Garmin quatix 8 Pro nautical smartwatch featuring inReach technology

Latest smartwatch for mariners offers satellite and cellular connectivity for added peace of mind, enhanced boat mode and more
OLATHE, Kan./Jan. 13, 2026/PR Newswire – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced quatix 8 Pro, the ultimate nautical smartwatch equipped with inReach technology for two-way satellite and cellular connectivity** – giving mariners access to text messaging, voice calling, SOS capabilities and more without a cell phone connection. Packed with essential marine features to control the vessel, the watch’s enhanced boat mode brings boating apps to the forefront when mariners are out on the water, then hides those features while they’re ashore. Available in a 47mm case, quatix 8 Pro includes a bright 1.4” AMOLED display, a durable titanium bezel, scratch resistant sapphire lens and superior battery life, making it the ultimate companion on and off the water.
From fishing to fitness, wakesurfing to weight lifting, quatix 8 Pro helps keep mariners connected through every part of their day, even when bringing a smartphone along isn’t practical or possible. With satellite and LTE connectivity on the wrist, mariners can feel more at ease knowing they can stay in touch with family and friends or get help if needed. And with the upgraded boat mode, it’s easier for
them to access the features they need, when they need them.
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Stay connected without a phone
With built-in inReach technology**, quatix 8 Pro helps mariners stay in touch and have greater peace of mind when their voyages take them off the grid, even up to 50 miles offshore. Using a satellite connection, they can send messages and location check-ins, while staying on top of changing weather forecasts – no phone connection required. Cellular connectivity gives mariners access to voice calling, voice messaging and LiveTrack location sharing. And with SOS capabilities, they can trigger an SOS message to get help from the 24/7-staffed Garmin Response coordination center, with experience coordinating more than 1,200 inReach incidents on the water.
Quickly take command
The enhanced boat mode feature makes it easier than ever for mariners to control the helm while on the water and navigate to the activities they want while on land. When activated, boat mode brings vital vessel-connected apps to the forefront, providing quick access to autopilot, trolling motor and other boating data – right from the watch face. When boat mode is deactivated and it’s time to head to the office, the gym or anywhere in between, users can get the apps and everyday connected features they want back in focus in their menus and watch face.
Packed with premium features
Designed for life on and off the water, quatix 8 Pro boasts a suite of dedicated marine features, including chartplotter voice commands (requires Bluetooth connectivity) and remote control over entertainment and lighting systems, Force trolling motors and more, along with 24/7 health and wellness monitoring, more than 100 activities like wakesurfing and water skiing, navigation features, Garmin Pay and much more.
Available to purchase on www.garmin.com starting January 16, 2026, quatix 8 Pro has a suggested retail price of $1,299.99 and gets up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. To learn more, visit garmin.com.
** Active subscription required; LTE network coverage and satellite connectivity are not available in all countries, e.g., satellite coverage up to 50 miles offshore. Check garmin.com/quatix8procoverage for requirements and to see which services are accessible in your area – or in countries to where you may be traveling. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.
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My first thought was “Holy cow, they fit inReach capabilities into a watch!”
But Garmin is pretty clear in the press release and elsewhere that while this watch can work with the same Garmin Response rescue center as the various inReach models I tested for years, it does not use the same global Iridium satellite system. Instead it uses Skylo, a new direct-to-device satellite service with much more limited coverage offshore but also closer integration to the cell service also included in the watch.
One way to see how this plays out is the latest inReach service plans: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/837461/
Is the boat integration for this watch and the Garmin handhelds through Garmin MFD’s, or is there a NMEA-2000 option avaible now, or on the way for those of us that use B&G and other MFD’s?
Dan, the integrations are all via a Garmin MFD. The watch displays data sourced from the NMEA 2000 network, but it’s relayed via an MFD. So you could install a small Garmin MFD, but one way or another, you will need a Garmin display.
-Ben S.
GNT 10 NMEA 2000 but has been discontinued, but it is worth looking on ebay.