Nostalgia is a powerful marketing tool. We all know it. I’ve been happily lost in the world of retro Gameboy games lately, reveling in their simplicity, addictive gameplay, and brilliant design. But nostalgia alone can’t save a product, and the new Pebble smartwatch, officially the Core 2 Duo, proves this point. While retro gaming holds up, the Core 2 Duo feels like a relic from a bygone era, a time when smartwatches resembled toys and tech enthusiasts desperately sought a glimpse of the future. The Pebble 2 served its purpose a decade ago, but in 2025, the watch landscape has evolved, leaving the Core 2 Duo stranded in the past.
Why the Pebble Core 2 Duo Misses the Mark
Pebble 2
I owned the original Pebble – a red and black model – and I enjoyed it at the time. However, technology has advanced significantly since then. Even back then, the Pebble felt clunky, its design and materials cheap. Limited choices existed for smartwatches back then. Now, the market overflows with options. Back in the day, wearable tech often branded you a geek (I speak from experience, having sported Google Glass). Tech companies struggled to marry technology with style, as evidenced by the ghastly 2014 LG G Watch.
Speaking of the LG G Watch, does anyone harbor nostalgic feelings for it? I doubt it. Yet, here we are with a $150 reissue of a similar, yet technically inferior, smartwatch. The Core 2 Duo isn’t a modern reimagining of the Pebble. Even its creator admits it’s virtually identical to the Pebble 2, utilizing old parts and a comparable spec sheet. The design? Bland. It’s not even offensively ugly like the G Watch.
The LG G Watch
If any other company released a plastic watch with a shapeless square body, a 1.26-inch monochrome non-touch display, no heart rate monitor, no dust resistance, and a $150 price tag in 2025, it would be ridiculed and forgotten. The Core Time 2, due later this year, offers a metal frame and a larger, color touchscreen for $225. While the creator’s story is compelling (read it here), the Core 2 Duo simply isn’t necessary in today’s market, given the abundance of superior alternatives.
Superior Alternatives to the Pebble Core 2 Duo
A person wearing a Swatch Moonswatch.
If you dislike smartwatches but are drawn to the Core 2 Duo’s minimalism, consider the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch. It’s a stylish plastic watch without any tech, offering a mature aesthetic without the dated look of the Core 2 Duo.
For those prioritizing long battery life, the Casio G-Shock DW-H5600 is a fantastic option. Its solar power eliminates charging worries. It also tracks fitness, monitors heart rate, displays notifications, and boasts a timeless design. It’s a robust, well-designed watch with smart features developed in collaboration with Polar.
A person wearing the Casio G-Shock DW-H5600.
If you’re looking to upgrade from an original Pebble, today’s smartwatches offer a significantly improved experience. iPhone users will find the Apple Watch Series 10 a seamless companion, while Android users should consider the OnePlus Watch 3. For extended battery life on Android, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5, with its low-power mode, is an excellent choice.
Nostalgia vs. Practicality
A person holding the Nokia 3210.
The Core 2 Duo might appeal to developers and “hackers” looking for a customizable platform. Nostalgia for the original Pebble is understandable. However, as the Nokia 3210 reissue demonstrated, nostalgia-driven re-releases are often more appealing in theory than in practice.
Expecting the Core 2 Duo to function like a modern smartwatch is unrealistic. Today’s smartwatches, and our relationship with constant connectivity, have evolved dramatically since 2012. The watch industry itself has undergone a transformation.
Watches: More Than Just Timekeepers
A person wearing the Casio Data Bank watch.
Watches are now desirable accessories, reflecting personal style and current trends. The Moonswatch craze of 2022 highlights this phenomenon. Smartwatches have contributed to this renewed interest in horology.
While the Pebble played a significant role in smartwatch history, its time has passed. Nostalgia alone can’t justify wearing a watch like the Core 2 Duo, especially when its technology feels outdated compared to modern smartphones.
For a truly retro wearable, consider the Casio CA53W Data Bank. This iconic 80s watch is affordable, boasts a five-year battery life, and represents a piece of wearable tech history that still looks great today.
The Core 2 Duo belongs in the history books, not on your wrist. The Pebble had its moment, but it’s time to move on.
