Garmin Quatix 3 waterbound smartwatch
The Garmin Quatix 3 smartwatch could well be proof that there is room in the wearable market for niche devices as this tech is aimed at seafarers and anglers.
The water-loving Garmin Quatix 3 has those general fitness functions covered but this Android and iOS-compatible timepiece aims to reel in the buyers (sorry) thanks to its smart maritime features.
For those of you that enjoy messing about on the water there’s a full “navigational and marine toolset” pre-loaded, including easy access to speed, depth, temperature, wind data and “more”, no matter where you’re located on your boat.
In addition to all that, there’s also up-to-date tide information downloaded directly on your phone, a neat anchor alarm, 3-axis electronic compass, barometer, auto-calibrating altimeter, and seamless controls for the Garmin VIRB action camera and Fusion stereo system. Apps such as tack assist, race countdown timer and distance tracker to start line should help improve your sailing skills.
As with the previous Quatix version, you can also set a man overboard (MOB) hotkey, which sets a waypoint, so in case you fall off, you can navigate your boat to turn back toward you.
The Garmin Quatix 3 is thick and rugged, built to withstand rough environments, and is waterproof up to 100 meters. It has a sapphire lens as well as the company’s omni-directional Exo antenna to quickly reach satellites.
For the hook and line junkies the Garmin Quatix 3 offers a competition timer and catch log.
This rugged smartwatch is quite happy on terra firma and will monitor your sleep, steps and progress in athletic activities as diverse as golfing, hiking, skiing, and running.
The sunlight-readable colour display looks pretty good too.
For those long voyages, the battery is capable of lasting 20 hours in GPS mode, 50 hours in UltraTrac, and six weeks in “dumb” watch mode between charges.
The Quatix 3 is expected out by the end of Q1, i.e. March, at a suggested retail price of $600. Told you this had a very limited target audience.
