Recommendation for a smart watch

[RFC]

I know this has been discussed before, but with so many new models on the market, not to mention prices dropping, I wanted to get a fresh read from you.

I want something that is:

1) Apple iPhone compatible

2) GPS

3) Sufficiently rugged and water resistant for outdoor use.

What do all of you recommend?

Thanks!

[EmoryDPTT]

I have a garmin vivoactive 1st gen and really like it.
Small profile. I get my text msg to it when received from my iPhone. It's a garmin, so you can track running, swimming, and cycling metrics.
Fully water proof and 3+ week battery life before charging.
It's my full time watch and I wear it when I ride so that I don't have to pull my phone out when I received text messages.

[AngryScientist]

what "smart" functions are you interested in?

i have a garmin forerunner 35 that i have been using for the gym and running, and it's pretty good. very easy to use for cardio typed workouts, and it reads texts...

[benb]

Garmin, just depends on which one is right for you. Your #3 requirement should probably be changed to:

3) Sufficiently rugged and water resistant for outdoor use with a screen that is visible in daylight and does not shut off until touched/moved.

Suunto is probably the only other brand worth considering.

[rwerkudara]

I use a Garmin 235, but it's far from rugged. If you want something that is durable i'd take a look at the Garmin Fenix series. The Fenix 3 series (sapphire screen, etc.) is heavily discounted with the Fenix 5 release around the corner.

[Dirtdiggler]

May I suggest the Tag Heuer Connected smart watch.

[EmoryDPTT]

Originally Posted by Dirtdiggler

May I suggest the Tag Heuer Connected smart watch.

That is quite a smart watch!

[doublenines]

RFC thanks for posting, I'm in the same boat and have been doing some research so to hear from the real world users on this forum is valuable.
My wish list is the same, except a nice to have is HR. Can't seem to find anything that beats the Fenix 3 but with the 5's coming out (they say 1Q2017) I'm waiting.

[RFC]

Are the Fenix 3 & 5 fully compatible with the iPhone?

[rwerkudara]

Originally Posted by RFC

Are the Fenix 3 & 5 fully compatible with the iPhone?

Not sure what you mean by fully compatible, but once you install the Garmin Connect App you'll receive notifications, weather, etc. There is a Garmin App Store (buggy) to install some 3rd party apps as well. The Fenix is also an activity tracker so it'll track your HR (if you get the HR model), steps, etc. and sync the data with Apple Health.

[AngryScientist]

yes.

[RFC]

Thanks all.

Looking at the Fenix 3, I was surprised to find that the altimeter is pressure based.

I have an older hiking Garmin which gives correct altitude measurements because GPS can calculate a 3D position.

Why would they go with the more variable pressure method?

[RFC]

Also, saw some great ebay deals for refurbished Fenix 3 with one year warranty.

[Dirtdiggler]

FYI - if you are an Anthem member you can log in and they provide Garmin discounts. The Fenix3 HR is 394.00 compared to 599.00

[MaraudingWalrus]

Lezyne has some new fitness watches that are really quite nice, not sure exactly what functions you're looking for.