Category: Watch Reviews

In the world of horology, few timepieces command the same level of allure and prestige as gold watches. Even diamonds, considered a “lady’s best friend”, do not have as much classical essence as gold watches. And its history dates back centuries.

In recent times, gold watches have taken on different forms for different folks. There is a watch to cater to every desire, from luxurious solid gold watches to affordable gold-plated ones.

And we are here to further whet your appetite with our list of the 15 best gold watches from affordable to luxury. Beyond catering to diverse tastes and preferences, each watch on our list tells a unique story that will capture your heart and pockets and elevate your style. Check it out!

About Gold Watches

It’s hard to pinpoint when gold found its way into watchmaking, but one thing’s for sure. It pre-dates modern wristwatches to the era of sundials, hourglasses, towers, and domestic clocks.

For starters, manufacturers coated the metal hands of tower clocks with gold in the 13th and 14th centuries. And, of course, when pocket watches, like the French Onion Watch, were developed, they were often made into gold cases.

At the onset, gold was a perfect canvas for craftsmanship and artistic expression. It’s malleable (can be easily shaped) and highly corrosion-resistant. 

However, due to their rarity and inherent value, they soon caught the attention of nobles, aristocrats, and high society. The first gold watches on record were purportedly owned by Queen Elizabeth I of England and were often embellished with jewels like pearls, rubies, and emeralds. 

Furthermore, gold also has a heavy presence in marine chronometer manufacture due to its anti-corrosive nature, as mentioned earlier. While this has relatively dwindled since the discovery of stainless steel, dive and marine-inclined watches are still designed with gold of all karats.

Beyond their intrinsic beauty, gold watches symbolize more than just a means to check the hour. They are often synonymous with luxury and sophistication. It is an eye-catching piece that makes the wearer appear to have refined taste and an appreciation for classy culture. More commonly, gold watches serve as a family heirloom and a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and life achievements.

What To Look For In Gold Watches?

Gold watches have had an ever-evolving presence in the watch industry. In the early days, gold watches were highly sought after as a status symbol among the wealthy elite. But then stainless steel watches became a feature that made top-tier watches affordable in the 20s. Interest in gold watches plummeted with the advent of quartz watches, and now, with the onset of the digital revolution, more premium was placed on functionality and accuracy.

Nevertheless, gold watches have experienced a rebirth, rightfully taking back their place in the industry. One can now own an affordable gold watch with an authentic movement and some digital features. And if luxury does it for you, several high-priced gold watches are available on the market. What really matters when shopping for a gold watch is knowing what works for you.

Keeping your preference in mind, here are some essential aspects to consider before buying a gold watch:

Watch Design

While the allure of the precious metal often takes center stage in a gold watch, its design is also a crucial aspect. Whether you are drawn to classical designs or contemporary creations, the design of your gold watch speaks volumes about your taste and passions.

When exploring gold watches, it is crucial to consider the shape and size of the watch case, especially if you are on a budget. Depending on their purity, larger gold watch cases will cost more than smaller ones, as they require more gold. 

A large gold watch could also add some weight to your wrist than smaller ones. Conversely, more prominent cases are great conversation starters as they draw more attention to this wrist.

Along with the case size, you should also consider the dial’s design. The primary function of a watch is to tell the time. So go for a legible design that you can read clearly despite its pearl inlays and other embellishments. Then find a comfortable strap material to go with it. It could be a leather strap or a gold bracelet, whichever works for you.

Gold Karat

Knowing the different gold categories is crucial in selecting a gold watch, as it determines the appearance and durability of the watch. Gold purity is measured in karats, and in its pure form is 24 karats. In this state, you’re getting 99.9% shiny yellow gold, hypoallergenic (safe for sensitive skin). However, it’s too soft to be used to make watches, durable ones with a shape at least.

So most gold watches are a mixture of pure gold and other metals, called a gold alloy, which enhances strength and durability. It’s the percentage of the mixture that’s classified into 18 karats, 14 karats, and 10 karats quality. For instance, an 18-karat gold watch comprises 75% pure gold and 25% other metals such as zinc, silver, or copper, while a 10-karat gold watch contains only 41.7% gold.

Some other common gold variations include white gold (a combination of gold and white metal) and rose gold (a mixture of yellow gold and copper).

Gold Plated vs. Solid Gold

Choosing between gold-plated and solid gold watches is a matter of taste and budget. While each option has its perks, understanding their differences is critical to making an informed decision. 

Gold-plated watches, like regular watches, have a metal base, which could be stainless steel or brass. However, the base metal is often coated with a thin layer of gold through electroplating. 

Since minimal gold is used in making gold-plated watches, they are more affordable, weigh less and have broader design variations. At the same time, they are less durable, have limited value retention, and individuals may experience skin reactions from the base metal.

Alternatively, solid gold watches are either crafted entirely from pure gold or with gold alloys. So it’s no surprise they are more elegant, durable, and will catch a crowd’s attention easily. Since they are built to stand the test of time, they often make for heirloom pieces. On the flip side, they cost a leg and head and weigh a ton on the wrist compared to stainless steel or titanium alternatives.

The Best Gold Watches You Can Get Today

So without further delay, here is our list of the 15 best gold watches you can buy today:

Casio A168WG-9

First on our list is the Casio A168WG-9 watch – a legendary timepiece that effortlessly blends retro charm with cutting-edge technology. It boasts a sleek design with a case size of 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6mm, making it a versatile option for both men and women. It is a lightweight watch, with its stainless steel case and bracelet collectively weighing 49g.

If you want an affordable gold watch, go for the Casio A168WG-9. This, unsurprisingly, is because the watch’s case is not made from pure gold or gold alloys. Instead, the case and bezel are made from gold-tone resin, which is very durable. 

Beyond its stylish facade, this watch holds practical and technologically advanced features like a digital display, electro-luminescent backlight, stopwatch functions, water resistance, a built-in alarm, and a seven (7) year battery life powered by a reliable CR2016 battery.

Pricing: Approximately $45.00

Timex Q Reissue 38mm(ref. TW2U62000ZV)

Here’s another incredibly affordable gold timepiece that pays tribute to the past while embracing present innovations. Of course, as opposed to solid gold, the watch’s stainless steel case and bracelet are gold-plated. As the name suggests, the case measures 38mm in diameter and is 11.5mm tall. It’s not exactly sleek, but it will surely slip nicely under your cuff for a dressy appeal.

First released in the 1970s, the new Timex Q Reissue 38mm has improved color variations and a functional battery hatch. It is powered by a quartz movement, which promises accurate timekeeping and provides a practical day-and-date function at 3 o’clock.

Pricing: Approximately $199.00

Brew Metric Max Gold

The Brew Metric Max Gold is one gorgeous piece of art with an equally attractive price tag that leaves you in awe. It’s—permit the pun—a perfect pairing timepiece for a day at the cafe enjoying a hot brew. Brew Watches have a thing for espresso machines and coffee, so I’m not surprised. 

With a 36mm diameter and 10.75mm thickness, the Max Gold will look good on any wrist with its tonneau-like face. The contrasting blend of gold and black on the recessed dial adds style and legibility to the watch. Speaking of gold, the timepiece has a stainless steel 316L base, which isn’t a surprise at this point. However, its durability is reinforced by a PVD gold coating and a scratch-resistant sapphire glass covering.

Pricing: Approximately $475.00

Tissot PRX Gold (ref. T137.410.33.021.00)

The Tissot PRX Gold (ref. T137.410.33.021.00) is a comeback of the 1978 version. Its dimensions of 40mm in diameter and 10.4mm thick strike a harmonious balance between graceful proportions and a bold presence. However, the watch is not necessarily eye candy because the yellow-gold PVD coating is quite dull. 

The tonneau-shaped 316L stainless steel case graces the wrist with effortless charm. And the charm is more pronounced in low-light conditions, where the luminescent indexes and hands on the champagne-colored dial light up.

Interestingly, the Tissot PRX Gold comes with an end-of-life battery indicator. This means that when the battery is almost exhausted, the second hand will move at a four-second increment instead of every second.

Pricing: Approximately $495.00

Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic (ref. H38475751)

Looks, they say, can be deceiving, but there is no mystery to this watch. With the Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic (ref. H38475751), what you see is what you get. Well, at a glance, it might be hard to tell that you have a $900+ watch on. But the watch is as simple as any retro watch can be.

It is a classic Hamilton that marries classic vintage style with modern sophistication. So you get a stainless steel case with a PVD coating and a leather strap. It also runs on a Swiss Automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve, 50 meters of water resistance, a date window, and an open caseback.

