Garmin, the renowned brand for manufacturing beautiful and sleek hybrid smartwatches, offers a diverse range of watches, including sport watches, hybrid smartwatches, and fitness trackers.
If you're considering buying a Garmin watch, you might wonder where these impressive timepieces are actually made.
In this article, we will explore where are Garmin watches made. We'll also delve into specific models and how to verify the authenticity of a Garmin watch.
Where are Garmin watches made?
Garmin predominantly manufactures its watches in the United States, where it has two manufacturing facilities.
Apart from this Garmin smartwatches are made in other countries such as England, Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
Now, Garmin does in fact have multiple facilities in the following countries.
| Country | Number of Manufacturing Plants |
| The USA | 2 |
| Taiwan | 4 |
| China | 1 |
| The UK | 1 |
Which Garmin watches are made in the USA?
Almost all Garmin watches are made in the USA. While the company maintains global production facilities, it strategically crafts select high-end models on American soil to ensure accessibility at an affordable price range.
These exceptional American-made Garmin smartwatches embody precision, durability, and cutting-edge technology, catering to the discerning needs of consumers.
Among the distinguished American-made Garmin models are the coveted Forerunner 955 Series, designed to empower athletes and fitness enthusiasts with comprehensive tracking and performance-enhancing features.
The Venu Series, another notable creation, boasts a sleek design fused with advanced health monitoring capabilities, appealing to those seeking a perfect blend of style and functionality.
Whereas, the Marq (Generation 2) exemplifies Garmin's commitment to luxury and performance, offering premium materials and exclusive features for the most discerning customers.
Where is the Garmin Fenix watch made?
The Garmin Fenix watches, one of the most popular models of the brand, are made in Switzerland.
The Fenix series comprises several models, and as of 2022, the latest model is the "Garmin Fenix 7 (Generation 2)" with a starting price of $699.99.
The first model of the Fenix series was introduced in 2012, and it quickly gained popularity for its multifunctionality, incorporating features like Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, time measurement, speed monitoring, distance calculation, and more.
Where are Garmin Instinct watches made?
Garmin Instinct watches are proudly manufactured by Garmin's Outdoor Division, located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
As a result, Garmin Instinct can be classified as Swiss-made timepieces, renowned for their exceptional quality and precision.
The production of the Instinct series, which was initially introduced in 2018, is overseen by Garmin's Swiss incorporation, firmly establishing the brand's commitment to crafting reliable and rugged outdoor watches.
In 2022, Garmin introduced the latest addition to the family, the Instinct 2 Series is a true testament to Swiss craftsmanship and Garmin's unwavering dedication to delivering top-notch products to their customers.
Which country owns Garmin?
Garmin is owned by the United States, as it first entered the watch industry about three decades ago with its multi-functional devices.
The company's headquarters is located in Olathe, Kansas, serving as the heart of its operations.
Notably, Garmin is a publicly traded entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting its substantial market capitalization.
As a testament to its dedication to innovation and excellence, Garmin has become a leading global brand, offering a wide range of cutting-edge products and solutions for various industries, including navigation, outdoor recreation, aviation, marine, and more.
Which company manufactures Garmin watches?
Garmin Ltd. is the sole manufacturer of Garmin watches, and it has been producing them since 1989.
Unlike some other companies that rely on third-party manufacturers, Garmin takes full control of the design and production process to ensure the highest quality for its watches.
Founded as ProNav, the company later rebranded as Garmin and has since established itself as a leading player in the GPS technology market.
How can you tell if a Garmin watch is real?
To determine if a Garmin watch is genuine, follow these steps to identify your product using the product name, serial number, or Unit ID:
Product Name Identification: Check the full product name, which includes the product series name and number if applicable. For example, it could be something like "nüvi® 2597LMT" or "Venu Sq 2."
Serial Number Location: Look for the serial number, which is a combination of 8 to 9 letters or numbers, printed externally on the device. The serial number does not contain spaces or dashes.
Entering Product Name on Garmin Support Center: When using the Garmin Support Center, follow these tips to ensure accurate entry of your product name:
- Select your product name from the drop-down menu whenever possible.
- If you know the product number (e.g., 935 for a Forerunner 935), try entering it, and then select the full name from the drop-down menu.
- Serial numbers do not have dashes. If you see a number with dashes (e.g., 145-xxxxx), try removing any mounts or accessories to reveal the serial number.
- Avoid using special characters when entering your product name.
- Make sure you are on the correct country page for your location, as product lists may vary by location.
History of Garmin
The history of Garmin watches traces back to the company's founding in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao. Originally known as ProNav, Garmin's initial product was a GPS unit. The company quickly made strides and started supplying its GPS products to the US Army by 1991, marking the beginning of its growth as a prominent player in the GPS technology market.
Over time, Garmin expanded its operations and acquired several companies, solidifying its position as a world leader in manufacturing GPS-based navigational gadgets and systems. In response to the increasing demand from tech-savvy consumers, Garmin diversified its product range to include activity trackers and smart sports watches.
Garmin offers an impressive array of smartwatch collections, each catering to specific needs and preferences:
- Garmin D2: Designed for pilots and globetrotters, the D2 series boasts GPS smartwatches featuring fiber-reinforced polymer cases, Corning Gorilla glass, and various strap options. The collection includes models like Air, Delta, Delta S, and Delta PX, with different case sizes and water resistance ratings.
- Garmin Enduro: Ideal for extreme adventure and endurance sports, the Enduro collection offers rugged yet lightweight GPS smartwatches. The watches feature fiber-reinforced polymer cases, Power Glass solar charging lenses, and durable straps. The Enduro boasts a 100-meter water resistance rating.
- Garmin FÄ“nix: Geared towards outdoor sports enthusiasts, the FÄ“nix collection comes in Standard, Sapphire, and Solar Editions. These GPS smartwatches offer fiber-reinforced polymer cases with metal rear covers and 100-meter water resistance. Bezels and glass materials vary based on the model.
- Garmin Forerunner: Suited for fitness tracking and overall health monitoring, the Forerunner series includes GPS smartwatches with chemically strengthened glass, MIP displays, and silicone straps. The Forerunner watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters.
- Garmin MARQ: Representing luxury modern tool watches with wearable technology, the MARQ collection offers watches for various activities, such as flying and golf. Each model has distinct features and materials, including titanium cases, domed sapphire crystal, and 100-meter water resistance.
- Garmin Tactix: A tactical GPS smartwatch built to military standards (MIL-STD-810), the Tactix series is durable and equipped with tactical-specific attributes like night vision compatibility. The watches have fiber-reinforced polymer cases, DLC-coated bezels, and water resistance up to 100 meters.
- Garmin Venu: Featuring advanced health monitoring and fitness capabilities, the Venu collection offers GPS smartwatches with round or square-shaped cases. The watches have fiber-reinforced polymer cases, Corning Gorilla glass, and silicone wristbands. The Venu® 2 model comes in 45mm and 40mm case sizes.
Wrap Up
Garmin continues to lead the watch market with its eco-friendly products, impeccable quality, unique designs, and excellent user experiences. The company's commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence has made Garmin watches highly sought-after worldwide. Whether you choose a US-made model or a Swiss-made masterpiece, you can be assured of Garmin's exceptional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology in every timepiece.
Related
