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Questions & Answers

Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?SAM R : Great watch for Wildland FirefightingNELSON R : Good priceMD AZRI H : Black Friday offer

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2024-07-01T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Loved it for a while?

My watch is almost a year old. It has worked great till this last month. It would last almost 2 weeks before needed to be charged. When I charged it. It would always say I had 19 days till I needed to charge. With about 10 days left it would go to 0 and I would have to charge. Now it goers 24 days and it lasts about 2 to 3 days. No warning just shuts off. Today it said 20 days and died. Not sure what to do next??? Tried everything on line. Nothing has worked. Sucks for what you pay!

TCfishing

2024-06-29T20:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Garmin instinct solar

The watch has been a really good watch until a few weeks ago. Now it is unusable. This is my 2nd instinct I have owned. My son wears my old one and loves it. Now the watch shuts off ever time it vibrates. I wake up to the vibrate and check messages and phone calls from the vibrate mode. I can't hear real well but I can feel my wrist vibrating. I hope there is an update soon or some kind of fix. The only option I see from all the other reviews is to look for another watch. I expect way more out of an almost $500 watch.

Not 1.

2024-06-26T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Cool watch, battery doesn't last

I bought this watch about 4 years ago and it performed great until about 3 months ago. At first the battery life shortened by a couple days, I could live with that. Now I can't get the watch to stay charged for more than a day. I've tried all the Garmin support recommendations but it hasn't helped. Since this is a solar enhanced battery it's not an easy battery replacement and Garmin support doesn't make it easy to get in contact. Wish the battery still worked, it's a great watch otherwise.

Muledeerguy

2024-06-25T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

lots of options

all most too many options, can't wait to get hiking with this.

hiker 5.

2024-06-19T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Great when it stays on

I bought this Garmin Instinct Solar about 3 years ago. It stills works great, except it shuts down frequently. I've tried a reset to default and clearing out the activities, as suggested by Garmin, but still have shutdowns. Turning off notifications seems to help, but not solve the problem. Any suggestions?

Swh59

2024-06-19T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great watch

Glad I bought this watch Great customer support Lots of features

Dave58

2024-06-18T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Like it, not love it.

It's on the bigger side but does give you good stats. It takes forever to get a charge on the solar. I've had my watch for a year and I'm already having to send it in to be fixed. It shuts off every time I start an activity. Battery drains easily. Even with nothing on and every power saving mode active. Can't connect it with IQ. Can't load music. Probably has more great factors that I don't know about.

Laine13

2024-06-18T20:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Horrible

Has not worked in 2 years. Powers off on full battery. Have read all the articles and it doesn't change anything. Purchased in Germany and cannot bring it back to the Base PX where I bought it from. Disappointing. Spent 400 dollars on it.

Doesn’t w.

2024-06-15T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Overall

I bought this about a month ago. I was using samsungs newest watch on the other wrist as well. Obviously Smasungs watch works like a small phone on your wrist. I thought I would be disappointed when I saw the watch face of the Instinct but oh boy! I was not. The instinct watch reported notifications faster. I also enjoyed the use of pairing the device to read my data with samsung health. The only downside is you needed a 3rd party sync app in order to pair the information from the garmin app to the samsung app. The only other issue I had was battery life. The instinct lasted 5 times longer than the samsung (daily charged) while the instinct lasted more than 5 days. It also recharges fairly quickly too. Regarding the charging method I did prefer how fast and easy samaungs magnetic charger worked but I had no issues with the instincts unique Inserted charger. I had to return the watch because I bought the garmin tandem cam for my wifes car. currently testing out a $50 wyze watch and compared to the instinct and it's utility and ruggedized look I am hating life with this wyze watch. You do get what you pay for and currently I wish I had the instinct back. But I prefer the safety of my wife in her car with our garmin tandem cam over me having such a beautiful watch. haha. Thanks Garmin. Love the product.

Q1584

2024-06-05T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Impressive watch

This is the best watch I've ever owned, I've only charged it once since I bought it!

Hoppy

2024-05-25T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Garmin instinct solar

This watch is of great quality, and I only need to charge it once a week due to my outdoor activities.

Capt

2024-05-19T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Watch

I bought this watch Nov. of 2022, and I loved it from the start. It was a bundle purchase off of Amazon with a bundled protection plan. The watch stopped solar charging after about 1 yert, and I sent the watch to the repair center. They deemed the watch un-fixable, and I was refunded about 60% of my purchase price. Currently the watch will charge to full, but when it reaches about 75% it will begin to shut off when any of the special features is used. I am currently working on saving the funds up to purchase a new Insight 2 to replace it.

