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Unreleased Pixel Watch 5 Prototype Recovered From Seabed Near St. Martin

Photos of the find test claimed water resistance for the unannounced watch and prompt new questions about how pre-release devices are handled.

Overview

  • Gearbox founder Randy Pitchford posted images on May 31 showing a smartwatch his friend reportedly recovered while scuba diving near St. Martin.
  • Photographs of the device’s underside carry legible markings reading “Pixel Watch 5,” a 45mm size, an IP68 rating, and labels for heart-rate, SpO2, skin temperature, EDA and UWB sensors.
  • Pitchford said the watch retained limited function and could display the correct time on a low-power reserve despite having been underwater.
  • Pitchford later updated that he had contacted the alleged owner and that arrangements were being made to return the prototype to them.
  • Google has not commented publicly, coverage links the images to earlier Pixel Watch 5 rumors about 41mm and 45mm models and a possible Tensor wearable chip, and some online users have expressed skepticism about the recovery’s circumstances.