Google’s Stephen Curry Pixel Watch 5 is an expensive affair that ends at the strap

Google's upcoming Pixel Watch 5 Stephen Curry Special Edition is an expensive affair that ends at the strap, according to leaked marketing material. The special edition, priced at €579.99 in Europe, is based on the 45mm LTE Pixel Watch 5 and costs about €31 more than the regular 45mm LTE model, expected to be priced at €549. The main difference lies in the Stephen Curry-branded Sport Band, which uses a woven design with stone grey and taupe base, bright orange and brown stripes, Curry branding, and a "Lock In" message.

However, the water-repellent coating on the band is not permanent and can diminish or disappear with normal wear, environmental exposure, and regular use. Google also excludes damage caused by prolonged moisture exposure after the coating naturally degrades, making the €30.99 premium harder to justify. The standard Pixel Watch 5 already carries 5ATM and IP68 ratings, but the special edition's water-repellent coating is not as durable.

Overall, the special edition may appeal to Curry fans as a collector's version, but for everyone else, the regular Pixel Watch 5 offers the same core hardware without paying extra for a coating that Google itself says will eventually wear away.

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