Pricing: Approximately $995.00

Longines Master Collection Pink Gold Anthracite Dial (ref. L2.793.8.73.2)

In celebration of the brand’s 190th anniversary, Longines unveiled some watches from the Longines Master Collection. These watches are a testament to the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, and they come in different colors. The Longines Master Collection ref. L2.793.8.73.2 comes in an 18k pink gold case with an anthracite dial powered by the brand’s signature L888 automatic movement.

One can easily view the movement and its unique pink oscillating weight through the open case back, which has a sapphire crystal covering. With a 72-hour power reserve, you can leave the watch on display in your closet for three days without needing to wind it.

Pricing: Approximately $12,000

Tudor Black Bay 58 18K Gold (ref. M79018V-0001)

If you want a worthy, luxury statement piece, consider buying the Tudor Black Bay 58 18K Gold (ref. M79018V-0001). The 18ct yellow gold case and unique green-colored dial are sure to make onlookers green with envy. That’s not all; the watch also boasts a 200m water resistance, which makes it invincible for water-based activities.

At the heart of this timepiece is Tudor’s COSC-certified MT5400 movement, which guarantees accurate timekeeping and 70 hours of power reserve. The watch is adorned on the outside by a domed dark brown alligator strap and an 18ct yellow gold buckle.

Pricing: Approximately $17,400

Oris Big Crown Wings of Hope (ref. 01 401 7782 6081-Set)

Oris, in 2022, released 1000 copies of two limited edition timepieces on the market in support of an aeronautical charity, Wings of Hope. One of the limited edition designs came in a stainless steel case, and the other in an 18ct yellow gold. Oris Big Crown Wings of Hope (ref. 01 401 7782 6081-Set) is the 38mm solid gold case variant designed with a screw-in security crown, an anti-reflective sapphire glass in front, and see-through sapphire glass with engravings at the back.

Since it only has a 50m water resistance, you’ll want to think twice about placing it in water. But you shouldn’t shy away from wearing it in the dark, as the white dial features numerals and hands coated in SuperLumiNova.

This watch reflects your taste in luxury and compassion since every purchase of this watch equals a donation to Wings of Hope.

Pricing: Approximately $17,000

Breguet Classique Automatic White Gold (ref. 5157BB/11/9V6)

Breguet is a watchmaking legend that has adorned the wrists of royalty and enthusiasts for centuries. And this Breguet Classique Automatic White Gold (ref. 5157BB/11/9V6) holds the trademark classy yet minimalist air of luxury. Aside from its simple, uncluttered look, you’ll notice signature detailing, like the intricate guilloche pattern on the dial, the coin-edge case, and the iconic open-tipped Breguet hands.

With its sleek profile—38mm in diameter and barely 5.40mm thick—you’ll barely feel the weight of the 18-karat white gold on your wrists. Paired with an alligator leather strap, it slips under cuffs discreetly, making it the ultimate understated luxury gold wristwatch.

Pricing: Approximately $19,800

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Sedna Gold (ref. 220.53.41.21.13.001)

Fitted nicely in a 41mm wide and 13.2mm thick 18ct Sedna gold case, even the uninitiated can tell the Aqua Terra isn’t a dress watch. Rather, it’s a sports watch, one of the most iconic luxury sports watches, known for its amphibious prowess. The 18-karat gold is formed with the same yellow gold used to forge the first-place Olympic medal. 

However, for a watch built for sea masters known to scour the breadths and depths of the ocean, one would expect it to have a little more than a 150m water resistance.

Water resistance aside, though, this gold Omega masterpiece pays tribute to its maritime heritage. The dial’s horizontal line patterns are inspired by the wooden decks of luxury sailboats. It also has timezone and date functions and is COSC-certified for accurate timekeeping on the high seas.

Pricing: Approximately $20,700

 Cartier Santos Medium Gold (ref. WGSA0031)

The Cartier Santos collection is a legendary luxury wristwatch. Over a century since its first release, the Santos has become the go-to timepiece for VIPs across industries and cultures and remains an enduring legend. 

Its design remains largely untainted, although, like most popular models, a prime candidate for knockoffs, especially in gold. The WGSA0031 Cartier Santos has telling features only a work of art can possess, like an 18-karat gold case and bracelet, a heptagonal crown with a sapphire cut, and blued-steel sword-shaped hands that look like ties.

Not to mention some more inconspicuous details on the 35mm luxury watch, such as the screws, Roman numeral indexes, and milky-white dial.

Don’t look any further if you’re after a solid gold watch that’s dressy and flashy but not in a way that draws unwanted attention. This Cartier Santos in rose gold fits the description.

Pricing: Approximately $32,200

Rolex Day-Date 40 Gold President Green Dial (ref. 228238-0061)

Of course, no gold watch list, or luxury watch list, for that matter, is complete without featuring a Rolex. The Swiss brand has designed regal pieces that have adorned the wrists of esteemed leaders and dignitaries, and the Day-Date 40 Gold President Green Dial (ref. 228238-0061) is an icon in that regard. 

In typical fashion, every single feature of the watch is a signature of the brand, from the 40mm 18ct yellow gold Oyster case to the lacquered green dial, the mechanical Caliber 3255 with automatic self-winding, day-date apertures, and the three-piece links President bracelet.

Pricing: Approximately $70,000

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Pink Gold (ref. 4500V/110R-B705)

While the pink gold is a premium luxury, a major highlight of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Pink Gold (ref. 4500V/110R-B705) is its blue dial. Vacheron Constantin places emphasis on crafting dressy watches with simplicity, functionality, and ergonomics, and they hit the home run here. 

The perfect blue and pink gold blend across the dial, and the case is soothing. Even better are the legible hour markers, hands on the dial, simple date aperture at 3 o’clock, and easy switch strap system.

Powering this pink gold VC is a Hallmark of Geneva-certified caliber 5100 movement with a 60-hour power reserve and 37 jewels.

Pricing: Approximately $80,000

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin Yellow Gold (ref. 15202BA.OO.1240BA.01)

The Royal Oak Collection, introduced in 1972, revolutionized the world of luxury sports watches despite its premium price point. This is no surprise, given its distinctive appearance and attention to detail. Its bold octagonal bezel, eight hexagonal screws, polished and satin-brushed finishes, and “Tapisserie” dial pattern paint a trademark look even random folks recognize. 

These features are not lost on the Jumbo Extra Thin Yellow Gold (ref. 15202BA.OO.1240BA.01) model. However, AP amps things up by replacing the typical stainless steel, ceramic, or titanium case and strap with an 18ct yellow gold case.

Pricing: Approximately $150,000

Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref. 5811/1G)

Now to the Chanel and Fenty of wristwatches – Patek Philippe, a brand that needs no introduction. The Nautilus ref. 5811/1G features a distinctive octagonal case crafted from 18k white gold. 

The bold and modern lines of the case, combined with the rounded octagonal bezel and horizontal grooves on the sunburst dial, are truly iconic. The luminous hands and markers ensure optimal legibility, even in low-light conditions, while the date window at 3 o’clock adds a practical touch to the watch’s functionalities.

While the watch does share an affinity with the original Nautilus 1976, the Nautilus 5811/1G features enhanced water resistance of up to 120m and a slightly bigger 41mm case. Beyond these improved features, the Nautilus in white gold stays true to its sporty essence, embodying the spirit of luxury and adventure.

Pricing: Approximately $180,000

Conclusion

Whether celebrating a life achievement, a promotion, an engagement, or looking to splurge, timekeeping takes on a new dimension with a gold wristwatch. They are not only ostentatious acquisitions but also a symbol of wealth, class, and success. And gold watches ​​can be more than meets the eye for savvy enthusiasts. Any gold wristwatch model offers astounding resale value if kept in mint condition, making it a good investment option.

Use this guide as a beacon to navigate the world of gold watches. You’ll find an affordable, iconic, classy, dressy, flashy, or even understated model that tickles your fancy. 

Are you an outdoorsy and active person? Do you like to run, bike, hike and swim? Are you someone who’s concerned with maintaining and improving health? Are you an athlete, or do you want people to think you’re more athletic?

Heck, even if you’ve never done yoga but wear the pants to walk around Target and eat popcorn while shopping, you might benefit from a smartwatch. Smartwatches have increased in popularity in recent years, and they’re not just for nerds anymore. Long gone are the days when the digital watch’s biggest feature was a wrist calculator. 

