Pebble announces Pebble Time in Steel, modular smartstraps

Coming from a successful launch of its well-received Pebble Time coloured smartwatch, Pebble today revealed it would be offering a steel variant called the Pebble Time Steel which is coming in July.

The company also announced modular smartstraps system for developers to create accessory straps that would bring additional functionality to the Pebble Time such as increased battery life of more than a week, hear rate monitor, an NFC chip for payments, keyless car remote, or various others built into easily removable straps. Hit jump for all the details.

At its core, Time Steel is powered by the same system as Pebble Time…with a few tweaks. 

• Delicately crafted, CNC-finished 316L stainless steel case 
• Larger battery, up to 10 days of normal use 
• Same color e-paper display, now bonded directly to the top lens
• Available in Gunmetal Black, Silver Stainless, and Gold (you’re welcome, @CaliforniaLahve!)
• Includes two straps: fine leather and stainless steel 

Same great features as Pebble Time: 

• Comfortable, ergonomic design. 1mm thicker on Pebble Time Steel. 
• Water resistant. Swim, shower, run in the rain—all good (leather strap should not be submerged). 
• Built to last. Stainless Steel bezel with Gorilla Glass lens. 
• Customizable. Standard 22mm watch band with quick release mechanism. 
• Smartstrap ready. Magnetic charging port with data connection for smartstraps.

Time Steel starts shipping in July. Each reward package includes two straps (leather and stainless steel) for just $250, which is exclusive to Kickstarter. The regular retail price for this package will be $299.

Below are instructions for Pebble Time backers who want to shift to Steel or who want both.

But wait? I already backed Pebble Time, how is this going to work? 

#1 - If you choose to change your reward to Time Steel, you *won’t* lose your spot in line 

#2 - See #1. 

How To Update 

We’ve created two new reward tiers for Time Steel. Both tiers begin shipping in July. 

#1 - Pebble Time Steel Tier for $250: one Time Steel in one of the three colors along with 2 straps (fine leather and stainless steel). 

#2 - Combo Tier for $400: one Pebble Time and one Pebble Time Steel along with 2 straps (fine leather and stainless steel), your choice of colors for both watches. 

You will be able to make your choice of color(s) after the completion of the campaign. 

Backers wishing to upgrade from a Pebble Time to a Time Steel should switch to the single Time Steel tier. 

Backers wishing to add a Pebble Time Steel in addition to their Pebble Time should select the combo tier. We will ship out each watch separately, so you don’t have to wait until July to get your Pebble Time.

One thing to be aware of 

If you are an Early Bird backer, and you switch to a Time Steel tier, it’s unlikely you will be able to switch back to the Early Bird tier should you change your mind. There are a limited number of spots in the early bird tier, and your spot will likely be taken the moment you switch out.