The quatix® 8 isn’t a minor upgrade from its predecessor — it’s a full recalibration. Built with a 47 mm case, it offers two size options to suit different wrist sizes. Both are equipped with AMOLED displays, which are crisp, vibrant and easily readable in harsh sun or dim conditions. The screen is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and the bezel is marine-grade titanium, combining premium looks with rugged durability. Its 40-metre dive rating, leakproof metal buttons, and marine-tough casing (partly made from recycled ocean-bound plastic) make it fit for almost any environment a Kiwi boater might throw at it — from Waitematā Harbour to Dusky Sound.
But this isn’t just a pretty screen. The quatix 8 integrates deeply with Garmin’s wider marine ecosystem. Via Bluetooth, it connects to compatible Garmin chartplotters, enabling voice control of essential helm functions. Want to change course, drop a waypoint or engage the autopilot? You can do it from the watch — no need to be glued to the console. It also integrates with Fusion audio systems, Force trolling motors, and more. It’s a floating Swiss army knife for the tech-savvy skipper.
The watch’s boat data streaming function allows real-time access to heading, depth, speed, wind, and engine RPM. It even features anchor drag and tide change alerts, which are especially handy in coastal anchorages prone to shifting conditions. The remote helm control offers additional safety and convenience, giving skippers freedom to move about while staying connected to key systems.
For the sailors out there, the sail-specific features — including tack assist, regatta timer, and race start guidance — will appeal to club racers and weekend warriors alike. There’s also a sail expedition mode, designed to maximise battery life on multi-day cruises.
And speaking of endurance — battery life is impressive, with up to 16 days in smartwatch mode. Add in a dimmable LED flashlight, red safety light, and built-in mic and speaker for hands-free calling and voice assistance, and you’re carrying a multi-tool on your wrist.
Off the water, the quatix 8 performs just as well. It comes preloaded with 43,000+ golf course maps, TopoActive maps of multiple continents, and backcountry ski tracking. There are surf, dive, HIIT, running, and yoga modes, plus animated workouts, hydration tracking, and stress and body battery monitoring. For the frequent flyer or bluewater sailor, Garmin’s Jet Lag Adviser and Pulse Ox sensor help monitor sleep and oxygenation during long passages.
Health and safety features include heart rate monitoring, respiration tracking, and even an ECG app to detect signs of atrial fibrillation. For peace of mind, the safety and incident detection feature can notify emergency contacts with your live location in the event of an accident.
And finally, it’s smart in the everyday sense too: Garmin Pay, music storage (Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music), smart notifications, and stock tracking are all there. Whether you’re paying for fuel at the marina or checking your messages from the dock, it works just as well in your day-to-day life.
In short, the Garmin quatix® 8 is purpose-built for those who live, work, and relax on or near the water. Whether you’re skippering a game fishing launch in the Bay of Islands, racing a keelboat in Auckland, or heading down the Sounds for a remote weekend cruise, this is wearable tech that’s genuinely seaworthy.
LEARN MORE: quatix® 8Garmin
