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The Garmin Story
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside
Founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Dr. Min H. Kao, Garmin began with a clear technical mission: to make advanced GPS technology practical, reliable and easy to use. Originally established in Kansas as ProNav, the company soon adopted the name Garmin, formed from its founders’ first names. Its earliest success came through marine navigation, where its GPS products quickly proved themselves in environments where accuracy and reliability were critical.
From the beginning, Garmin was not building products for convenience alone, but for situations where performance mattered. That same mindset continues to define its watches today.
Garmin’s early expansion into aviation and automotive technology was driven by the same principle: delivering dependable navigation in real world conditions. Products like StreetPilot brought GPS into everyday driving, while the eTrex, introduced in 1999, became a trusted tool for outdoor exploration due to its durability and ease of use.
This foundation led to one of the most important moments in Garmin’s history. In 2003, the brand introduced the Forerunner 201, one of the first wrist based GPS devices designed specifically for runners. Instead of simply telling time, it provided real time data such as pace, distance and speed, something that had previously required separate equipment.
This was not just a new product, but a shift in how watches could be used. Garmin applied its navigation expertise to the wrist, creating devices that were built to measure, guide and improve performance.
As Garmin continued to grow globally, becoming part of the S&P 500 and establishing its presence across multiple industries, its approach to watches remained consistent. Rather than following trends in consumer electronics, Garmin focused on refining the technology behind its devices.
This is why Garmin watches feel different. They are not designed as general purpose smartwatches, but as purpose built tools for specific activities. Whether used for running, cycling, hiking, golf or diving, each watch is developed with a clear function in mind, backed by years of experience in navigation, data tracking and environmental performance.
Over time, Garmin expanded its watch range to support a wide variety of users. Collections such as Forerunner, fēnix, Instinct and MARQ are built around different use cases, from everyday fitness tracking to extreme outdoor exploration.
What connects them is a shared focus on usability and reliability. Garmin watches are designed to provide accurate data, long battery life and durability in demanding conditions. Features such as GPS tracking, performance metrics, mapping and health monitoring are not added for convenience alone, but to support real activity and progression.
This is why Garmin watches are often chosen by athletes, adventurers and professionals who depend on consistent performance rather than occasional use.
In recent years, Garmin has continued to develop its technology with features such as solar charging, introduced across key models including the fēnix series. This allows for extended battery life, particularly useful during long outdoor activities where charging opportunities are limited.
Alongside this, Garmin has refined its ecosystem with advanced training insights, health tracking and multisport capabilities, giving users a more complete understanding of their performance and recovery.
These developments reflect Garmin’s ongoing focus on improving functionality, rather than simply adding features.
Garmin’s evolution has not stopped at GPS and performance tracking. The brand continues to explore new display technologies and hardware innovation, including the introduction of advanced MicroLED displays in its latest generation of watches. This technology offers exceptional brightness, clarity and energy efficiency, further enhancing visibility and usability in challenging environments.
Today, Garmin stands as one of the most respected names in sports and adventure watches. While the company continues to operate across aviation, marine and automotive sectors, its watches remain one of its most important and recognisable product categories.
What makes Garmin unique is that its watches are built on genuine technical heritage. They are designed for people who rely on accuracy, durability and real world functionality, whether that means training for performance, exploring the outdoors or pushing physical limits.
That is what makes Garmin unusual in the watch space: its watches were never designed simply to look adventurous, but to be useful to those who actually are.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is always best to buy a Garmin watch from an authorised and reputable retailer, as this ensures your watch is genuine, correctly supplied, and supported with proper aftercare.
At WATCHO, you can explore Garmin watches online or visit one of our boutiques in Richmond upon Thames or Milton Keynes for a more personal experience. Buying from an established retailer also means you benefit from added reassurance such as extended warranty support and ongoing assistance, helping you enjoy your Garmin watch with complete confidence.
The right Garmin watch depends on what you want it to do for you. Some models are designed with runners in mind, while others are better suited to multisport training, outdoor adventures, golf, cycling, or everyday wellness tracking.
A good place to start is by thinking about the features that matter most to you, such as GPS, training tools, battery life, maps, or health tracking. Once those priorities are clear, choosing the right model becomes much easier.
Many Garmin watches include built-in GPS and wrist based heart rate tracking, making them a strong choice for customers who want detailed performance and fitness data in one device.
These features can help track pace, distance, routes, effort, and daily activity more accurately. As functions vary across the range, it is always worth checking which Garmin model offers the features most relevant to the way you train and live.
Yes, Garmin watches are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. Once connected through the Garmin Connect app, you can sync activity data, review performance, and manage key watch settings through your phone.
This makes Garmin a convenient option for customers who want a sports watch that fits easily into their existing routine
Yes, flexible finance options are available on Garmin watches, making it easier to spread the cost in a way that suits you. You can choose to pay in interest-free instalments at checkout or explore longer-term monthly payment plans.
The application process is simple, allowing you to choose a payment option that fits comfortably with your budget.
Battery life varies across the Garmin range and will also depend on how the watch is used. Features such as GPS, continuous tracking, music, brightness, and smart notifications can all affect how often the watch needs charging.
One of Garmin’s strengths is that many models offer impressive battery performance, particularly for customers who want reliable use throughout the day as well as during training sessions and longer activities.
Yes, Garmin watches are backed by official support, which is an important part of buying with confidence. Knowing that help is available if needed gives customers greater peace of mind, especially when choosing a feature-rich sports watch.
It also makes a difference to buy from an authorised retailer, as authenticity, correct product supply, and proper aftercare all matter just as much as the watch itself over time.
Garmin GPS is generally very accurate and is trusted for running, training, and outdoor use. Accuracy can vary by model and environment, with higher-end Garmin watches offering more advanced positioning features for improved performance in more challenging conditions.