Eric Migicovsky, founder of Pebble, emphasizes that the 30-day warranty is designed to build customer trust.

Pebble’s founder, Eric Migicovsky, emphasizes that buyers of the new e-paper smartwatches should be aware of what they’re getting into and have confidence in Pebble’s commitment to resolve any issues, even with a limited warranty. “Trust is the most important factor,” Migicovsky shared in a recent interview. “Do people trust the product we’re creating and the team behind it?”

After reviving Pebble last year following the original company’s closure in 2016, the latest Pebble models maintain the familiar look but come equipped with enhanced technology, including larger e-paper displays. I was thrilled about Pebble’s comeback, especially since I missed the original models, but I hesitated due to the 30-day warranty. That’s roughly the same duration as the Pebble Time 2’s battery life, meaning you might not even get a chance to charge it before the warranty expires. I eventually ordered a Pebble Round 2, which I’m still waiting for, but others have voiced concerns regarding the warranty.

Some users have reported early hardware problems, such as the front glass cracking on the Pebble Time 2. In response, Migicovsky addressed these concerns in a blog post, revealing that Pebble has already replaced 330 Time 2 watches at no cost, out of more than 19,000 units in circulation.

Pebble’s blog states that they will continue to replace reasonable reports of glass cracking for free as long as possible, after which they may offer replacements at a significantly reduced price. They are also exploring the possibility of providing replacement parts for DIY repairs.

While Migicovsky hasn’t specified when changes might occur, he reassured that “an immensely small percentage” of watches have experienced these issues, adding, “It’s no trouble for us to offer free replacements for anyone facing a problem.”

“At every step, we’ve communicated clearly about what to expect and what the product will be like.” Pebble cautioned customers in their announcement for the Pebble 2 Duo and Pebble Time 2 that those seeking a “perfectly polished smartwatch” should reconsider, as “things might not last as long as you’d hope.”

“This is essentially a grassroots, bottom-up relaunch of something we love and wanted to see thrive,” Migicovsky explained. “In terms of product support, there are certain commitments we can make, and others we cannot.”

“You can expect a product that works well and brings you joy, but we can’t guarantee the same level of support that larger companies with extensive supply chains and global networks can provide. We simply don’t have that capability.”

“It’s a Pebble, through and through,” Migicovsky asserts. “If you enjoyed the first generation, you’re going to love this new iteration. However, it’s important to note that it’s not exactly the same as the original era.”