Pebble watches are making a comeback!
Eric Migicovsky wants to bring back Pebble, and he’s not messing around. The founder of the iconic smartwatch is diving back into the world of wearable tech, working on a new Pebble-inspired device that sticks to the simple, quirky charm fans loved.
If you’re wondering why he’s doing this, it’s pretty straightforward: there’s still nothing quite like the old Pebble timepieces. Sure, the smartwatch market is flooded with high-tech gadgets, but Migicovsky isn’t impressed. He’s tried them all and, like many others, still finds himself strapping on his decade-old Pebble.
Pebble’s legacy isn’t over
For those who don’t remember, Pebble was a massive hit when it launched back in 2012. It was one of the first smartwatches to really get it right: an always-on e-paper display, battery life measured in days instead of hours, and a lightweight, no-frills design. But Pebble wasn’t just a watch—it was an idea. It was customizable, hackable, and accessible, with thousands of apps and watchfaces created by its community.
Even when Pebble folded in 2016 and was acquired by Fitbit, it refused to fade away. That’s thanks in no small part to Rebble, a group of dedicated fans who’ve been keeping the Pebble ecosystem alive. From maintaining web services to reviving the app store, Rebble has made sure that Pebbles still tick. By 2022, over 24,000 people were still actively using their Pebble watches—a staggering number for a product long out of production.
A new Pebble, same old vibe
Now, Migicovsky is channeling that loyalty into something new. The next Pebble will stay true to the original’s DNA: an e-paper screen that’s visible in sunlight, buttons for simple navigation, and battery life that doesn’t need constant babysitting. Like before, it will be hackable, letting users create custom apps and watchfaces. And it’s all made possible by Google’s decision to open-source PebbleOS. That was a necessary ingredient.
The project has a smaller, more sustainable scope this time around. Migicovsky isn’t planning on building a massive company or chasing investor money. He says the focus will be on keeping things simple, making something cool, and letting the community take part in its evolution.
The fans never left
What’s striking about Pebble is how its community has stuck around. The numbers from Rebble’s analytics give a glimpse into this loyalty: Pebble Time remains the most popular model, followed by Pebble Time Steel. Android users dominate the user base, largely because the iOS app disappeared in 2019.
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It’s clear that Pebble filled a niche that no other smartwatch has managed to replace. Fans love the simplicity, the utility, and the lack of over-the-top features. Migicovsky’s new project aims to bring all that back, with some modern updates sprinkled in.
A second chance
So, why now? According to Migicovsky, it’s because no one else stepped up. He waited years, hoping someone would make a worthy Pebble successor. When that didn’t happen, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
For anyone who’s missed Pebble—or just wants a smartwatch that doesn’t try too hard—this could be the comeback you’ve been waiting for. The first step? Sign up at rePebble.com and keep an eye on what’s next. It’s shaping up to be a fun ride.
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