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| Pebble Round 2 has been further delayed. |
Fans of the rebooted Pebble smartwatch will need to exercise a little more patience. The highly anticipated Pebble Round 2 has hit another production snag, pushing back its expected delivery timeline despite the company being “very close” to starting mass production.
According to an update from Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky, the smartwatch hasn’t yet entered full-scale manufacturing. As a result, shipments for the Pebble Round 2 are now slated to begin in July, with the company aiming to have all pre-ordered units delivered by September. This marks the latest in a series of delays for the nostalgic wearable, which has generated significant buzz among fans of the original Pebble’s simple, long-lasting design.
A Tiny Indentation, a Big Hold-Up
In a remarkably transparent detailed X post, Migicovsky explained the root cause of the delay, which he discovered during a recent visit to manufacturing partners in China. The issue is purely cosmetic but has proven stubborn enough to halt production: a small indentation near the point where the strap lug connects to the watch case.
“The problem is being caused by the CNC machining process,” Migicovsky wrote. The tiny mark appears after the metal components are cut, leaving an imperfection that the Pebble team deemed unacceptable for final products. Rather than ship watches with this flaw, the company has opted to retool.
The fix involves adjusting the die used for the metal injection molding process. By refining the mold, Pebble aims to eliminate the need for the problematic CNC cut entirely, ensuring a smooth, clean surface around the lugs. While such delays are frustrating for backers, Migicovsky’s candid, blow-by-blow account of the manufacturing hurdle has been widely praised for its honesty.
What Else to Expect from the Pebble Round 2
Despite the delay, the Pebble Round 2 remains available for pre-order at $199. For that price, buyers can look forward to a modernized take on the classic Pebble formula:
- Display: A 1.3-inch e-paper screen capable of showing 64 colors and responding to touch input. The transflective e-panel remains the star of the show, offering excellent outdoor visibility.
- Battery Life: Thanks to the power-sipping e-paper technology, the Round 2 reportedly achieves around two weeks of runtime on a single charge – a figure that dwarfs most flagship smartwatches.
- Straps: Migicovsky confirmed that leather strap options will be available in black and brown, giving buyers a choice of classic finishes.
However, the Pebble Round 2 does make one conspicuous omission. Unlike virtually every other modern smartwatch on the market, it does not include a heart rate monitor. This might disappoint fitness enthusiasts, but it aligns with Pebble’s philosophy of focusing on notification management, battery life, and a minimalist user experience.
A Niche Worth Waiting For?
The Pebble brand, revived by Migicovsky after Google open-sourced the original Pebble OS, has always targeted a specific kind of user: someone who wants a always-on, readable display and week-long battery life without the complexity (or daily charging) of an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.
The Round 2 continues that tradition. It skips advanced health sensors and LTE in favor of simplicity, e-paper efficiency, and a lower price point. For those who pre-ordered, the July-to-September shipping window means a summer of waiting. But if the founder’s transparent updates are any indication, the team is committed to getting the details right – even if that means chasing out tiny machining marks one by one.
In the meantime, pre-orders remain open on the official Pebble website. Whether the extra wait will dampen enthusiasm or simply build more nostalgia-fueled anticipation is something only time (and September) will tell.
Quick @Pebble Round 2 update - we’re making progress but not in mass production (MP) yet!
— Eric Migicovsky (@ericmigi) June 8, 2026
TLDR
- Currently in beta testing (In US? Apply here to join https://t.co/0ibw8RHCX8)
- On track to start shipping Pebble Round 2 watches in July
- Current plan is to be finished shipping… pic.twitter.com/iQVIMl0Op9