The GPS pioneer took direct hits from Apple (iPhone, Watch) and Google (Maps). But huge R&D investment helped turn the company from an automotive GPS firm to a leader in fitness watches and trackers.
I started with the FR305, went to the FR310XT, FR910XT, Instinct and Fenix 6. It was a FR205 I saw on a run 2 years ago. I have them all still but just use the Instinct and Febix 6.
One problem I think they have is the naming convention makes it hard to easily figure out which one has more or better features.
I run regularly and am part of a large and active running club outside NYC. Just my anecdote, but almost no one in the group uses Apple devices to track runs. I think it's long-time familiarity with Garmin in part, but as this article highlights, lots of running-focused features and thinking.
Also, Garmin's GPS tracking seems more accurate. Have used a Garmin 620, 610, Edge 530, and run with the basic Forerunner 45. Gets the job done with outrageously good battery life.
Finally, Garmin's data ecosystem is better. Apple Health fitness/health is great but centered too much my phone. I want a dashboard. I want a desktop view!
That note on Apple usage in your running group is very interesting. There was one data point in the CNBC profile that ~70% of Boston Marathon in 2018 was Garmin. I wonder if that number is same or higher now. The battery life on Apple Watch seems like a huge issue for hardcore folk. Wonder if they would ever do a slimmed down Apple Watch with killer battery (seems unlikely)
Without realizing I was an early adopter I bought the original Garmin watch in 2006 to replace my polar HR. I’ve since bought 4 more just because they were getting better though one might have failed. 2 years ago I talked to someone still using the original and happy with it. Says something for the quality. We also bought the GPS for the car but put it off too long and didn’t get much use before it was replaced with google but it did make a trip to France easier.
I’ve added their scale and BP monitor so I can automatically keep it all in one app. Good marketing on their part.
Great topic choice. I'm a longtime user/fan of their watches, precisely because they only do what they need to do. Also amazed by their survival/transition from the PND market (those were on every cabbie's dashboard. Oh wait...) to what they are today. Keep it up!
is there a debate?? I thought you put it well - Apple Watch is a smartwatch that also does fitness / health stuff. Generally, Garmin watches are optimized for a few applications. So, specialist versus premium-priced generalist.
other thought - if you are indeed serious about athletics - Apple Watch is a little too much kit. I used to play soccer - I wore a slim Garmin watch under a wrist band for step tracking. Apple with a big shiny color screen is just too much bling.
Liked your dive into R&D spend btw - didn't realize they spent that much as a share of total revenue on R&D. Nice work!
btw, Nokia and Ericsson, also specialists (wireless infrastructure), by coincidence also spend around 18% of revenue on R&D. Huawei spends around 23% as they are in the midst of investment into vertical integration.
One other comment - I ended up on Garmin (paired with Oura Ring, btw) after iterating through an early Fitbit (the kind that went into your pocket...and then into the laundry) then a couple generations of Basis Watches. Got to Garmin after that. It does what it needs to do, not much more.
My spouse tried Fitbit and the Whoop (sp?) before ending up on Apple Watch, btw. I do prefer it if smart watches do, um, tell time. ;-)
I started with the FR305, went to the FR310XT, FR910XT, Instinct and Fenix 6. It was a FR205 I saw on a run 2 years ago. I have them all still but just use the Instinct and Febix 6.
One problem I think they have is the naming convention makes it hard to easily figure out which one has more or better features.
Nice post Trung.
I run regularly and am part of a large and active running club outside NYC. Just my anecdote, but almost no one in the group uses Apple devices to track runs. I think it's long-time familiarity with Garmin in part, but as this article highlights, lots of running-focused features and thinking.
Also, Garmin's GPS tracking seems more accurate. Have used a Garmin 620, 610, Edge 530, and run with the basic Forerunner 45. Gets the job done with outrageously good battery life.
Finally, Garmin's data ecosystem is better. Apple Health fitness/health is great but centered too much my phone. I want a dashboard. I want a desktop view!
Thanks for the read and note, Chris!
That note on Apple usage in your running group is very interesting. There was one data point in the CNBC profile that ~70% of Boston Marathon in 2018 was Garmin. I wonder if that number is same or higher now. The battery life on Apple Watch seems like a huge issue for hardcore folk. Wonder if they would ever do a slimmed down Apple Watch with killer battery (seems unlikely)
My understanding is the Ultra model gets you there. Long battery life. But it’s too big (my view) for every day wear. For me anyways.
And I view an Apple Watch as an every day wear watch even if they’re pointing it towards fitness.
Without realizing I was an early adopter I bought the original Garmin watch in 2006 to replace my polar HR. I’ve since bought 4 more just because they were getting better though one might have failed. 2 years ago I talked to someone still using the original and happy with it. Says something for the quality. We also bought the GPS for the car but put it off too long and didn’t get much use before it was replaced with google but it did make a trip to France easier.
I’ve added their scale and BP monitor so I can automatically keep it all in one app. Good marketing on their part.
Thanks for thread, Chris. Whoa! You're an OG with the 2006 model. What was the name of that one?
Great topic choice. I'm a longtime user/fan of their watches, precisely because they only do what they need to do. Also amazed by their survival/transition from the PND market (those were on every cabbie's dashboard. Oh wait...) to what they are today. Keep it up!
Thanks Jon! What is the Apple vs. Garmin debate in your mind?
is there a debate?? I thought you put it well - Apple Watch is a smartwatch that also does fitness / health stuff. Generally, Garmin watches are optimized for a few applications. So, specialist versus premium-priced generalist.
other thought - if you are indeed serious about athletics - Apple Watch is a little too much kit. I used to play soccer - I wore a slim Garmin watch under a wrist band for step tracking. Apple with a big shiny color screen is just too much bling.
Liked your dive into R&D spend btw - didn't realize they spent that much as a share of total revenue on R&D. Nice work!
btw, Nokia and Ericsson, also specialists (wireless infrastructure), by coincidence also spend around 18% of revenue on R&D. Huawei spends around 23% as they are in the midst of investment into vertical integration.
https://substack.com/@jonmetzler/note/c-62360342
Ah, thanks for flagging this Jon. Great data point.
One other comment - I ended up on Garmin (paired with Oura Ring, btw) after iterating through an early Fitbit (the kind that went into your pocket...and then into the laundry) then a couple generations of Basis Watches. Got to Garmin after that. It does what it needs to do, not much more.
My spouse tried Fitbit and the Whoop (sp?) before ending up on Apple Watch, btw. I do prefer it if smart watches do, um, tell time. ;-)
Brilliant post! Everything you'd need to know about Gramin and more. Thanks,Trung.
Thanks for the read, Mo! Fascinating company.