Garmin relaunches high-end smartwatch with new version adding ceramic coating
Garmin is having a busy start to the year with multiple releases already under its belt. For instance, the company started 2026 by updating the Venu X1 with a Soft Gold colour option (curr. $699.99 on Amazon). Shortly afterwards, the company brought satellite and cellular connectivity to the Quatix 8 with the launch of the Quatix 8 Pro.
Now, it has refreshed the Tactix 8 with two new options. For context, the Tactix 8 debuted under a year ago with ECG, an LED flashlight, various tactical features and a 1.4-inch AMOLED display. All these return with the Cerakote Edition, including up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. However, both feature cerakote, which Garmin describes in the following terms:
Cerakote is a ceramic-polymer composite coating popular for its abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistance properties. The premium coating is sprayed onto each smartwatch, then baked to help cure the coating. This provides a unique look and feel that becomes more refined as the watch is worn—giving it a one-of-a-kind rugged look.
In other words, ceraokte should develop a patina over time. Also, it is worth keeping in mind that Garmin only offers the Ceraokte Edition as a 51 mm smartwatch, despite offering the standard Tactix 8 in 47 mm versions too. The Tactix 8 Cerakote Edition retails for $1,599.99 in its Olive Drab and Slate Grey finishes for a $200 surcharge over other 51 mm Tactix 8 smartwatches. Please see Garmin's website for more details.
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