. Apple’s restrictions on third-party smartwatch compatibility remain a hurdle, though EU regulations could force some changes in the future.
Apps, watch faces, and internal storage
All old Pebble apps and watch faces will work on these watches. On the Core Time 2, apps that haven’t been updated for the larger screen may display with a border, but that’s up to developers to fix. Internal storage is limited to 16MB, which is in line with older Pebbles but small by today’s standards.
Durability and long-term use
One of the biggest concerns among Pebble fans is durability—especially when it comes to the Core 2 Duo’s buttons. The original Pebble 2 suffered from buttons that would degrade and disintegrate within a year. While Eric has said that the new switches have been reinforced and tested for longer lifespans, he hasn’t confirmed whether the material itself has changed. Given the history of the Pebble 2, skepticism remains.
Eric has also set realistic expectations about how long these watches will last. While original Pebbles often lasted up to a decade, he’s made it clear that the Core watches probably won’t make it that long. Hitting the five-year mark might even be optimistic.
Repairability is another concern. The backs of the watches will be glued rather than screwed on, making them difficult to repair. Additionally, there’s no mention of spare parts being available, so if something breaks, users may be out of luck.
A niche project with a 30-day warranty
One of the more controversial aspects of the Core watches is the 30-day warranty. Eric has been upfront that his company isn’t structured for long-term customer support, and he doesn’t want buyers expecting a polished, mass-market product.
For European buyers, this could be an issue, as EU consumer laws typically require a longer warranty. Core is sidestepping this by operating as a China-based company, meaning EU buyers are effectively considered importers and aren’t covered by local protections.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
If you haven’t pre-ordered yet, don’t assume you’ll be able to buy one later. Eric has suggested that these watches will only be available while supplies last. A second production run isn’t completely off the table, but it’s far from guaranteed. As for colors, in addition to the current ones there will be a third color option for the Core Time 2. But Eric hasn’t revealed what it will be. Some fans have suggested a brushed metal finish, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
At the end of the day, this isn’t a mainstream smartwatch launch—it’s a niche passion project. To us, it sounds more like something akin to a crowdfunded project. Eric is building something for himself and other Pebble fans, not a mass-market device with long-term backing.
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