Garmin introduces tactix 8 – Cerakote Edition: A premium tactical smartwatch purpose-built to withstand any mission
Hardened ceramic coating offers long-lasting durability and a unique and rugged look
OLATHE, Kan./Jan. 20, 2026 – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced tactix® 8 – Cerakote® Edition, the ultimate tactical smartwatch fortified for the field with a unique and durable finish. The newest smartwatch features a stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel, sapphire lens and built-in LED flashlight for after-dark visibility. And with up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, it’s easier to push harder for longer.
Premium finish
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.
tactix 8 – Cerakote Edition boasts a 51mm case and is available in two different Cerakote coatings: slate gray or olive drab.
Mission ready
Like the tactix 8 smartwatch, the Cerakote Edition includes Garmin’s suite of dedicated tactical, performance, navigation and connected features.
- Tactical: Input pack weight using the rucking activity profile; use the jumpmaster activity to track three jump types: HAHO, HALO and Static; view two sets of coordinate systems, such as MGRS and latitude/longitude, on a single data screen with dual-position GPS format; use Stealth Mode to turn off wireless communications but still track distances traveled and biometric data without recording location; compatible with night vision goggles; and use the preloaded Applied Ballistics® Ultralight solver to access advanced aiming solutions for long-range marksmanship.
- Performance: Reach new depths with a 40-meter dive rating and support for scuba and apnea dive activities; train like never before with strength training plans, sport-specific workouts and real-time stamina tracking; and use 24/7 health monitoring features like Body Battery™ energy monitoring, Pulse Ox1 and advanced sleep and nap detection to gain a better understanding of overall health.
- Navigation: View terrain contour on TopoActive maps; access maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide; navigate straight to a location or waypoint in the worldwide aeronautical database, or choose the “Nearest” function to activate a path to a nearby airport; and get superior positioning accuracy using multi-band GPS with SatIQ™ technology and a 3- axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter.
- Connectivity: When paired to a compatible Apple® or Android™ smartphone, use the built-in speaker and mic to make and take phone calls from the wrist; receive smart notifications; and breeze through checkout lines with Garmin Pay™ contactless payments.
Available to purchase on www.garmin.com starting January 23, 2026, tactix 8 – Cerakote Edition has a suggested retail price of $1,599.99. See it on display at the Garmin booth, #10119, during SHOT Show 2026. To learn more, visit www.garmin.com.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.
This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox not available in all countries.
About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and tactix are registered trademarks and Body Battery, SatIQ and Garmin Pay are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Cerakote is a trademark of NIC Industries. Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
