Garmin has expanded its marine-focused wearable lineup with the launch of the quatix 8 Pro, a rugged smartwatch designed specifically for sailors, anglers, and powerboat enthusiasts. The new model builds on Garmin’s quatix legacy by introducing a brighter AMOLED display, improved battery efficiency, and tighter integration with onboard marine systems. It sits at the premium end of Garmin’s ecosystem, blending fitness tracking with serious marine navigation tools. For users who live on (or near) the water, this watch aims to be more than a smartwatch—it’s a wrist-based command center. The quatix 8 Pro also signals Garmin’s intent to keep marine wearables distinct from mainstream fitness watches.
Specs & Features
The Garmin quatix 8 Pro comes packed with features that closely mirror Garmin’s high-end multisport watches while adding marine-specific depth.
- Display: AMOLED touchscreen with sapphire crystal
- Case sizes: Expected 47mm and 51mm variants
- Navigation: Multi-band GPS, marine charts support, tide data
- Marine controls: Autopilot control, Fusion-Link™ audio control, waypoint marking
- Health & fitness: Heart rate, SpO₂, sleep tracking, VO₂ max
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
- Water resistance: 10 ATM
Compared to the previous quatix generation, the biggest upgrade is the AMOLED display, which improves readability under harsh sunlight while modernizing the overall experience. Against rivals like the Apple Watch Ultra, Garmin retains an edge in battery life and marine-native tools.
Design & UX
The quatix 8 Pro sticks to Garmin’s rugged, utilitarian design language. The metal bezel and reinforced case give it a professional, tool-watch feel rather than a lifestyle accessory vibe. Physical buttons remain prominent, a deliberate choice for usability in wet or rough conditions.
The interface blends touch gestures with button navigation, making it practical when wearing gloves or dealing with spray on deck. Customizable watch faces and marine dashboards allow users to prioritize data such as wind speed, depth, or heading without clutter.
Performance & Hardware
Performance-wise, the quatix 8 Pro is built for endurance. Garmin’s optimized chipset ensures smooth animations on the AMOLED panel without sacrificing battery life. In smartwatch mode, it’s rated to last up to two weeks, while GPS-heavy marine activities still promise multi-day usage.
The display is sharp and vibrant, a noticeable upgrade for charts and metrics. Durability remains a strong point, with sapphire glass and robust water resistance designed for saltwater exposure. There’s no camera or speaker focus here—Garmin prioritizes reliability over multimedia extras.
Price & Availability
Garmin is positioning the quatix 8 Pro firmly in the premium category.
- Expected price: Starting around USD 1,099 (pricing may vary by region)
- Availability: Global rollout through Garmin’s official store and select marine retailers
- India: Availability likely via premium Garmin partners rather than mass retail
Exact regional pricing and configurations are expected to be confirmed closer to retail availability.
What’s Missing
Despite its strengths, the quatix 8 Pro isn’t for everyone. The high price limits its appeal beyond marine professionals and enthusiasts. There’s no LTE option for standalone connectivity, and smart features like third-party apps remain limited compared to mainstream smartwatches. If you’re not invested in marine activities, many of its headline features may feel excessive.
First Impressions
The Garmin quatix 8 Pro feels like a confident evolution rather than a radical overhaul. The AMOLED display and refined performance make it more appealing day-to-day, while its marine controls remain best-in-class. It’s not a general-purpose smartwatch, but for sailors and boaters who want dependable, purpose-built tech, this is one of the most compelling options available today.
With the quatix 8 Pro, Garmin reinforces its dominance in marine wearables while borrowing just enough from its fitness lineup to stay modern. A full review will reveal how the AMOLED display and battery balance out in real-world sailing conditions—but first impressions suggest Garmin knows its audience well.