Hardware

Cracking Open the Pebble Steel

By // June 16, 2014, 9:51 AM PST // billdetwiler

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  • Pebble Steel teardown

    The Pebble Steel is definitely more stylish than the original Pebble smartwatch, and thanks to its metal body and several design changes, it's also easier to disassemble.

    In this Cracking Open gallery, I walk you through the process of disassembling the Pebble Steel and give you a tour of the internal hardware. For a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, Pebble Steel teardown reveals easy-open case, removable components, and more storage.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Pricing

    As of publication, the Pebble Steel is available in Black Matte or Brushed Stainless finished for $249 (USD). Plastic versions of the Pebble are available in several colors for $150 (USD).

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Box contents

    Along with the Steel watch itself, the box contains both leather and metal bands, a screw drivers (for changing the bands), a charging cable, and product documentation.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Dimensions and weight

    According to Pebble's website, the Steel is 46mm (L) x 34mm (W) x 10.5mm (T). It weighs 1.97 oz.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Back button and charging port

    Pebble redesigned the charging port on the Steel.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Up, Select, and Down buttons

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Model 401S

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Original Pebble and Steel with leather band

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Original Pebble and Steel watch bodies

    Although heavier than the original Pebble watch, the Steel's body is slightly smaller.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Original Pebble and Steel buttons

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Original Pebble and Steel charging port

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Removing the Torx T4 back cover screws

    The back cover is held on with four Torx T4 screws.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Popping loose the back cover

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Removing the back cover

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Back cover removed

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Internal hardware

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Detaching the circuit board connector

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Removing the battery

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Popping loose the circuit board and battery assembly

    Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Removing the circuit board and battery assembly

    Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Watch body with attached components

    The Steel's "e-paper" display, button contacts, and internal plastic frame appear to be glued to the metal body. If any of the components were damaged, you could likely remove and replace the entire assembly, but as I want to reassemble this device in working order, I'm going to call this teardown complete.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: e-paper display

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Plastic internal frame

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Button contacts

    Between the internal frame and the metal body, you can see the button contacts.

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Single circuit board connector

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Circuit board and battery assembly - Top

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Circuit board and battery assembly - Bottom

    Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Fullriver 3.7V 1.30mAh battery

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Texas Instruments CC2564 Bluetooth Controller and vibration motor

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Circuit board

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  • Cracking Open Pebble Steel: Completely disassembled

    With the

    Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

Pebble Steel teardown

The Pebble Steel is definitely more stylish than the original Pebble smartwatch, and thanks to its metal body and several design changes, it's also easier to disassemble.

In this Cracking Open gallery, I walk you through the process of disassembling the Pebble Steel and give you a tour of the internal hardware. For a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, Pebble Steel teardown reveals easy-open case, removable components, and more storage.

Bill Detwiler/TechRepublic

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By Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...