Garmin’s busy cadence of smartwatch releases continues with the launch of the quatix 8. This nautically focused smartwatch is aimed at mariners but, interestingly, also includes dive computer functionality.
While it’s not being directly marketed as a dive computer, a look through the specs reveals that it’s a capable entry-level option. This continues Garmin’s trend of offering basic dive computer features on smartwatches outside of its traditional dive computer lineup.
quatix 8 Features
The quatix 8 comes in two case sizes: 51mm and 47mm. Both feature the same 35mm AMOLED display, toughened sapphire glass, and a titanium bezel.
The main focus of the quatix 8 is seamless control and integration with Garmin’s other marine electronics:
- Chartplotter voice control
- Remotely change autopilot heading, engage pattern steering, and follow GPS routes
- Control onboard entertainment systems
- View vessel data — water depth, engine RPM, wind speed & direction — directly from your chartplotter on your wrist
- Alerts for tide changes and anchor dragging
- Wirelessly drop waypoints on your chartplotter
As you’d expect from Garmin, the quatix 8 also offers a comprehensive suite of health and fitness features. A full list can be found here.
Dive Features
Crucially (for me at least) it includes a solid set of recreational diving features. The quatix 8 is air/nitrox (21–40%) capable and uses the same tried-and-tested Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression algorithm found in Garmin’s Descent range of dive computers.
It includes a compass, automatic entry and exit point logging, and an apnea mode.
However, the quatix 8 is limited to 40m and does not support wireless tank integration. While some may complain about the 40m depth limit, it aligns with the target audience. Remember, this isn’t a dedicated dive computer — it’s a nautical smartwatch with added recreational diving functionality.
My only potential concern is ergonomics. Dive computers typically benefit from prominent buttons that are easy to operate with gloves. The sleek buttons on the quatix 8 may not be as user-friendly underwater compared to something like the Descent Mk3. Still, we’ll have to wait for in-depth reviews to know for sure.
On the plus side, you do get access to Garmin’s excellent (and fully featured) dive app. I took a detailed look at the Garmin Dive app in my recent review of the Descent G2.
Final Thoughts
It’s encouraging to see Garmin incorporating dive features across more of its product lines — ultimately giving consumers more choice. If you spend more time on the water than in it and understand the watch’s limitations this could be the ideal hybrid dive computer.
- The Garmin quatix 8 retails at £949.99 (47mm) and £1,039.99 (51mm).