But which smartwatch is the right one for you? There are many options out there, including headliners like Apple and Samsung. However, kidding aside, if you really are serious about fitness and tracking your runs, bikes, climbs, and swims (and making sure you find your way home from your off-the-beaten-path adventures), you might consider a Garmin and especially the Fenix 7.

If you’re unfamiliar with Garmin watches, you might know the name as a satellite GSP provider from back in the day, an important feature they continue with their watch lines. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of the Garmin Fenix 7. We’ll examine the various versions of this watch that are available to compare and contrast.

We’ll also consider the standout features, performance, smartphone/app connection, and real-world applications of this smartwatch, exploring all it has to offer. Wearable tech is where it’s at these days, and Garmin is a leader in that space. Is the Garmin Fenix 7 right for you? Let’s find out!

History of Garmin Watches

Founded by a group of engineers, Garmin’s humble beginnings were in Lenexa, Kansas. They would grow to become a leader in handheld GPS navigation, initially for pilots, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts, eventually moving into automobile navigation and wearables for the broader public.

Today Garmin is a multi-billion dollar public company headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. In the early 2000s, Garmin introduced its first wearable product, the Forerunner 101, which became the first fitness-centric GPS watch.

The product grew in popularity among athletes and runners for its accuracy and reliability in tracking, timing, and pacing workouts. This was Garmin’s first step in bringing their GPS expertise to a wearable product, and it would open the doors to more product lines. 

Garmin has managed to stand out among competitors like Fitbit, Apple, and Activity Tracker in the wearable fitness space. Of course, the Garmin Fenix 7 is their flagship smartwatch, but there are other notable collections to consider from them, including:

Forerunner Series: This aforementioned series is what started it all for Garmin in watches. They have specific models made especially for runners and those athletes needing to track workouts and train. They’re far less expensive, in contrast to the Fenix 7 and some of Garmin’s other collections, like the MARQ collection.

But if you don’t need all the features of the Fenix and you’re primarily a runner, this is an excellent model to consider. 

Venu Series: These are some of the most stylish smartwatches Garmin offers, with their eye-catching AMOLED displays. Perfect for those looking for health and lifestyle features from their watch without sacrificing their fashion sense. The AMOLED displays a big, bright, and high resolution. Even higher resolution than the Fenix. They even have a similar style to the Apple watch in the shape of the case and the digital “analog” display of watch hands and markers, which one would find on more traditional timepieces. 

Approach Series: These are targeted at golfers who want to improve their game with shot tracking features, golf course mapping, and analysis. These also include the AMOLED displays, which are great for displaying golf course maps and helping golfers do things like measure distances, keep track of strokes, and even provide animations and analysis of one’s game to help one improve. Of course, like the Forerunner, this smartwatch is very specific in what it offers and doesn’t have the versatility of the Fenix. 

Instinct Series: This collection is primarily focused on meeting the needs and providing valuable tools to runners and athletes. The smartwatch offers sports apps for everything from American football to soccer. It also includes some of the primary health-tracking tools to keep one in shape and aware of potential heart issues. It further provides a solar-powered option to keep the watch changed indefinitely. It doesn’t offer the full multisport options of the Fenix, nor does it have the versatility in style and color combinations, but it offers all the basics at a lower price point than the Fenix. 

Garmin has come a long way since Kansas, literally and figuratively, and they’re one to seriously consider in the wearable smartwatch game.

Garmin Fenix 7: In-Depth Review

The Fenix 7 is Garmin’s flagship smartwatch, and its sheer volume of features alone is impressive. If you’re an active person, you’re going to find this smartwatch to be incredibly useful whether you’re a runner, golfer, traveler, or you’re health conscious, as there are useful tools for all the major outdoorsy sports, health tracking, and other practical life uses.  

Design

The smartwatch offers a sleek design with a steel bezel, a black resin case, and a black strap. There are other bands that can be purchased and easily switched out, including bands of leather, fabric, and metal. The bright, beautiful color screen display comes in different size options to display turn-by-turn directions on the road and off the road. The watch is perfect for outdoor use and everyday wear.

Build Quality & Durability

This timepiece is made to withstand practically everything nature and an active lifestyle can throw at it. The bezel is made of stainless steel and the case of a fiber-reinforced polymer (resin) with a steel caseback. The strap is made of silicone with a steel tang buckle. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters. The case measures 47mm x 47mm x 14.5mm. 

Display

The color display is 1.3”, which offers enough screen real estate to appreciate maps and practical intel, allowing for far more than a simple time-telling function. This is a touchscreen that is pretty responsive even when wet or with gloves on. However, the touchscreen can also be disabled for times when you don’t want to accidentally activate something, like when one is sleeping, for example. 

Smartwatch Features

The timepiece includes the following features: time/date, GSP time sync, automatic daylight, alarm, timer, stopwatch, sunrise/sunset times, heart rate, abnormal heart rate alerts, respiration rate, pulse/ox, fitness age, body energy monitor, stress monitor, relaxation breathing timer, breathwork, sleep score and insights, hydration, women’s/men’s health, jet lag adviser, GPS, compass, thermometer and accelerometer, weather, music among many others. 

It’s also a smartwatch, which means it connects with your smartphone and app. The time can be adjusted from the smartphone app, as well. 

Sports & Activity Features

This watch has the ability to track miles run or biked, floors climbed, calories burned, and distance traveled. It also offers training features like pacing, cardio/strength/yoga/pilates workouts. There are even muscle maps displayed and on-screen workout animations. Basically, this watch can act like a digital trainer. 

Health & Wellness Tracking

This smartwatch comes with sensors that can measure heart rate, including resting and your heart’s activity, as one goes about their daily routine. It will also measure blood oxygen levels. If you wear the watch overnight, it can track your sleep patterns. The Fenix will not only track these things and store the data in the app but will provide feedback and analysis to help one improve their health scores.

GPS & Navigation

Of course, Garmin has always been known for its excellent GPS navigation, but now one has the power of that on their wrist. The Fenix can help one on the road when traveling by car and not only give turn-by-turn directions but alert one about food and coffee spots, rest stops, gas stations, etc. These GPS functions are not only useful when traveling by car but also walking in the city or off the beaten path. Further, one can even download golf course maps and other useful maps and intel for an active life, like hiking and mountain climbing maps. 

Battery Life

This smartwatch only needs to be charged every 18 days, with normal daily use. In battery save mode or GPS-only mode, it can last for up to 57 days. When operating all satellite functions while listening to music, it can last for up to 10 hours—plenty of time for all your outdoor adventures and exercise routines. 

The Garmin Fenix 7 is designed to help one get better at just about everything in their daily and weekly routine. Whether one is trying to improve their health, fitness training, listen to music, get text messages on the go, or explore our world with confidence that you can always find your way back on the paved roads and the unpaved ones. 

Garmin Fenix 7 Models Comparison

The Garmin Fenix 7 comes in different sizes, including 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. There are various versions of the Fenix 7 besides the Standard. They include: Solar, Sapphire Solar, Pro/Solar, and Pro/Sapphire Solar. 

Price

The Standard is priced at $649.99 for the 42mm and 47mm and $899.99 for the 51mm. The Standard only comes in one size, 47mm, and one configuration, a silver bezel and a graphite band color. It also comes with 16GB of storage. There are also the 7S and 7X editions of the Standard that come in different sizes and color combinations. 

The Solar is priced at $699.99 for the 42mm and 47mm and $799.99 for the 51mm. To clarify, the basic Solar only comes in one size, 47mm, and one configuration, which is a slate gray bezel and a black band. There are others, like the 7S Solar Edition, that is 42mm and comes with a rose gold bezel and light sand band, among other configurations. 

The Sapphire Solar is $100 more in each size category (42/47mm and 51mm). The Sapphire Solar comes in 42mm and two configurations, either a carbon gray titanium bezel with a black bland or a dark bronze titanium bezel and shale gray band. Other editions with 47mm and 51mm cases have different titanium bezels and strap color options. 

The Pro Solar and Sapphire Solar are the same price. The difference is that the Pro Solar has a slate gray stainless steel bezel and a black band, in contrast to the Sapphire Solar, which has a titanium bezel. The other difference is in screen protection, the Pro Solar is glass, and the Sapphire Solar is, as the name implies, sapphire crystal. Both come in at $899.99.

The Pro Sapphire Solar starts at $899.99 and goes up to $999.99. The Pro Sapphire Solar, at the lowest price, offers a 42mm case with a titanium bezel in carbon gray with a black band or a soft gold bezel with a light sand band. 

