Garmin has fortified its tactix 8 smartwatch with a new Cerakote Edition, giving the mission‑ready wearable a durable ceramic‑polymer coating and a spec bump worthy of elite operators. The 51mm watch features a crisp 1.4‑inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel and sapphire lens, plus a bright built‑in LED flashlight for after‑dark visibility. Thanks to a power‑efficient platform the watch can last up to 29 days in smartwatch mode, meaning the user will tire long before the battery does.
Cerakote isn’t just for firearms. The abrasion‑ and corrosion‑resistant coating is applied to each watch and baked on, creating a rugged finish that develops character over time. The tactix 8 Cerakote Edition comes in slate gray and olive drab, both with Garmin’s full suite of tactical, performance, navigation and connectivity features. Tactical modes include a rucking activity profile, jumpmaster functions for HAHO, HALO and static jumps, dual‑position GPS (MGRS and latitude/longitude), Stealth Mode for disabling wireless comms, night‑vision goggle compatibility and an Applied Ballistics Ultralight solver for long‑range marksmanship. On the performance front the watch supports strength training plans, sport‑specific workouts and 24/7 health monitoring via Body Battery, Pulse Ox and advanced sleep tracking.
Navigation features include TopoActive mapping, multi‑band GPS with SatIQ™ technology, a worldwide aeronautical database and a 3‑axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter for reliable positioning. When paired with a smartphone the watch can handle phone calls, notifications and contactless payments via Garmin Pay. Despite all that tech it’s dive‑ready to 40 meters. The tactix 8 Cerakote Edition goes on sale January 23 with a suggested retail price of $1,599.99.
For those who push the limits, this watch offers a rare combination of battlefield toughness and everyday practicality. Check the official product page at Garmin for full specs and revisit our coverage of rugged smartwatches for more context.