Red14144

2024-05-14T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Provides Great Information

I have owned my Garmin Instinct Solar for almost three years now. There is a multitude of information it provides me, although it is somewhat difficult to navigate all the controls. The watch is a bit too big but you get used to it. The battery life could be longer but the solar assist helps, on sunny days. I do really enjoy all of it's features and I would be lost without it. My next purchase, if this watch ever fails me, will be a more sleek model. I really don't take advantage of the GPS features but I am sure these would be handy for someone who needs that ability.

BRon

2024-05-10T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great features

The fist one I had quite working so my wife gave me another one and I love it.

Chuckie13

2024-04-19T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Nice features

I like that I'm able to keep up with steps, heart rate, etc.

hgh22

2024-04-17T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Still learning

It's not easy to initially set up. I relied more on you tube then what Garmin offered but got the set up done. Then couldn't figure out why the battery saver screen was on, it was so confusing. After alot of playing around and again ... you tube, I understood what I did. I'm not don't figuring out everything but what I know, it's really cool. Wish the blue model was more navy, would go with more clothing. Features I use most steps distance HR dial changes and a few more are really accurate and cool to use.

Jones53

2024-04-14T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Lovely watch.

I love to wear watch, but usually it hurts my wrist but this this watch I never feel I'm wearing it. Has so many futures, but it's little bit hard to function!

Army

2024-04-11T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Tool Watch

I bought this watch over a year ago and I'm so glad I did

TEDW

2024-04-09T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Fantastic Watch

It meets all my needs and then some, beats the socks off the Fitbit i had before.

GeoFlt

2024-04-08T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Espectacular

Lo compré hace un mes y lo he cargado una sola ves

Jarochito27

2024-04-07T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Works great

It does what it's needed for and more. Work great with connect app

Johnr77

2024-04-07T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Just what I wanted

Does everything I need. Like it better than my old watch. Looks better, too

RaulDuke

2024-03-30T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Like it simple and does what is needed

Watch works great and does what is needed and more

John I.

2024-03-24T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great watch, Sleep Tracking and daily mileage

I was in the Apple Watch cam for years Apple 7 was my last one, been for years wanted to try a Garmin. Battery life is better, never have to charge. Sleep tracking is actual useful insight, body battery help me to do over do long mileage date. Overall happy with the switch, only down side is not a "smart" watch but I always have my phone on me.

Clue

2024-03-23T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Solar

I using it since month and I really liked and accommodate my needs

Imenos

2024-03-04T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Beautiful Watch

It's reliable, accurate and with a long battery life!!!

DimStaik

2024-02-29T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Looong life battery!

I purchased the instinct solar watch about 3 weeks ago to replace an Apple watch whose battery life was not as good as I had hoped. The Instinct battery life is incredibly long, typically 25 days without a lot of sun exposure and even longer in the sun, even with GPS on and battery saver mode off! Just what I was looking for to replace the 2 day life of my Apple watch Series 6. We'll done Garmin!

Peterdink

2024-02-25T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Garmin instinct watch

Great watch. Really nice to wear and record data when jogging. Love the watch. Garmin makes great products and I have other products made by Garmin. Great customer services. Garmin makes reliable products and stands behind what they make.

GT04

2024-02-25T19:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Great but ....

The watch is excellent and is serving its purpose. The only thing I consider it is over rate and over priced is the SOLAR, it does not provide enough power or charge to pay the extra $150 for it.

NASHI

2024-02-15T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A Happy Purchase

I purchased the watch about a month ago and I am happy I chose the Instinct Solar. The buttons take some getting use to because my last watches were Vivo Actives. I decided to go for something that can take the bumps. I have only had to plug it in to charge once. And I love the color-red!

