Gearbox co‑founder Randy Pitchford posted photos on X claiming a friend recovered an unreleased smartwatch while scuba diving off St. Martin. The device bears clear Google and Pixel Watch 5 markings on its back, along with sensor labels for SpO2, EDA, heart‑rate and UWB. Its chassis appears finished, not a prototype encased in protective housing, and shows a rotating crown similar to earlier models.

Earlier leaks of Google’s wearables have surfaced in odd locations—a 2022 prototype was left in a U.S. restaurant, giving the world its first glimpse of the original Pixel Watch design. This ocean find differs because the unit seems operational despite a drained battery and retains IP68‑rated water resistance, suggesting durability testing may have already occurred. It hints Google will expand health tracking in future watches.

Google has not confirmed whether the recovered piece is an authentic Pixel Watch 5 prototype or a sophisticated counterfeit, and no official comment has been issued. If genuine, the watch’s apparent resilience could reassure consumers wary of water‑damage claims, while also highlighting the company’s ongoing challenges protecting hardware during development. The leak underscores prototype security challenges. The device may soon return to its original owner.