The Pebble Round 2 is showing signs of progress, but buyers will need to be patient. Anyone placing an order now for the smartwatch, priced at $199 before shipping, VAT, and customs fees, should expect delivery to arrive in December.
According to Core Devices, the delay is tied to challenges in producing the Pebble Round 2’s stainless steel case. The company says some manufacturing batches have seen unusually high defect rates, with as many as 85 percent of cases failing quality checks. While that has slowed final assembly, the rest of the smartwatch’s components are reportedly ready and waiting for enough approved cases to move production forward.
Despite the delay, the Pebble Round 2 remains an appealing option for fans of minimalist smartwatches and the Pebble-style experience. The watch is available in three color choices: silver, gold, and black. Buyers can also choose between 14 mm and 20 mm strap options, giving the device more flexibility for different wrist sizes and style preferences.
One of the biggest upgrades is its larger 1.3-inch MiP display. This memory-in-pixel screen is designed to offer excellent outdoor visibility while helping preserve battery life. More than 1,400 watch faces and apps have already been optimized for the display, giving users plenty of customization options from the start.
The Pebble Round 2 does not try to compete with modern fitness-focused smartwatches. It does not include a heart rate sensor or advanced health-tracking tools. Instead, it focuses on what many Pebble fans valued most: simplicity, long battery life, readability, and an open software experience.
Its slim 8.1 mm stainless steel body is one of its standout features, making it noticeably thinner than many current smartwatches. Combined with an open-source operating system and claimed battery life of up to 14 days, the Pebble Round 2 is aimed at users who want a lightweight smartwatch that handles notifications, apps, and watch faces without needing to be charged every day.
For those who miss the original Pebble philosophy, the Pebble Round 2 could be worth the wait. If Core Devices can resolve the stainless steel case production issues, the watch may stand out as a rare modern smartwatch built around efficiency, customization, and simplicity rather than endless health sensors and bulky hardware.