At $899.99, it can be had with a 47mm case with a carbon gray titanium bezel and black band or a titanium fog gray bezel and ember orange band. At $999.99, it can be had in a 51mm case with either a carbon gray titanium bezel and black band or a fog gray bezel with the ember orange band. Of course, all the versions of the Pro Sapphire Solar include solar, titanium bezels, and sapphire screens.  

Features

As the names imply, Solar is a solar-powered watch. This is convenient if one wants the freedom to be untethered. 

The Sapphire model has a sapphire crystal protecting the dial, which is superior to the Standard’s gorilla glass, against scratches and cracks. 

The Pro Solar will last 37 days on a single charge. The watch offers a built-in flashlight. Of course, the Pro/Sapphire Solar offers that plus sapphire crystal. 

Style

The Standard, as previously explored, offers a steel bezel, black resin case, and a black silicone strap with a tang buckle or it can be had with a white silicone strap. 

The Solar comes in all black with red accents or a rose gold-tone bezel with a light gray silicone strap. 

Sapphire Solar can be had with a titanium bezel in all black or brown with a medium gray strap. 

Pro Solar looks like the Standard. 

Pro Sapphire Solar comes in all black (or what Garmin calls carbon gray) with a steel or titanium bezel or a silver-colored bezel with a light gray strap. 

Should You Buy A Garmin Fenix 7? 

Some people favor an analog or hybrid timepiece. If that’s you, Garmin has some hybrids to offer. But, if you’re looking for traditional, analog watches with automatic movements, Garmin can’t help you, and the Fenix 7, specifically, won’t be the right watch for you. However, if you’re looking for a smartwatch and are active, outdoorsy, health-conscious, and reasonably tech-savvy, the Fenix 7 should be on your list of smartwatches to consider. 

There are other great smartwatches out there. If you’re committed to the Apple or Android ecosystems, you might want to find a smartwatch designed to work with all those products. There are also brands like Fitbit, Suunto, and Polar, but the Garmin 7 is pretty unique.

Garmin Fenix 7 Alternatives

The Garmin Fenix 7 is a great all-rounder, but there are a few competitors to consider. Coros Vertix 2 is a solid choice with double the standard storage of the Fenix 7 for the same price. However, it does require a larger wrist. 

The Polar Vantage V2 is Polar’s top smartwatch. The Vantage V2 offers fewer features than the Fenix 7 but still offers many of the basic must-have features of the Garmin for half the price. Some feel the Fenix 7 is overkill, and a more budget-friendly option might be a great alternative. 

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is another budget-friendlier option if one wants to stay with the Garmin brand and can sacrifice some of the bells and whistles.

However, staying with Garmin, let’s dive deeper into some of their alternative models. 

Garmin Vivoactive 4

The Vivoactive 4 comes in two case sizes, 40mm and 45mm. It also comes in four color options: A steel bezel with a medium gray band with a tang buckle. Note this is the only one that comes in 45mm, and that’s the only size option for this color; all the other colors are 40mm. The second color is a rose gold tone steel bezel with a pink strap.

The third is a rose gold tone steel bezel with a white strap. The fourth is a steel bezel with a light gray strap. This model has a stainless steel bezel and a polymer (resin) case. The face of the watch is protected by gorilla glass and is water resistant up to 50 meters.

This model weighs 50.5 grams. The straps are all made of silicone, and all of them offer a quick-release system that calls the bands to be easily switched out for other colors and styles. In smartwatch mode, the battery will last for about 8 days. It offers 18 hours of GPS usable and about 6 hours of GPS and music usage. 

While this model doesn’t offer quite the exhaustive list of features the Fenix 7 does, it has all the basics and then some. Regardless of size and color selection, this model is priced at $329.99

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)

The Epix Pro is another top-of-the-line multisport watch from Garmin. If you want the Pro version, it only comes in one size, 47mm. Some of the alternative Epix versions come in 42mm and 51mm. It comes in slate gray with a black band. The bezel material is stainless steel, and the case is a resin. 

It’s protected by gorilla glass and is water resistant to 100 meters. It has a 1.3” diameter color screen and 32GB of storage. Like the Fenix, it has a touchscreen, which can be disabled. It also comes with many of the same features offered by the Fenix 7, but where it really stands out from the Fenix 7 is with its AMOLED screen, which is brighter and higher resolution. 

The battery life can last 16 days (21 in power save mode). The Epix is fairly similar in specs to the Fenix in all other battery categories. Overall, it’s a nice-looking, sleek watch, but it doesn’t offer the various style and color combinations that the Fenix does. 

Price: $899.99

Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2)

Billed as a modern tool watch, the MARQ Athlete Gen 2 is impressive. In a head-to-head comparison with the Fenix 7, both models offer many of the same features. The MARQ Athlete is more of a “hybrid” smartwatch.

It offers an analog-looking display option (though it’s an entirely digital dial) with watch hands, indices, and registers, which might make it a bit more versatile in that it can be dressed up. The smartwatch is all black, from the bezel and case to the silicone strap. The watch bezel and case are made of grade 5 titanium.

That’s one of the biggest areas where the MARQ Athlete is superior to the Fenix. Grade 5 titanium is light but quite rugged and designed to take a beating. Therefore, this timepiece is likely to last considerably longer than the Fenix. It’s also fitted with an AMOLED screen, like the Epix Pro, for a higher resolution. 

The display is 1.2mm in diameter and is protected by a domed sapphire crystal. The timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters and comes with 32GB of storage. The battery life is similar to the Fenix but slightly stronger. 

The Fenix and the MARQ Athlete offer many of the same features. The real differences are in the quality of the build materials, the screen, and the price. The Fenix also has more ways to customize it, with different case and screen sizes, colors, solar options, etc. The Fenix simply has more ways to customize and therefore raise or lower the price, in contrast to the MARQ Athlete. 

Price: $1,900.00

Closing Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a smartwatch, there are a lot of options out there. In fact, a lot are less expensive than the Garmin Fenix 7. The titanium Apple watch Ultra (Apple’s top-of-the-line) is roughly as expensive as the Standard Fenix and about half the price of a Garmin model like the MARQ Athlete. 

There are other smartwatches that can count steps and miles and even check one’s heart rate. Some think the Fenix smartwatch is overkill in all its features, and for most people, that might be true. 

Where Garmin really stands out and specifically the Fenix 7, is for those who need a true multisport smartwatch with off-the-beaten-path GPS guidance and tracking. If you’re someone that doesn’t just run but also cycle, hike, and swim, plus you like to golf on the weekends, then it’s hard to beat the Fenix 7. 

Garmin watches are great for athletes, active individuals, and people that want to keep track of their daily activities or some aspects of their health, which a particular Garmin watch provides. 

Their watches can also be styled casually or in corporate outfits, and they could also be worn for rigorous activities like workouts, hiking, or even during fieldwork. Picking the best Garmin watch could be overwhelming because of the many options. 

This is a peep into Garmin watches to give you a view of their 15 best men’s timepieces.

About Garmin Watches

Garmin is known as a brand that produces some of the best GPS watches worldwide, but they’ve added loads of features that make them fit for almost any sporting activity. 

Almost everyone I know that’s deep into fitness or sport owns a Garmin, and this is because their watches feature functions that are needed in nearly all fitness and sports activities. They have functions like a built-in fitness GPS, timer, Surfline camera, heart rate checker, music storage, and lots of other great features and functions. 

One aspect of Garmin I’ve recently fallen in love with is the community they have created. Millions of people use Garmin watches, and the company connects them all through the Garmin app, allowing users to share their fitness activities, compete, and create routines with other users.

The company was founded by Gary Buell and Min Kao in 1989, and their first design was a GPS receiver. They became a well-known brand for the best GPS systems and partnered with the US Army on different projects. 

Garmin started designing GPS watches for fitness and sport in the early 2000s, and runners, cyclists, and many other athletes found them very useful, and they became well known. Garmin has become one of the most popular sports watch brands, and their watches are known for their durability, accuracy, and functionality.

What to Look For in Garmin Watches for Men?

If all Garmin watches come with top-notch features, you may be wondering what to look for when trying to get one. These are a few things:

Training Modes

Different athletes use Garmin watches for various sports and fitness activities, and they also come with different training modes like cycling, swimming, running, diving, and many others. 

