The Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire is the latest upgrade to Garmin’s “Marine” multisport GPS smartwatch line. With the addition of a bright AMOLED display with a touchscreen interface, a host of sea-specific tools, everything is layered on top of Garmin’s existing multisport platform.
It has a wealth of expertise at hand as it is the brand behind many of today’s best outdoor watches, and most of the best hiking GPS trackers on the market. We were impressed with the predecessor of this watch (read about it in the Garmin Quatix 6X Solar Review), so how does this new addition match? Here is my Garminquatix7 Sapphire review.
Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire Review: Price and Release Date
The Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire is the middle child of Garmin’s latest marine watch lineup, with the following inexpensive non-AMOLED “standard” versions (£ 599.99 / US $ 699.99 / AU $ 1,099) and the “Solar” 7X above. It has a version (£ 1049.99). / US $ 1,199.99 / AU $ 1,899).
The Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire was launched in April 2022 and is currently priced at £ 899.99 / US $ 999.99 / AU $ 1,399. You can get the taste of some choices from this brand with our guide to the best Garmin watches.
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire Review: Design and Construction
At first glance, the Garmin quatix 7 sapphire is very similar to the previous quatix model, with three buttons on the left and two buttons on the right of the standard Garmin. The 22mm quick-fit version of the strap makes it easy for the user to switch, and the familiar bezel protects the front of the watch face. So far it’s normal.
Only when you wave your hand near your sleeping face will it become apparent that this is a brand new screen. The OLED touch number at that time. It’s bright enough to handle sunny conditions (fortunately for marine watches) and has a sapphire lens on the front that’s stronger than most.
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Although the watch body is made of fiber reinforced polymer, the back of the mainstream sensor array and charging port is made of titanium, which is an excellent touch in terms of both premium and weight. Weighing 70g (47g in the case only), this is neither a heavy watch nor a particularly large watch. The diameter of the display is 1.3 inches (33.02 mm). It’s quite large, but much smaller than a Garmin range watch.
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire Review: Screen
The big news here is a screen showing a dramatic change in Garmin’s pace. This is because it is not only very bright and clean, but also touch sensitive. This makes Garmin quatix 7 sapphire a smartwatch than its predecessor, Garmins, allowing you to swipe menus, tap to select, and zoom the map.
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire Review: Battery Life
Like high-end GPS smartwatches, battery life is a mobile feast. When all satellite systems and music are up and running, it takes just under 10 hours (9 hours on all the time) to fully charge, but in battery saver watch mode you can charge in up to 21 days, but most features do that. It will be turned off to achieve and will be an urgent decision. Daily testing has shown that Garmin quatix 7 sapphires require charging every few days (depending on your specific use case). This is a lot shorter than the other recent Garmin I’ve tested. Obviously, the always-on AMOLED is pretty thirsty, but Garmin specifically calls for this in marketing and claims it has no impact.
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
The old Garmin Quatix was essentially the Garmin Fenix 6X with several marine disciplines. This is not a criticism as Fenix was one of the best GPS watches of the time. The new quatics include all the tools I have already mentioned and some new maritime weapons.
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
The new tide data and alerts are arguably the most widely useful and useful for all marine navigators, from swimmers to paddle borders, kayaks to sailors. The latter will definitely be more interested in the new anchor drag alarm. It sends an alert to the clock when the anchor drags. This is an event that any sailor will be happy to wake up.
Similarly, multicontinental topographic maps clearly have Yachtman in mind, and the ability to explore detailed contour maps around the world in such a small package is quite astounding in context. Finally, upgrading to an existing multi-band GPS will help you quickly fix in the waters of the more exotic world by cross-referencing more remote, especially available networks.
(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
As with previous models, there is extensive integration with boat-based systems, especially the Garmin chartplotter and Fusion audio stack, the latter being done via the built-in Fusion-Link Lite app. As a result, everything is at your fingertips, from remote control of key MFD features such as chart zoom, layout shortcuts, and autopilot to real-time data such as water depth, engine RPM, and wind. A clever trick in this set of features is to use a clock to allow chartplotter waypoints to be placed from anywhere on the boat. You don’t have to go back to the rudder.
This is an impressive list of features, but to get the most out of it, you need a compatible boat system. This should be one of GPSMAP 7×2 / 7×3 / 9×2 / 9×3 / 12×2 / 12×3 Plus or GPSMAP 10×2 /. 12×2, GPSMAP 74/7600, GPSMAP 84/8600, GHC 20, GNX ™ Wind, GNT 10.
It’s a fair list, but it’s definitely easy if you have a boat with a compatible system, but it narrows down some of the appeal.
Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire Review: Specifications
size: 47 x 47 x 14.5mm
screen: 1.3 “(33.02mm) AMOLED touch screen
weight: 70g (47g, case only)
Maximum battery life: 16th (smartwatch mode), 21st (battery saver mode), 14th (expedition GPS mode)
waterproof: 10ATM
memory: 32GB
lens: Sapphire crystal
Bezel: Titanium
Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire Review: Alternatives to Consider
This is an interesting market for Garmin quatix 7. It competes with Suunto and numerous Amazfit T-rex style devices as an outdoor watch with an activity tracker, while the “Marine” smartwatch is one of its class. The old Quatix 6 is a great crossover device and a powerful alternative given your budget. That said, the number of people looking for a Fusion-compatible watch within their budget can certainly be very small.
Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire Review: Verdict
I’m a fan of the Garmin multisport platform. This is an endless option that has been well hidden over the years to aid in easy navigation. I like the huge array of coaching tools, useful sensors (HR, blood oxygenometer, Vo2 max calculator). I also like the reliability that rarely disappoints. The Garmin quatix 7 Sapphire adds touchscreens and marine tools to the mix, but it’s not an average feat in itself, without actually compromising the wider platform. The new screen is really great, but it eats up battery life faster than I want (although the yardstick is the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar’s almost unlimited battery life and is slightly unfair).
Anyway, as emphasized above, if you are in the market for “marine” watches that integrate with Garmin boat equipment, Quatics is almost your only choice. For avid paddle borders and kayaks, tide tides and mapping can also help. Garminquatix 7 sapphire is not leaning forward on land. Overall, this is a powerful evolution of the Victory formula.