Garmin has updated its line-up of watches for mariners with the Garmin Quatix 8, which starts at a cool $1199.
And, a sign of the company’s broader strategy, this time around you have no range of options on screen tech. The Garmin Quatix 8 uses OLED across the board, while transflective, OLED and solar-charging displays were options in the Quatix 7.
From a zoomed-out view, the OLED-screen Quatix 8 does not initially appear hugely different to a more mainstream watch like the Fenix 8. But this one has a series of features for mariners.
Most important, it can connect to chartplotters, or Garmin’s GHC 50 autopilot tool, to become a key part of how you work while at sea.
The Quatix also has a special fork of Garmin’s relatively recent voice command feature, which lets you control watch features using voice commands, without needing a connection to a phone. This is called Boat Command, and extends that control to outboard equipment.
And, naturally, this also means the Garmin Quatix 8 has a microphone, as well as an integrated speaker.
Additionally, the Quatix 8 comes with the Fusion Audio app, to control compatible boat entertainment systems, and will stream crucial data direct from chart plotter systems to the watch face.
As with all of Garmin’s specialized watch categories, check your on-board equipment is compatible before buying to avoid disappointment.
“Reliable marine tools give mariners the control and awareness they need while boating, sailing or fishing. Then once it’s time to dock, the watch’s robust collection of wellness features and fitness activities can help them stay on top of their health and pursue their passions,” says Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of consumer sales and marketing.
Garmin Quatix 8 vs Fenix 8
Outside of these mariner-friendly extras, the Garmin Quatix 8 appears to be on a level with a high-end series like the Fenix 8.
It comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes, the latter costing $100 more at $1299.99. They have both 10ATM water resistance and dive-readiness, up to 40m.
The bezel is titanium, the display top layer Sapphire Crystal, and there’s a metal rear to the body, unlike the recent Garmin Forerunner 970.
Typical of a higher-end watch, the Quatix 8 provides dual-band GPS, and 32GB storage for maps and music.
Garmin rates battery life at “up to” 29 days, or 13 days in the always-on mode (51mm) or 16 days (7 always-on) for the smaller 47mm watch.
This matches, you guessed it, the Fenix 8. However, it also suggests the Quatix 8 will not have the super-bright screen seen in the Garmin Forerunner 970. It’s one of that new watch’s best features, but also a contentious one as it has a significant hit on battery life.