Some of their watches have multisport features that help you track different activities in a workout, a strength feature that counts your reps, sets, and weight lifted during a strength training workout, and a Garmin coach feature that provides you with an expert to train you on any sport or fitness activity. So you want to pick a Garmin watch that suits your purpose to get the best out of your timepiece. 

Health Monitoring 

Garmin watches feature a variety of functions that monitor health status, which include a sleep tracking feature that helps you monitor different stages of your sleep to aid better sleep and a heart rate monitor that tracks your heart rate to see the movement throughout the day. 

They have a body battery that monitors the increase and decrease of your energy level during activities and a respiratory rate to track how many breaths you take per minute. 

Some more advanced ones come with blood oxygen monitors, a menstrual cycle tracker, and a body composition monitor to estimate your bone, body fat, and muscle mass. They also have a VO2 max that measures your aerobic fitness. The company constantly improves its health monitoring features as they release newer models, so you can always expect more great health features from Garmin.

Battery Life

Very few brands can compete with Garmin regarding the battery life of their watches. Depending on your watch’s features and the mode it is on, some Garmin watches can last as long as 20 days, and when using multiple features at the same time, they can last up to a day without requiring a charge. 

Factors like the use of GPS, brightness, heart rate monitor, and the number of features turned on can determine how long your Garmin watch will last after being fully charged. So whether you need a piece that can last for weeks before requiring charge or one that lasts days or hours, Garmin has got you!

Price of the Watch

The type and number of features on a Garmin watch would determine how much it will cost. Watches that cost $100-$200 come with basic health and fitness tracking functions and might also have a GPS function. The Garmin timepieces that cost around $500 have more functions like the VO2 max, music storage, the Garmin Payment system, and more advanced features than the cheaper ones. 

The higher level Garmin watches, which professional athletes mostly use, can cost up to $1000 and more, and that’s because of how sophisticated these watches are; they come with all the features of the cheaper ones and more advanced functions like weather forecasting, maps, navigation, solar charging, color displays, and built-in LTE. These advanced ones are designed with more rigid materials to withstand all conditions.

The Best Garmin Watches for Men

Taking into account all the aforementioned aspects, here’s a list of the 15 best Garmin watches for men you can buy today:

1. Garmin Forerunner 55

If I were looking at getting a running watch on a tight budget, I would go for a Forerunner 55. For $200, it offers features you can’t find on any watch around that price range. It comes with a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and different workout profiles. 

It also comes with the Pacepro technology that helps you plan your run according to your goal, and it also has a feature that enables you to plan your workouts to meet your fitness goals. The Forerunner 55 has a sleep tracker, body battery tracker, respiratory tracker, and a woman’s tracker to monitor the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, exercise, and education. 

It has a watch size of 42x42x11.6mm and a display size of 26.3mm. In smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 55 can last up to 2 weeks, while in GPS, it can last for 20 hours. The low weight of the Forerunner 55 makes it very comfortable for running. So, if you’re looking for an affordable watch packed with great features for your runs, you should grab the Garmin Forerunner 55.

2. Garmin Vivoactive 4

The Vivoactive 4 is a stylish sports watch with great smartwatch and fitness features. It comes with the VO2 max feature and a preloaded sports app that makes you track your progress across various sports and activities. It also has GPS, a heart rate monitor, and a sleep tracker. 

Its smart features include music storage, Garmin Payment, and it can also be connected to control your home smart devices. It even has a Pulse OX sensor for monitoring your blood oxygen levels, a hydration tracker, and an on-screen workout display that shows you how to perform various exercises correctly. 

It comes in a 40mm and 45mm case that’s made of fiber-reinforced polymer with a stainless steel bezel, and it has various colors that you can choose from. It can last up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS mode. It has a water resistance of 50 meters and is currently sold for $330. The Vivoactive 4 is a timepiece for stylish, active individuals.

3. Garmin Venu 2

The Venu 2 is often praised for its unique design and its versatility. It is a value-packed timepiece, and the bright AMOLED light on the screen stands out. It has a long battery life that can last up to 12 days in the battery save mode, 11 days in the smartwatch mode, 8 hours with GPS and music, and 22 hours with only GPS. 

The watch comes with an advanced sleep monitoring feature that scores your sleep and gives you tips on how you can sleep better. The Garmin Venu 2 also has a safety feature that detects when you’re in danger or, if an accident occurs, the Venu 2 notifies your emergency contacts of your location. If you like looking stylish while working out or engaging in sports, this watch is for you. This timepiece offers great value at $400 for the 40mm model and $500 for the 45mm model.

4. Garmin Forerunner 265

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is an advanced model of the Forerunner 55, as it features functions for serious runners and professionals in activities like marathons, triathlons, and other long-distance races. 

Aside from having the functions of the model 55, it also features an AMOLED display, a race adaptive training feature that prepares you for your next race, HRV status that gives you steady updates on your general health status, and a training readiness feature that predicts when you should train based on how much rest you take, sleep quality and intensity of your previous workout.

It has a 32.5mm display size, and it comes in 42mm and 46mm models. It can last up to 13 days in the smartwatch mode and 20 hours in the GPS mode. If you are a runner that wants a device packed with features to help monitor your progress, you should get this watch, and it currently sells for $500.

5. Garmin Legacy Hero First Avenger

If there’s a watch that can make you feel like a superhero, it has to be the Garmin Legacy Hero First Avenger, and not just because of the name; it comes with top-notch features that will make you feel like one. The First Avenger timepiece is a special edition inspired by Captain America’s suit and shield.

It features a stainless steel case that measures 42mm with a blue, red, and white bezel. Aside from the other basic functions of Garmin watches, the First Avenger also features character-themed details, badges that can be earned by completing fitness activities, and high-quality materials mostly used for designing military watches. It is a functional and sturdy timepiece for people that fancy superhero characters, and it sells for $400.

6. Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar

The Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar is a watch that’s great for long outdoor activities because of its solar features, and it also features great smartwatch functions. 

The analog hand is its distinctive feature, and I love how it works, not just for telling time. The hands indicate the battery life and also track some other activities. It features a navigation compass and various sports modes.

This timepiece is available in 42mm, 45mm, and the tactical edition also measures 45mm. It has a recovery time and traceback feature that helps you locate where you started your journey. The crossover Solar watch offers good quality and value and just $500. 

7. Garmin Forerunner 745

The size of the Garmin Forerunner 745 differentiates it from the previous Forerunner watches as it is lighter, making it more suitable for runners, cyclists, and swimmers. It comes with a barometer that can track your altitude and elevation during your run, and it also has a feature that can give you feedback on your form during swimming. 

Some other added features include a Race predictor, cycling power, running dynamics, and a feature used to create more courses for your run. The Garmin Forerunner 745 is another great pick for professional athletes, and it is sold for $500.

8. Garmin Approach S70

I never knew golfing required more than just swinging the stick until I gave it a try and couldn’t even swing properly. I got to learn that it takes serious attention to detail to be able to play well, and making use of a watch like the Approach 270 makes it a lot easier. It is an advanced golfing watch that can track all your activities on and off the course. 

It features more than 43,000 course views of various golf courses worldwide, making it easy to know your exact location on the course and distances to layups and hazards. It has an enhanced plays-like distance feature that helps you track shot distance and yardage adjustment for changes in elevation and environmental conditions. 

It has a Green Contour Data feature that shows the direction of slopes so you can sink the putt accurately. Whether you are a professional or amateur golfer, the Garmin Approach S70 would help you become a better player, and it is currently sold for $700.

9. Garmin Forerunner 965

This watch is built with materials and features for very long-distance racers and fitness enthusiasts in general, as it is packed with advanced features for training. It features triathlon and multisport profiles that help you switch between different sports and races with a click. It also features a full-color mapping that provides you with a color indication map to help you track your run. 

Another added feature to this Forerunner is the Race Adaptive Training plan feature that helps you prepare for any race by building a plan after examining your activities. It’s a great watch for runners, and it offers good quality at $600. 

10. Garmin Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition

This timepiece is built to withstand the harshest marine conditions, so if you’re a sailor or constantly travel on water, this watch is for you. The Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition has an autopilot control feature that helps you connect the boat to the watch and directs it without you being at the helm.

It has a stream data feature that gives you information about the functionality of the different parts of your boat. It has an alert feature to notify you about tides and a Multi Continent Map feature. It also comes with built-in sports Apps and profiles for various sports and activities. The Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition comes in 47mm and 51mm models, and it currently sells for $900.

11. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar Edition

The long battery life, the solar feature, and LED flashlight make this watch a great companion for long outdoor activities like ultramarathons that require you to run at night too. It is a U.S. military-tested watch, so the durability is of the highest standard. 

