The new nautical flagship lets you send SOS alerts from your wrist—with no phone required
Garmin has officially unveiled the Quatix 8 Pro, a premium marine watch that finally bridges the gap between rugged utility and satellite safety.
Set to launch on 16 January, the $1,299.99/£1,139.99 device features integrated inReach satellite technology and LTE support—both first introduced with the Fenix 8 Pro last August—allowing mariners to stay connected even when miles offshore.
That enables the headline feature here, two-way satellite communication. For the first time on a Quatix model, sailors can trigger SOS alerts, send location check-ins, and receive weather updates directly from the watch, independent of a smartphone.
This connects users to Garmin’s 24/7 Response Centre, providing a vital safety net for solo sailors or those venturing beyond coastal cell towers.
What’s different about Quatix 8 Pro?
From a design perspective, as is always the case with Fenix spin-offs, the Quatix 8 Pro mirrors the premium architecture of the standard model. It features a 47mm case with a titanium bezel, a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display.
However, there’s always the odd little software tweak to make it feel a bit more focused than a Fenix. And for this edition, the brand has overhauled ‘Boat Mode’.
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When active, the watch prioritizes vessel-connected apps, giving users wrist-based control over autopilots, trolling motors, and Fusion audio systems. It can even stream data such as water depth, engine RPM, and wind speed directly to the watch face from compatible chartplotters.
The Wareable view
While this is essentially a Fenix 8 Pro in a captain’s hat, the integration of inReach technology is a massive differentiator for its specific audience.
For open-water mariners, the ability to trigger a satellite SOS from the wrist—rather than scrambling for a handheld device in the cabin—justifies the premium price tag alone.
It’s another clear illustration of Garmin’s might in niche outdoor watches; nobody can compete with the features or design in these areas.
