Google Pixel watch 5 discovered on ocean floor ahead of official launch

Google has a veritable track record of device leaks ahead of launch, with Pixel phones and several other products often appearing in overview videos, hands-on previews, and unboxing clips online. This time, however, the reveal has come straight from the depths of the ocean.

A recent post has revealed that a Pixel Watch 5 prototype emerged from the Atlantic Ocean. Images of the smartwatch were shared by Randy Pitchford, the co-founder of Gearbox Software, the studio behind the Borderlands franchise.

In a post on X, Pitchford said the watch was discovered during a scuba diving session near the Caribbean island of St. Martin. He added that the wearable still had enough battery reserve to power on and display the time. Based on the images shared, the watch appears nearly identical to its predecessor.

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The rear of the smartwatch features several markings that reveal key specifications. Among them is an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, which appears to have protected the device's internals despite prolonged exposure to salt water. The markings also include Pixel Watch 5 branding and a "45mm" label, confirming that the upcoming wearable will retain the larger case size introduced with the Pixel Watch 4.

Additional markings point to a familiar suite of health and connectivity features, including a heart rate sensor, ultra-wideband (UWB) support, blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, a pulse sensor, and skin temperature tracking.

Beyond these details, reports suggest the Pixel Watch 5 could mark a significant shift for Google's smartwatch lineup by adopting a custom Tensor chipset, replacing the Qualcomm Snapdragon processors used in previous Pixel Watch model.

Reacting to the bizarre incident, Marques Brownlee commented, "This is maybe the most Google thing to ever happen."

Another user joked, "Okay, bad news boss, I lost the watch on vacation. But fortunately, it's at the bottom of the ocean, so no one is going to find it."

Beyond the jokes, some users questioned whether the incident was part of a marketing stunt. We could not independently verify the origin of the story, and this report is based on the details shared in the X post.