Garmin’s next outdoor smartwatch: Instinct 2X on the horizon

Garmin is close to releasing another watch for the outdoorsy types. This appears to be the Instinct 2X, according to regulatory documents.

Garmin Instinct is a rugged GPS smartwatch first released by the American multinational corporation in 2018. The device is intended for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a long-lasting and dependable watch that can withstand extreme conditions. This gadget has the potential to help users experience the great outdoors with confidence while also tracking their fitness and activity levels.

The latest iteration in the series is the Instinct Crossover – a hybrid take on the outdoors watch concept. Here’s the full release schedule.

• Garmin Instinct (October 2018)
• Garmin Instinct Solar (July 2020)
• Garmin Instinct 2 (February 2022)
• Garmin Instinct Crossover (November 2022)

As far as generation 3, we certainly do not anticipate more than a two year gap. Most likely we will see it in early 2024. But before that it looks an interim version will drop.

Is Garmin Instinct 2X the next in the range?

First flagged up by Fitness Tracker Test in a Twitter post, a new device with the moniker A04600 has appeared in the last few days on the Federal Communication Commission’s website. The exact same moniker appears on the Singapore Government Agency’s database, as well.

As per the filings, this is a multiport GPS smartwatch with Bluetooth, ANT+ and NFC connectivity. The screenshot of the label makes it clear this is a device in the Instinct range.

As can be seen, the recognisable two-window design is there. This is a one-of-a-kind feature that enables users to view multiple types of data on the same screen. The main display shows the time, date, and any chosen activity data, while the smaller secondary display shows info such as notifications, compass heading, or heart rate. This allows users to quickly glance at the watch and get the information they need without having to navigate through multiple menus or screens.

Of course, all of this can be customized. When hiking, for example, the primary display might show the time and distance traveled, while the secondary display might show the current altitude and compass heading. Alternatively, during a workout, the primary display could display the elapsed time and heart rate, while the secondary display could display incoming text messages or other notifications.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Although the screen is not as high resolution as on some other smartwatches, it is more than adequate for showing notifications, messages, and fitness data. The display is scratch-resistant and housed in a fiber-reinforced polymer case, which contributes to the watch’s durability and resistance to harm.

A larger sized version?

What’s particularly interesting about the “Test Report” part of the FCC filing is a mention of the dimensions of the upcoming device. The watch apparently has a diameter of 57mm and depth of 13mm!

If these dimensions turn out to be accurate and the naming convention of the Fenix range is followed, this suggests that the timepiece will be Garmin Instinct 2X.

To remind, Instinct 2 comes in a choice between a 40mm and 45mm diameter size. Garmin Fenix 7, on the other hand, comes in three variants – a 42mm, 47mm and 51mm.

Nothing too strange about the depth of Instinct 2X. It’s actually a bit thinner than generation 2 which comes in at 14.5mm (and 13.3mm for Instinct 2s). Most likely the same or a larger sized battery can still be housed within the device thanks to its bigger diameter.

Garmin offers a variety of watch sizes and styles to suit different preferences and needs. While something with a 57mm dial sounds absolutely massive, it is not a first. An example is the Casio Pro Trek PRT-B50.

But such devices are few and are between, no doubt, because the market demand is limited. It could be a good option for those who want a watch with a larger display and more features.

The fact that the Garmin device has been added to databases of multiple regulatory authorities suggests it is close to release. Don’t be surprised if it lands in the weeks ahead.

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