GPS and Sports Smartwatches

Garmin, the wrist navigation GPS for runners

Garmin was born in 1989 in Kansas, founded by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, whose first names make up the brand name. A specialist in satellite navigation, it launched its first running watch Forerunner in 2003 and became the reference for sports GPS. The range is still dedicated to running and triathlon: pace, wrist heart rate, training load, and recovery tips. The most advanced versions feature a very readable AMOLED screen in bright sunlight and mapping to follow a course without taking out your phone.

Sports electronics

Sports electronics also comes in different forms:

• Watch accessories.
• Connected scales.

All the universe is gathered on the electronics page.

fēnix, Enduro, Instinct: adventure watches

For trail, mountains, and long outings, Garmin offers more robust watches. The Instinct, with a reinforced polymer case, is designed according to the US military standard MIL-STD-810 to withstand shocks, heat, and water, and comes in a Solar version that charges via sunlight. The fēnix combines premium materials, sapphire glass on the Pro Sapphire Solar version, detailed mapping, and an integrated light on some models. The Enduro maximizes battery life for ultra-endurance, with a solar glass that extends the charge during multi-day races.

Golf, daily life, and kids: specialized watches

For everyday use, the Vívoactive and Venu from Garmin, with AMOLED screens, track sleep, stress, and dozens of activities, and allow contactless payments. In golf, the Garmin Approach and the Bushnell Golf Ion Elite display distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, the latter with over thirty-eight thousand preloaded courses. The Garett Hero Pro, a child’s watch with a SIM card, enables voice and video calls and alerts parents if the child leaves a defined area. Finally, the Platyne watches provide a simple way to track steps and sessions.

Good deals

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

Frequently asked questions

Which connected watch to choose for a small wrist?

Look for a case size of forty to forty-two millimeters, such as the Garmin Instinct E in thirty-eight millimeters, the Venu in S version, or the Forerunner in forty-two millimeters. The silicone strap can be finely adjusted and remains comfortable at night.

What battery life can be expected from a sports GPS watch?

It varies from a few days to several weeks in watch mode, but drops significantly as soon as the GPS is active. Solar-charged models, like the Instinct Solar or the Enduro, greatly extend battery life for long outings.

Does a connected watch accurately measure heart rate?

The optical sensor is reliable at rest and during regular efforts, but a bit less so during sudden accelerations. Wear the watch snugly, one finger above the wrist bone, to limit movement and stray light.

Can you swim with a Garmin watch?

Most sports models are waterproof up to fifty meters and track lengths in a pool. The Instinct, designed for outdoor use, is water-resistant up to one hundred meters. Rinse the watch with fresh water after swimming in the sea or a chlorinated pool.

Is a smartphone required to use a connected watch?

It is used for setup, data syncing, and notifications. The GPS and session recording work without a phone. The Garett Hero Pro, with its own SIM card, can make calls even without a nearby smartphone.