RunPruittRun

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Garmin Instinct Solar Specifications

  • Color

    Graphite

  • Lens Material

    Power Glass

  • Bezel Material

    Fiber-reinforced polymer

  • Case Material

    Fiber-reinforced polymer

  • Quickfit Watch Band Compatible

    Yes (22mm)

  • Strap Material

    Silicone

  • Display Size

    Custom, two-window design: 0.9 x 0.9" (23 x 23mm)

  • Display Resolution

    128 x 128 pixels

  • Display Type

    Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)

  • Battery Life

    Smartwatch: Up to 24 days/54 days with solar
    Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 56 days/Unlimited with solar
    GPS: Up to 30 hours/38 hours with solar
    Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 70 hours/145 hours with solar
    Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 28 days/68 days with solar

  • Water Rating

    10 ATM

  • Memory/History

    16MB

  • Dimensions

    1.77 x 1.77 x 0.60" (45 x 45 x 15.3mm)
    Fits wrists with a circumference of 132-224 mm

  • Weight

    1.87 oz (53g)

  • UPC Code

    753759258757

About Garmin Instinct Solar

FEATURED REVIEWS

Great watch

By Dave58

Glad I bought this watch Great customer support Lots of features

Great Overall

By Q1584

I bought this about a month ago. I was using samsungs newest watch on the other wrist as well. Obviously Smasungs watch works like a small phone on your wrist. I thought I would be disappointed when I saw the watch face of the Instinct but oh boy! I was not. The instinct watch reported notifications faster. I also enjoyed the use of pairing the device to read my data with samsung health. The only downside is you needed a 3rd party sync app in order to pair the information from the garmin app ...

View full Review

Do What You Love, Longer
Instinct is a GPS smartwatch built to break convention, conquer the elements and endure longer. It's now taking battery life to a new level by harnessing the power of the sun.

• Experience unprecedented battery life with solar charging
• Military standard toughness lets you play rough without worry
• GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. Your 3 best friends in the wild
• Train smarter with built-in sports apps right on your wrist
• Get notifications straight from your phone to your wrist
• Do more. Charge less. Get up to 54 days in smartwatch mode.

Engineered for Endurance
Fiber-reinforced polymer case, chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla glass and a battery powered by the sun creates a device that's built to endure.

Designed to Be Daring
Bold colors, high contrast displays and purpose-built design bring to life a non-traditional smartwatch that turns heads at every glance.

Break the mold.

Solar Battery
Variable based on sun-exposure, the Instinct can provide unprecedented battery life to those that explore under the sun.

Military Standard 810
Instinct is built to the U.S. military standard 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters).

Power Manager
View how various settings and sensors impact your watch's battery life, so you can make battery-extending changes on the fly.

Train smarter.

Sports Apps
Use preloaded activity profiles for surfing, swimming, running, biking, hiking, rowing, strength and more.

Wrist-Based Heart Rate
Get heart rate data along with alerts if your heart rate stays too high or too low while you're at rest. Gauge how hard your heart is working during activities, even underwater.

Pulse OX
For altitude acclimation or sleep monitoring, a Pulse Ox sensor uses light beams at your wrist to gauge how well your body is absorbing oxygen.

Stress Tracking
Heart rate variability is used to calculate your stress level score, so you can see if you're having a calm, balanced or stressful day.

Body Battery Energy Monitor
Optimize your body's energy reserves, using heart rate variability, stress, sleep and other data to gauge when you're ready to be active or when you may need to rest.

Trust your Instincts. But also confirm them

Multi-GNSS Support
Access multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone.

ABC Sensors
Navigate your next trail with ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and three-axis electronic compass.

Tracback Routing
Take the guesswork out of your return journey by using this feature to navigate the same route back to your starting point.

Stay connected.

Smart Notifications
Receive emails, texts and alerts right on your watch when paired with a compatible device.

Pair for Satellite Communication
Pair Instinct with an inReach device (sold separately; active satellite subscription required) to view and send messages, get weather alerts on your wrist and trigger an SOS to the GEOS 24/7 emergency response team.

Calendar View
Easily see your plans for the day with a dedicated calendar screen.

