The smartwatch landscape of 2025 has been unexpectedly shaken up by the return of a familiar name: Pebble. Reborn as “Core Devices,” the company has launched two new wearables, the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2. While not boasting cutting-edge technology, these devices, built with original Pebble components, e-paper displays, and the classic PebbleOS, represent something significant in the current smartwatch market. They offer a refreshing alternative to the feature-packed, often overwhelming, smartwatches of today.
This isn’t about technological superiority; it’s about a return to the core functionality of a watch, enhanced with smart features, not overshadowed by them. These retro throwbacks are a welcome change of pace.
Smartwatches Shouldn’t Replace Your Phone
The constant drive to add more features to smartwatches has led us astray. We’ve forgotten that the primary function of a watch is to tell time. The initial excitement of installing apps, customizing settings, and using miniature keyboards eventually fades, leaving us using our smartwatches primarily for timekeeping and notifications. This cycle pushes many back to simpler fitness trackers.
A smartwatch should complement a smartphone, not replace it. It should provide essential information at a glance, allowing you to decide whether a notification warrants pulling out your phone. This is precisely what the new Pebble watches offer. They facilitate quick checks and replies without aiming to replicate the full smartphone experience. This retro approach aligns perfectly with a growing trend in tech.
Retro Tech is Back in Style
The resurgence of Pebble coincides with a renewed interest in older technology among younger generations. Wired headphones, for example, are experiencing a revival, not solely for superior audio quality, but as a rejection of the wireless mainstream. The Core Devices Pebbles capitalize on this trend, offering a stark contrast to the ubiquitous Apple Watch aesthetic. They embrace the retro charm of 2010s tech, combining a classic look with modern connectivity. PebbleOS, despite its old-school appearance, remains functional and relevant, bridging the gap between the past and the present. This unique blend of old and new gives these watches a distinct appeal.
Embracing the “Watch” in Smartwatch
The Core Time 2 on a blue background.Core Devices
It’s unlikely these rebooted Pebbles will dominate the smartwatch market. Their older design, e-ink displays, and lack of fitness tracking limit their appeal compared to modern competitors. However, their inherent coolness and rejection of the “mini-smartphone” trend are undeniable. They prioritize the “watch” aspect of smartwatches, offering a simpler, less intrusive experience. The Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2 remind us of a time when smartwatches weren’t striving to be miniature smartphones, embracing their role as timepieces enhanced with smart capabilities. They represent a welcome return to the essentials.
