There are a few things everyone should know about smartwatches. First, the Apple Watch has sold 38 million units since its launch in 2015, outstripping the volume of the entire Swiss watch industry. Second, other companies make smartwatches too, and those who enjoy boating should have a look at the Garmin Quatix 7.
Make no mistake, you’re getting more electronics into your life. Be warned, your Omega Seamaster may languish in the drawer if you start wearing this device. Once you get it dialed in, you may even wear it to bed, just to see how your sleep stats look! But seriously, this is not a relationship to be entered into lightly. There are a few things to know specifically about this Garmin device:
First, keep in mind that Garmin produces smartwatches not just for boating but for hikers and other people who enjoy the outdoors. The brains of this device including a GPS receiver, accelerometer (to measure speed over ground), and barometer, are nestled in a robust composite case, and depending on the model, is available with a silicone strap, or a stainless band, both with quick-change clasps at either end.
Second, the Quatix is very similar to the Fenix line of outdoor watches favored by the hatchet-and-waterproof-match set, but that’s good. More units means more motivation for Garmin to get it right.
Third, and perhaps most important: What Garmin doesn’t really talk about is the fact that all the boating functionality is through apps. It comes preloaded with apps for navigation for boats, sail race, and fishing (admittedly fishing is a little lame, it just counts the number of fish caught in the amount of time spent). It can even show charts, but we don’t recommend using that for navigation. The Quatix also has a tide app, an anchor monitor, an autopilot setup (it can link with certain Garmin helm units via Bluetooth and WiFi—though we recommend using this only while the user is at the helm of the boat), boat data, and Fusion Link to control the Fusion stereo system settings remotely.
Last, it’s almost as if Garmin knows that boaters are active people who often do more than just boating, and the watch, out of the box, also tracks and logs activities including standup paddleboarding, open-water swimming (we SAID it’s robust), and rowing, as well as running, hiking, and biking. There’s also a heart rate monitor, step counter, and much more available on apps from Garmin and third-party developers. It’s a whole world worth exploring.
Pricing ranges from around $400 (at this writing) to $900, and models vary with touchscreen, solar charging, available stainless bracelet, and sapphire crystal.