Garmin Instinct Solar Features

  • Clock Features
  • Time/Date
  • Gps Time Sync
  • Automatic Daylight Saving Time
  • Alarm Clock
  • Timer
  • Stopwatch
  • Sunrise/Sunset Times
  • Health Monitoring Features
  • Wrist-Based Heart Rate (Constant, Every Second)
  • Daily Resting Heart Rate
  • Abnormal Heart Rate Alerts (yes, high and low)
  • Body Battery Energy Monitor
  • All-Day Stress Tracking
  • Relaxation Breathing Timer
  • Sleep
  • Hydration (Yes, in Garmin Connect)
  • Menstrual Cycle (Yes, in Garmin Connect)
  • Sensors Features
  • Gps
  • Glonass
  • Galileo
  • Garmin Elevate Wrist Heart Rate Monitor
  • Barometric Altimeter
  • Compass
  • Accelerometer
  • Thermometer
  • Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
  • Daily Smart Features
  • Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+
  • Smart Notifications
  • Text Response/Reject Phone Call With Text (Android Only)
  • Calendar
  • Weather
  • Battery Saver - Customizable Low Power Watch
  • Controls Smartphone Music
  • Find My Phone
  • Find My Watch
  • Virb Remote
  • Smartphone Compatibility iPhone, Android
  • Pairs With Garmin Connect Mobile
  • Safety And Tracking Features
  • Livetrack
  • Tactical Features
  • Dual Grid Coordinates
  • Activity Tracking Features
  • Step Counter
  • Move Bar (Displays On Device After A Period Of Inactivity; Walk For A Couple Of Minutes To Reset It)
  • Auto Goal (Learns Your Activity Level And Assigns A Daily Step Goal)
  • Calories Burned
  • Floors Climbed
  • Distance Traveled
  • Intensity Minutes
  • Trueup
  • Move Iq
  • Gym & Fitness Equipment Features
  • Available Gym Activity Profiles Strength, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, Pilates and Yoga
  • Cardio Workouts
  • Strength Workouts
  • Automatic Rep Counting
  • Training, Planning And Analysis Features
  • HR Zones
  • HR Alerts
  • HR Calories
  • % HR Max
  • % HRR
  • Auto Max HR
  • HR Broadcast (Broadcasts HR Data Over Ant+ to Paired Devices)
  • Respiration Rate (During Exercise) (Yes, with compatible accessory)
  • Gps Speed And Distance
  • Customizable Data Pages
  • Customizable Activity Profiles
  • Auto Pause
  • Interval Training
  • Advanced Workouts
  • Downloadable Training Plans
  • Power Modes - Customizable In-Activity Battery Settings
  • Auto Lap
  • Manual Lap
  • Configurable Lap Alerts
  • Custom Alerts
  • Audio Prompts
  • Finish Time
  • Virtual Partner
  • Race An Activity
  • Course Guidance
  • Touch And/Or Button Lock
  • Hot Keys
  • Auto Scroll
  • Activity History On Watch
  • Physio Trueup
  • Running Features
  • Available Run Profiles Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Trail Running
  • Gps-Based Distance, Time And Pace
  • Cadence (Provides Real-Time Number Of Steps Per Minute)
  • Run Workouts
  • Foot Pod Capable
  • Outdoor Recreation Features
  • Available Outdoor Recreation Profiles (Surfing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Hiking, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Skiing, Fishing, Hunting, Tactical)
  • Point-To-Point Navigation
  • Bread Crumb Trail In Real Time
  • Back To Start
  • Tracback
  • Ultratrac Mode
  • Elevation Profile
  • Distance To Destination
  • Barometric Trend Indicator With Storm Alert
  • Trail Run Auto Climb
  • Vertical Speed
  • Total Ascent/Descent
  • Future Elevation Plot
  • Compatible With Basecamp
  • Gps Coordinates
  • Sight 'N Go
  • Area Calculation
  • Projected Waypoint
  • Sun And Moon Information
  • Xero Locations
  • Expedition Gps Activity
  • Cycling Features
  • Alerts (Triggers Alarm When You Reach Goals Including Time, Distance, Heart Rate Or Calories)
  • Courses
  • Available Cycling Profiles (Biking, Indoor Biking, Mountain Biking, Triathlon)
  • Race An Activity
  • Speed And Cadence Sensor Support (Yes, Ant+ and Bluetooth Smart Sensors)
  • Swimming Features
  • Available Swim Profiles (Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming)
  • Open-Water Swim Metrics (Distance, Pace, Stroke Count/Rate, Stroke Distance, Swim Efficiency (Swolf), Calories)
  • Pool Swim Metrics (Lengths, Distance, Pace, Stroke Count, Swim Efficiency (Swolf), Calories)
  • Stroke Type Detection (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly) (Pool Swim Only)
  • Drill Logging (Pool Swim Only)
  • Basic Rest Timer (Up From 0) (Pool Swim Only)
  • "Repeat On" Rest Timer (Pool Swim Only)
  • Time and Distance Alerts
  • Pool Swim Workouts
  • Underwater Wrist-Based Heart Rate

Key Features

  • Engineered for Endurance
  • Designed to Be Daring
  • Solar Battery
  • Military Standard 810
  • Power Manager
  • Tide Data

What's in the box:

  • Instinct Solar Edition GPS Smartwatch (Graphite)
  • Charging/Data Cable
  • User Manual
  • Garmin 1 Year Limited Warranty