It has an endurance score feature that measures your endurance levels during different activities and a Hill score feature that monitors your progress when you run uphill. It also has a readiness feature that evaluates you and gives a morning report of your daily training status. This watch currently sells for $900.

12. Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition

This timepiece has similar features to the Fenix 7 Pro, with just a little difference in the look and some of its functions. It features a Surfline camera, a golf course map for over 43,000 courses, an Up Ahead feature to locate checkpoints during a race, and a visual race predictor to determine the pace suitable for different levels of your race. It also has a battery capacity that can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 21 days in battery-saver mode. The Epix Pro (Gen 2) is sold for $1,000.

13. Garmin Enduro 2

I’m yet to see a sports watch with a battery life that beats the Enduro 2; It can last up to 150 hours in GPS mode with the solar charge feature, which makes it a great watch for ultramarathon runners and other long-distance athletes. It is designed with tough materials that are light and comfortable on the wrist. 

It has a grade-adjusted pace feature that guides you through your race to avoid burning out and built-in sports Apps to monitor your progress in different sports and activities. It also has a heat and altitude acclimation feature that helps you monitor your body’s reaction to different weather conditions. If you’re looking for a watch with lasting battery life and durability, you should get an Enduro 2 timepiece, which is sold for $1,100. 

14. Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Edition

Tactical features like night vision, jump starter, and stealth mode make this watch a great companion on the field. It has a flashlight that can be switched to green or white and a night vision mode compatible with night vision goggles. It has a hunt activity feature that monitors the movement of your prey during a hunt. 

It also features a kill switch that can erase the watch’s memory with a click. It can last up to 37 days without charging on the smartwatch mode. The Tactix 7 Pro timepiece is a great option for military officers and people that do a lot of fieldwork. It currently sells for $1,300.

15. Garmin MARQ Adventurer (Gen 2)

I love sturdy watches, and I can easily tell when I see one that can take a serious beating. The MARQ Adventurer is a great timepiece for adventures in the wild, and it also has some smartwatch features that allow you to track your progress across various activities.

Its features include various maps, round-trip routing that helps you select the best routes to any destination, and a jet lag adviser that helps you plan your activities to prevent fatigue. This timepiece also has a stock tracker that monitors 50 of your most viewed stocks, and it also has various sports Apps. If you love outdoor activities or generally have an active lifestyle, the MARQ Adventurer would be a good choice for you, and it currently sells for $2,100.

Conclusion

Regarding smartwatches that offer some of the best value you can find, Garmin watches are well-recognized. Their timepieces have some of the best features, from GPS trackers to advanced training features. They also have some of the most sturdy timepieces.

If you’re looking at buying a fitness tracker that will help you monitor your daily movements or track your progress in workouts or various sporting activities, Garmin has some of the best offers with watches that tick the durability, versatility, feature-rich, and functionality boxes.

Garmin is one of the leading players in the global smartwatch and fitness wearable market. It holds a significant market share and currently competes with major brands like Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, and others.

Marked by accolades such as inventing the world’s first running smartwatch, the Swiss-domiciled company is known for its continuous innovation in the wearable technology space. The brand introduced features like GPS tracking, advanced running dynamics, golf course mapping, and other fitness-centric metrics into its watches.

Despite other brands offering excellent sports watches with unique features, Garmin products set the standard for accuracy, durability, functionality, and style.

Garmin is currently the official running watch sponsor of Under Armour’s Mission Run professional running teams. This is why we present the best 10 Garmin running watches that can provide valuable data, motivation, and convenience for runners and fitness enthusiasts.

About Garmin Running Watches

The Garmin watch brand was established in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas, United States, under the name ProNav. This name was later changed to “Garmin,” a combination of the founders’ first names. 

Garmin’s initial focus was developing handheld GPS devices primarily for aviation and marine navigation. Just two years after its founding, the GPS 100, a panel-mounted GPS receiver, was launched.

Pilots, sailors, and outdoor enthusiasts used these panel-mounted GPS receivers to determine their precise location, plan routes, and navigate with greater accuracy.

In the early 2000s, as GPS technology became more accessible and miniaturized, Garmin expanded its product offerings to include GPS-enabled fitness devices. 

By this time, the brand was manufacturing about 50 distinct models and quickly sold approximately three million GPS devices.

The world’s first running smartwatch, the Forerunner 201 (along with the models 101 and 301), was introduced in 2003 and marked the company’s entry into the fitness wearables market. This running watch provided basic tracking features for runners and laid the foundation for Garmin’s successful line of running and multisport watches.

With a focus on continuous innovation and technology development, Garmin gradually expanded its range of fitness watches, offering more advanced features, such as heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking for various sports, advanced training metrics, and integration with smartphones for smartwatch functionalities.

In 2010, the company was legally incorporated in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

Popular models of Garmin running watches include the Garmin Forerunner, Fenix, Instinct, and the more budget-friendly Garmin Vivoactive series.

In 2019, the brand’s CEO, Clifton A. Pemble, announced the release of the MARQ series, a collection of luxury tool watches forged from Garmin’s long-standing heritage.

Today, Garmin is a global leader in GPS technology and offers a diverse range of products, including multisport watches, cycling computers, marine GPS units, aviation devices, automotive navigation systems, and outdoor handheld GPS devices.

The company’s commitment to accuracy, reliability, and user-centric design has made it a well-respected and widely recognized brand in the wearable technology and GPS markets.

What To Look For in Running Watches?

Running watches are wearable time-telling devices designed to assist runners and athletes in tracking their activities, performance, and health metrics. 

If you’re hoping to accomplish specific fitness goals like running a marathon, improving your 5K time, or achieving other milestones, a running watch can significantly help you optimize your workout.

To be worthy of the name, here are some features to look out for before buying a running watch.

1. Training Data

Training data in running watches refers to the various types of information and metrics that the timepiece collects and presents to you (the user) during and after workouts. 

This data is intended to help you monitor your performance, track progress, and make informed decisions to improve your training and achieve your fitness goals.

Most running watches have associated apps or online platforms where you can store and analyze your workout data over time, helping you track progress and identify areas for improvement.

So look out for watches with incorporated apps or platforms where you can examine your workout data, track trends, and review past performances. 

2. GPS & Navigation

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. GPS-enabled running watches can receive signals from multiple satellites and use triangulation to determine your precise location. By tracking changes in your position over time, the watch can calculate your speed, distance traveled, and other metrics.

It is important to get a running watch with this feature because you can get a visual representation of your route on a map. You would find this particularly useful when exploring new areas or planning routes for specific distances, as it allows you to follow preloaded routes or set waypoints to guide you during your run.

Some GPS-enabled running watches even go further to incorporate altimeters that track changes in elevation during your run. This is great for trail runners and those interested in monitoring their vertical gain and loss.

3. Health Monitoring

A watch with various sensors and features that monitor the user’s physical activities and overall well-being should be a must, not an option. One thing that can make a massive difference to your general fitness progress is having a wearable device designed to help you track and monitor various health metrics.

Consider watches that can continuously monitor your heart rate, providing real-time data during workouts and rest periods. The timing device may use a reliable and accurate method like an optical sensor or work together with external heart rate straps. 

Some running timepieces can also track the number of steps taken throughout the day and combine data from heart rate, steps, and other factors to estimate the number of calories burned during activities. These features can help you maintain an active lifestyle beyond your running sessions.

4. Durability

A running watch should be able to endure a fair amount of wear and tear, so choose one that is durable and backed by a good warranty. Research the brand’s reputation and read user reviews to gauge the watch’s real-world performance, robustness, longevity, and reliability.

5. Connectivity and Data Syncing

Nothing quenches the flames of a workout faster than groping for your phone every time a text or call comes in. To keep your endorphins flowing continuously, you need a watch that can connect to your smartphone seamlessly. 

Wireless connectivity enables your running watch to communicate with other devices, such as smartphones, computers, and even fitness-tracking platforms. Ensure that the watch is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system (iOS/Android) and that it works well with the apps you intend to use before purchasing it.

6. Battery Life

Consider how long the watch’s battery lasts in various modes (e.g., GPS tracking, regular use). A good running watch should last through your longest runs and possibly multiple days.

10 Best Garmin Running Watches

With that being said, here’s a list of the 10 best Garmin running watches you can get today:

Garmin Forerunner 55

The Garmin Forerunner 55 was released as an upgrade to the Forerunner 45 and is a sleek, discreet, functional, and accurate watch that also feels high-end. It is presented in a 42mm case with a thickness of 11.6mm. The case has five buttons around the circumference and is worn on a sporty silicone band.

