Garmin quatix 8 Pro: marine smartwatch with satellite LTE

Garmin has unveiled its flagship marine smartwatch, the quatix 8 Pro, aimed at those who spend serious time at sea. The newcomer expands the brand’s premium wearables lineup and puts the spotlight on endurance, reliability, and staying connected far from shore.

The quatix 8 Pro keeps the familiar look of its predecessors. It features a 47 mm titanium bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire glass, and a 1.4-inch high-brightness AMOLED display. The screen remains readable under direct sunlight and is built to handle saltwater, spray, and long stints offshore.

The headline feature is expanded communications. Garmin equips the watch with the inReach satellite system and an LTE module, allowing wearers to stay connected up to 80 kilometers from the coast. Users can send messages, make voice calls, and receive up-to-date weather data without taking a smartphone along. There’s also an SOS function that can relay a distress signal directly to Garmin’s 24/7 response center, which has already helped coordinate more than 1,200 rescue operations on the water. The emphasis on self-reliance away from land feels like the watch’s defining idea.

On the software side, a new Boat Mode automatically adapts the interface to current conditions. On the water, the display surfaces autopilot controls, vessel data, and engine status; on land, it switches to standard apps, sport profiles, and health metrics. Despite the bright screen and persistent connectivity, the quatix 8 Pro is rated for up to 15 days in smartwatch mode. Beyond its marine tools, it supports round-the-clock health tracking, Garmin Pay, and more than a hundred sport modes, including water sports—an appealing mix for anyone moving from deck to dock to gym.

The Garmin quatix 8 Pro goes on sale January 16 for $1,300 and will be available in a single 47 mm case option.