Pixel Watch 5 Discovered Underwater by Game Developer’s Friend During Scuba Diving

Google Pixel Watch 5 was accidentally discovered on the ocean floor during a scuba diving trip in the Caribbean. The discovery was reported by Randy Pitchford, co-founder of Gearbox Software and widely known for the “Borderlands” RPG shooter series. The emergence of a next-generation smartwatch prototype, yet to be officially announced by Google, from the ocean depths has become one of the most unusual product leaks in recent years.

Report from the Depths

On May 31, 2026, Pitchford shared the discovery on his X (formerly Twitter) account. According to his post, a friend found the watch while scuba diving near St. Martin Island a few days earlier.

In the post, Pitchford wrote, “My friend found this watch a few days ago while scuba diving near St. Martin Island. The back of the watch is marked with ‘Google Pixel 5,’ and it’s something that hasn’t been announced or sold yet.” While Pitchford referred to the device as “Pixel 5” in his post, the back of the device clearly states “Pixel Watch 5,” making it evident that this is an unannounced model of a smartwatch.

Pitchford further revealed that his friend asked him to examine the device, assuming he might have connections in the tech industry.

Condition and Features of the Device

According to the photos shared by Pitchford, the back of the discovered device bears the inscriptions “Google” and “Pixel Watch 5.” It also mentions a heart rate sensor and a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) chip. The external design appears to retain the bubble-style aesthetics seen in the Pixel Watch 4.

Pitchford described the device’s condition as decent overall. Although the battery was dead, the watch was still displaying the time, suggesting it was functional despite having been submerged underwater. This implies the device might have a certain level of water resistance.

Pitchford later reported that he arranged for the device to be returned to its rightful owner.

Authentic or Fake?

Whether this discovery is a genuine prototype of the Pixel Watch 5 or a counterfeit remains unclear at this point. Multiple tech media outlets, including Engadget and Kotaku, have covered the story, but no definitive conclusions have been reached.

Kotaku noted that it’s unlikely Google would involve Pitchford in a deliberate marketing stunt for such a leak. At the same time, the fact that the discovery was made by someone with Pitchford’s prominence in the entertainment industry raises questions about the authenticity of the scenario.

A notable precedent occurred in 2007 when an Apple employee left a prototype iPhone 4 in a bar, which then ended up in the hands of Gizmodo. In recent years, leaks have typically stemmed from supply chain sources or data mining, making this underwater discovery highly unusual.

Highlights of the Pixel Watch 5

From the leaked images, the following features of the Pixel Watch 5 can be inferred:

First, in terms of design, the Pixel Watch 5 appears to continue the bubble-style design language seen in the Pixel Watch 4, suggesting Google’s consistency in smartwatch aesthetics.

On the hardware side, the back of the device indicates the presence of a heart rate sensor and a UWB chip. The UWB technology enables precise short-range positioning and could potentially support features like digital car keys or smart home device controls.

However, the information gleaned from the leaked images is limited, and key specifications such as the processor, display, battery capacity, and additional sensors remain unknown.

Expected Launch Timeline

Google typically holds events between summer and fall each year to announce new Pixel-related products. As such, the Pixel Watch 5’s official specifications and design are expected to be revealed around August or September 2026.

It will also be interesting to see how Google addresses this leak. Companies often remain silent on leaks of unannounced products, but the unusual circumstances of this underwater discovery might prompt an official statement.

Looking back at the history of product leaks, there have been instances such as the iPhone left in a bar, PlayStation prototypes leaked from warehouses, and prototypes accidentally listed on second-hand marketplaces. However, the case of an unannounced smartwatch being found underwater is undoubtedly one of the most peculiar examples to date.

Points of Interest Going Forward

In the months leading up to its official announcement, more information about the Pixel Watch 5 could surface. If this discovery proves to be a genuine prototype, it might trigger further leaks from the supply chain or developer community.

On the other hand, if this leak were part of a deliberate strategy, it could spark discussions about Google’s innovative marketing methods. Either way, the discovery of the Pixel Watch 5 on the ocean floor is shaping up to be one of the most memorable product leaks of 2026.