Apart from telling the time accurately, the accurate GPS tracking indicator monitors your pace, distance, and routes while running or walking. A built-in heart rate monitor also helps you gauge your performance and fitness level.

The Forerunner 55 is equipped with various useful activity-tracking features to monitor steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns, helping you stay on top of your fitness goals and overall health. 

It currently retails for $200 and comes in three colorways: Aqua, Black, and White.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus

With a highly versatile breathtaking contemporary design, the Venu 2 Plus is one of Garmin’s best all-around smartwatches that competes favorably with Apple, Galaxy, and Pixel watches.

As an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Garmin Venu 2, the watch comes packed with unbeatable features. If you want a super-cool, super-trendy, and terrific running watch with longer battery life than most, the Venu 2 Plus comes highly recommended.

With a battery life that lasts up to 9 days, a microphone that allows you to answer incoming calls from your wrist, and a bright, circular AMOLED display, this watch is amazing. The all-purpose smartwatch comes in a 43mm case with a high-resolution display and is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Basic features found in the Garmin Venu series, such as built-in GPS, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a variety of activity modes to help users track and analyze their workouts are still present. 

But now, the speaker can be used to play back music from third-party apps. The most popular reference is the cream-gold stainless steel case equipped with an ivory band. It retails for $500 MSRP.

Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar

The Instinct Crossover Solar is a rugged GPS multisport smartwatch known for its long battery life, extended by solar charging capabilities.

The watch is built to meet U.S. military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance. It is well-built, strongly made, long-lasting, and features a fiber-reinforced 45mm polymer case. The digital display is chemically strengthened, making it resistant to damage from the elements.

The watch utilizes Power Glass™ solar charging lens to harness the sun’s energy, extending the battery life up to 28 days (25 hours GPS). It features an altimeter for altitude tracking, a barometer for weather forecasting, and a 3-axis compass for navigation.

The Crossover Solar comes with all the usual Garmin stuff, including multiple sports and activity tracking modes, such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and more. It retails for $450 and can monitor heart rate, stress levels, sleep patterns, and other health metrics.

Garmin Forerunner 265

Priced at $450, the Forerunner® 265 is extremely popular among trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its top-notch GPS accuracy and comprehensive running features.

With a touch screen and AMOLED always on display, you can now access a variety of training features, including customizable workouts, interval training, and training status evaluations to optimize your fitness routines.

The watch is ultralight at only 47 grams, and the diameter of the case is 41mm while the thickness is 12.9mm. In addition to the amazing specs that the majority of Garmin running watches come with, the Forerunner 265 is equipped with the Incident Detection feature. 

This is a key accessory that enables the timepiece to detect a hard fall and send out an SOS alert to your emergency contacts.

Garmin Instinct 2X

The Garmin Instinct model is a lineup of rugged GPS outdoor smartwatches designed to provide essential outdoor features in a durable, reliable, and attractive package. Built to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for thermal, shock, and water resistance, the 2X adventure smartwatch is big, sturdy, and solid.

The watch is an upgraded version of the Instinct 2S and Instinct 2 and comes in a large 50mm polymer case.

With advanced training features and a built-in flashlight to keep you going when it gets dark, this ultratough watch is not for the faint-hearted.

It is solar-powered and comes with a multi-band GNSS, health/wellness monitoring sensors, and ABC sensors. Everything about the bold design screams action and adventure.

With a 100-meter water-resistant rating, you can safely swim in pools, lakes, or the ocean without worrying about damaging the watch. You can get it for $450.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Released in March 2023, the Forerunner 965 is pretty much the fancier version of the Forerunner 265 which we looked at earlier. Though still functionally identical to the Forerunner 265, this watch is sharper, more fashionable, classy, and trendy.

The case size is large at 47.2mm, but thanks to that, the OLED display has all the space it needs to fit a lot of information on-screen. It doesn’t do anything significantly better than its other siblings (the Forerunner 265 and 265S) apart from having a better battery life and sleek features.

The battery of the 965 is about three days longer than the 265, as it can last up to 10 days of wearing around the clock before needing to be charged. Another improvement here is that it is clearer, brighter, wider, and thicker and has a great combo of touchscreen and buttons.

The watch is well-protected against accidental spills and exposure to water during everyday activities like washing your hands, doing dishes, or cleaning. It retails for $600.

Garmin Fenix 7X Pro

Designed for larger wrists, the Fenix 7X Pro is a top adventure watch with a 51mm fiber-reinforced polymer case. Despite the advanced features, the 7X Pro boasts an impressive battery life of more than a month with the Power Sapphire™ solar charging lens1. 

The running watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire solar-charged display, over 30 sport profiles, a responsive touchscreen, traditional buttons, and health and training data. Another amazing feature worth noting is the hill score and endurance score metrics, which measures your ability to run uphill and sustain prolonged efforts, respectively.

The watch is super functional and has a built-in LED light at the top edge with variable light intensities. Let’s not forget the rugged design, advanced navigation capabilities, and health-oriented features, like sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and even pulse oximeters to measure blood oxygen levels. It retails for $1,000

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)

Priced at $900, the Epix Pro (Gen 2) provides detailed metrics and data analysis for activities like running, cycling, swimming, and more. The Pro-standard edition has a case that measures 47mm across, but you can get the watch in a smaller 42mm case or a larger 51mm size.

All the cases are crafted from fiber-reinforced polymer, with a titanium bezel and a stainless steel case back. We have already established that anytime Garmin adds a ‘Pro’ or ‘Gen 2’ branding to an existing product line, it doesn’t mean it is a major upgrade or new product series.

This holds for the Gen 2 of the Epix Pro. The basic software features in all the Epix units are to be expected, including Hill Score, Endurance Score, the new shaded relief maps, detailed health features, and so on.

Like the 7X Pro, it comes equipped with a built-in led flashlight and can last up to 16 days (in smartwatch mode) after a full charge.

Garmin Enduro 2

Whether you’re trying to navigate a mountain range in a blizzard or dashing out on a trail run, the Enduro 2 is up to the challenge. Heavy-duty and highly functional, this watch is the ultimate running watch designed to remain unscathed through the toughest and harshest environments on the planet.

With a large dimension of 51 x 51 x 15.6 mm, the sophisticated sports watch is not wearable for most people, but the good thing is that visibility is amazing. Despite being packed with so many features, the Enduro 2 is designed to not be too cumbersome on your wrist. 

The large 1.4” solar-charged display ensures you get up to 34 days of battery life, while the responsive touchscreen and button controls offer you quick access to desired selections and functions. Worth noting are the ClimbPro and PACE PRO™ features that offer you real-time information on your climbs,  elevation gain, pace, gradient, and distance. It retails for $1,100.

Garmin Vivoactive 4

Lastly, the Vivoactive 4. An absolute must-have for every serious ultra-athlete looking for a sleek and functional running watch to unlock their best performance.

At $330, this timepiece delivers a solid value proposition at a fairly affordable price. If you want the best of the best at your fingertips, the Vivoactive 4 is a great example of what might ensure your mission’s success despite the terrain.

It features a 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm fiber-reinforced polymer case with a stainless steel bezel and silicone strap. Apart from being essential for runners, the watch is like a first aid kit or any other survival tool. It offers health and wellness features like stress tracking, women’s health, hydration, and respiration tracking.

The battery lasts up to 8 days on a single charge, and the watch is equipped with various sports and activity tracking features to help you train for your next 5K, 10K, or half-marathon.

Garmin Forerunner 165 

The cheapest dedicated running watch with a beautiful AMOLED touchscreen. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is light and compact, making it easy to wear and hardly noticeable as you run throughout the day. The smartwatch’s battery life lasts up to 11 days, and the GPS mode lasts up to 19 hours. 

The display size is 1.2 inches, making it slightly smaller than the 265, but there’s still more than enough room to display your running statistics. 

The 165 has a much lighter build than other variants, as it is made with lighter materials. This comes with its fair share of benefits. The 165 is comfortable and compact, making it easy to wear 24/7 for any activities you wish to accomplish. 

The Forerunner 165 costs $250

Conclusion

Garmin has put significant effort into developing watches with various training features tailored for runners. Runners can trust that a watch from the brand will assist them in reaching their goals, provide accurate data, and improve their overall performance.

