Electronics and sports smartwatches

Forerunner, fēnix, Enduro, Instinct : which Garmin for which sport

Garmin, founded in 1989 in Kansas by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, initially designed GPS receivers for marine and aviation before becoming the go-to brand for sports watches. The Forerunner range targets runners, from the first runner's watch to top-end models with mapping and built-in light. The fēnix and Enduro focus on trail and ultra: rugged case, sapphire glass on some editions, and solar charging for long-lasting weeks. The Instinct, tested to a US military standard for toughness, withstands shocks, water, and cold.

Other accessories

Fitness accessories also come in various forms:

• Smart Watches.
• Smart Scales.
• Sports Bags.
• Backpacks.
• Fitness Towels.
• Fitness Accessories.

All accessories are gathered on the accessories page.

Venu, Vívoactive, Approach : everyday life and golf

The Venu and Vívoactive prioritise the AMOLED screen and well-being tracking: sleep, stress, energy levels, with dozens of sports profiles and contactless payment. They are ideal for anyone wanting just one watch for the office, the gym, and jogging.

On the course, the Approach from Garmin and the Bushnell Ion Elite display the distance to the front, centre, and back of the green, as well as to bunkers and water hazards, thanks to thousands of preloaded courses. Bushnell, known for its laser rangefinders, brings the same attention to detail to the wrist.

Heart Rate Monitor Magene, Platyne watches and Garett

The heart rate monitor Magene, worn under the chest, picks up the heart's electrical signal, which is more reliable than an optical sensor on the wrist during high-intensity intervals and short efforts. It transmits via both ANT+ and Bluetooth, allowing it to be paired simultaneously with a watch and a training app, and runs on a simple coin cell battery. The Platyne watches, multisport and compatible with iOS and Android, offer an entry-level connected option. The Garett, connected via 4G, lets you stay in touch and locate the wearer. The Popsockets grip, stuck to the back of the smartphone, secures the hold for filming a session.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, and then summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

GPS watch or smart watch: what’s the difference?

The GPS watch calculates it-self the distance, pace, and route, without needing to take the phone. The smart watch focuses on notifications and well-being tracking; today’s Garmin models combine both functions.

Do you need a heart rate monitor if your watch already measures your pulse?

The optical sensor on the wrist is sufficient for easy endurance. For intervals, weightlifting, or cycling, where the wrist moves and tenses, a chest strap like the Magene reacts more quickly to changes in heart rate.

What battery life should you expect from a sports watch?

It depends on the screen and GPS usage: an AMOLED screen watch lasts from a few days to two weeks, while solar models like the Instinct or the Enduro go well beyond in watch mode. Continuous GPS significantly reduces these times.

Can a golf watch replace a rangefinder?

To know the distance to the front, centre, and back of the green, an Approach or a Bushnell Ion Elite is more than enough. The laser rangefinder remains more precise for aiming at a flag positioned in an unusual spot on the green.

Are Garmin watches waterproof for swimming?

Sports watches Garmin are waterproof to five ATM or more and offer a swimming mode in the pool, which counts lengths and arm strokes. Check the exact rating on the model's spec sheet before diving in.