I’m not a diver; in fact, the only times I go close to water are when I’m in the shower or when I hang out with friends and family by the pool or at the beach. But for some reason, I fell in love with dive watches after purchasing my first dive watch years ago. It was my favorite for a long time until I discovered Garmin dive watches, and it was love at first sight, ocean-deep possibilities that the dive watch market offers. Aside from being built for all types of diving, I like how they can be styled casually and on or as corporate wear too. 

But today’s subject is a little bit different. There’s a market of watches actually made for divers within the divers watch industry rather than having the style and one or two key features for them. It’s where among a big pool of brands, Garmin dive watches belong as well. If you are looking to buy a Garmin Dive watch, whether for freediving, recreational or technical diving, I will let you in on some tips to get the most out of Garmin dive watches. Let’s dive in!

About Garmin Dive Watches

For more than a decade, Garmin has been making dive watches, and with every new model, it just gets better. Their timepieces are feature-rich and simple to use. And because of how they’re designed like smart watches, they can be used like your regular dive timepiece for rigorous activities like working out, biking, or going on a hike.

The company was founded by Min Kai and Gary Buell in 1989 in Lenexa, Kansas. The company’s first design was a GPS receiver for boats which they succeeded at. Garmin also got a contract to build a GPS for U.S. military vehicles in 1991, and by 1999 they had scaled the company to worth more than $100 million. 

They entered the watch industry in 2003 with the Forerunner series, designed for cyclists and runners; it featured a GPS tracker and some fitness metrics. The company has since then included various GPS systems in its product line, including fitness trackers, smartwatches, and even car navigation systems.

What Are Garmin Dive Watches Used For?

Garmin combines Dive watches/computers and a smartwatch to provide divers with many interesting features to make diving easier and safer. These are some of the purposes they serve:

Dive Modes

Their watches have different dive modes that make tracking various types of dive possible. They have modes for gauge dives, apnea dives, multiple gas dives, and closed circuit rebreather dives. 

Each of these dives has individual features, so you must pick the one that best fits your purpose. For instance, the gauge dive has features that track your dive time and depth, while the single gas dive tracks your dive time, ascending and descending rate, depth, and no-deco time. 

Dive Logs 

Garmin watches have a feature that stores the record of all your dives, which includes tracking your progress on each dive. It keeps a record of your depth, dive time, no-deco time, and ascending and descending rate. It can also create a log of everything you see during your dives, including fish, bones, other divers, and many other things found in the sea.

Health Monitoring

The Garmin dive watch monitors different aspects of your health. It records your heart rate during dives and throughout the day to see when and how your heart rate increases or decreases. It has a sleep-tracking feature that monitors deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep. 

They come with a VO2 max that tracks your aerobic fitness, and it helps record your progress and fitness goals. It has a body battery feature that tracks your energy levels and a stress tracker that records your daily activities and how your body reacts to them. Some advanced Garmin dive watches have Pulse Ox that measures blood oxygen saturation.

Pressure and Remaining Air Information 

Pairing your Garmin Dive watch with a Descent D1 transmitter will display your remaining air information and pressure on the watch. You will get updates about gas consumption, air time left, and tank pressure. 

All of these are calculated based on the type of dive being performed, the pressure of the tank, the type of gas used, and the diver’s breathing rate. This feature helps you stay safe by providing information to help you plan your dive accurately.

Navigation & Compass

Garmin dive watches have a navigation and compass feature that helps you move in the right direction underwater. Their built-in GPS lets you know your location and dive progress on a map. Some of them have a back-to-start feature that helps you locate where you started the dive from. 

They have a compass feature that allows you to determine where you are heading, and it can be very helpful in areas of the water that don’t have good GPS reception. Some more recent ones have Turn-by-turn navigation that helps with voice instructions and visual guides for you to follow to get to your location.

Best Garmin Dive Watches

The Garmin Descent Series has some of the best Dive watches I have ever seen, and it’s also loved by divers worldwide because its features are great for both amateur and professional divers. Some of their best dive watches include:

The Garmin Descent G1

The Garmin Descent G1 is a combination of a dive watch and a smartwatch, and this blend is the total package for divers at every level. On the dive part, it aids single and multiple gas dives, apnea, gauge, and closed-circuit rebreather modes. It also has a barometer and a compass to track your ascent and descent rates and dive progress. 

The Descent G1 has great smartwatch features that make it fit for people who live an active life or want to track their daily activities. It has a built-in heart monitor, activity, and GPS trackers, and it also alerts you of notifications from your smartphone if you connect it. 

This dive watch also has a different battery life span for all modes. It can last up to 25 hours when it’s in dive mode. When it’s in smartwatch mode, it can work for about 21 days. 

It also comes with an added solar feature that charges the watch anytime it’s placed or worn under the sun. So whether you are a diver or you live an active lifestyle, the Descent G1 is the perfect watch for you.

Garmin Descent MK2 

The MK2 is the most recent dive watch of the Descent series, and aside from having all the features of the G1 model, it comes with other fascinating ones. It has multi-gas diving that supports 10 gasses, and its air integration feature tracks your air supply and notifies you when it is time to surface. 

The MK2 has a Surfline camera that records your activities in water, which you can use to see your progress in your dive or surf. It also comes with more smartwatch features like music storage and Garmin Pay which can be used to buy things online. The Descent MK2 can last up to 100 hours in dive mode and 16 days in smartwatch mode.

Garmin Descent MK2s & MK2i

The Garmin Descent MK2s & MK2i are different iterations of the MK2. The MK2i comes with an air integration aid, which can connect to your tank through a wireless transmitter, and you can monitor the air supply, tank pressure, and dive time on the watch. When it comes to the MK2s, it’s basically a smaller version of the MK2, catered to divers with smaller wrists. The MK2i is built with a titanium back and bezel, while the MK2s have a stainless steel bezel and back plates. 

Should You Get a Garmin Dive Watch?

I find the combination of the smartwatch and dive features in the Garmin Dive spectacular, as they offer loads of features for both diving and casual wear. Garmin dive watches are generally for divers, whether professionals or amateurs, who want to monitor every aspect of their diving sessions and also want to take note of their progress. 

They are also for very active individuals who want to monitor certain aspects of their lives, especially their movements and some general health information the watch provides.

Although Garmin watches are a lot more expensive than the average traditional mechanical dive watch, they are much more advantageous in terms of features, durability, accuracy, quality, and even aesthetics. 

Alternatives to Garmin Dive Watches

Garmin watches are cool; to most people, they are the total package. However, you might not want a Garmin. You might prefer a more basic dive timepiece, so this is a list for you of some alternatives to Garmin dive watches. 

Seiko Prospex “Samurai” SRPF03

The Prospex Samurai is built to take some severe beating. Aside from being more affordable than a Garmin, it is also known for its unique design and functionality. The Seiko 4R35 automatic movement powers it with a 41-hour power reserve and up to 200 meters of water resistance. 

It features a 44mm case made of stainless steel and LumiBrite hour markers and hand that can be useful during deep sea diving. It also has a screw-down case back and crowns to prevent water from entering. The Samurai SRPF03 is a decent alternative to Garmin dive watches if you just want a simple mechanical dive watch.

Doxa Sub 300T Professional (ref. 840.10.351.10)

This dive watch was built to work under intense underwater conditions. Its stainless steel case features an orange dial and bezel that shines underwater. It is powered by the venerable ETA 2824-2 movement with a 38-hour power reserve. 

The Sub 300T has a water resistance of 300 meters and a unidirectional bezel. It features a helium escape valve that extracts surplus helium from the case during decompression. It is another functional and sturdy watch that’s a great pick for a diving timepiece.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M (ref.210.30.42.20.01.001)

When you talk about luxurious dive watches, the Diver 300M should be at the top of that list. Celebrities like John Hamm, Prince William, and Daniel Craig have been spotted rocking this timepiece. Its classy design and the high-quality materials used in the construction set it apart from other dive watches.

It features a 42mm stainless steel case with a black ceramic bezel and dials. It also features a helium escape valve and a water resistance of 300 meters. It is powered by the OMEGA Master Chronometer Caliber 8800, which is resistant to magnetic fields of up to 1.5 Tesla. If you’re looking for a dive watch that is also a luxury timepiece, the OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M is a good choice.

Conclusion

Garmin watches are great for a safe and enjoyable diving experience. I will also recommend them for people tracking their movements and other health information Garmin dive watches provide. However, if you want a dive timepiece with less sophistication, features, or price, there are many other options across various brands.