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Basic durable smart watch?

1,569 Views | 14 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by MikesFamousJava
baldandbeautiful
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9:49p, 7/24/26
I have killed 3 Apple Watches (each in less than 2 years). And in between two of them, I did try an amazfit brand watch (I think the T. rex) but I never really liked it.

All I really want is to see notifications from apps on my phone (iPhone) and keep track of pace on walks and runs. I've lived with charging the Apple watch every night, but would be nice to not have to do that.

What do y'all use? If I'm spending $250ish for a watch, I'd really like it to last more than 2 years. Don't y'all remember the days of wearing a timex Ironman for 8-10 years???
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AgPT06
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In reply to baldandbeautiful • 11:24p, 7/24/26
AG
Just get a garmin forerunner. 55 is in your budget. It's simple but gets the job done for what you're asking, (assuming you are not wanting standalone cellular capabilities)
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Random Ag
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12:16p, 7/25/26
AG
Coros Pace 3 or 4 is a great option
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hbc07
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7:26p, 7/25/26
AG
What are you doing that you've killed 3 apple watches?
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baldandbeautiful
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7:52p, 7/25/26
I mow yards as a side gig and I sweat a lot. I cracked the screen of one when I was using a string trimmer, and the button/dial stopped working on the other ones. I've talked to other folks and no one else has had the same problems with Apple Watches as me, but after 3 of them each not making 2 years has shown this is a pattern for me.

I've tried rinsing them off after heavy sweating, wearing them in the shower, not wearing them in the shower, using the "eject water" function (but that side button is usually the first to stop working for me). I like the watch, but I'm struggling to justify spending $250 for something that won't last. Especially if there's another option that lasts longer.
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JABQ04
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In reply to baldandbeautiful • 9:06p, 7/25/26
AG
I got the Garmin Instinct E series from Academy. Ive also destroyed 2 apple watches in about a year and a half (refinery worker). Ive had the Garmin for just over a month and no issues. I see texts when i get them and the battery lasts 2 weeks between charges, although i usually charge it over night once a week. Took it to the Bahamas 2 weeks ago and held up well snorkeling and being in the sand. I like it and it was roughly $200.
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Buck Compton
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1:33a, 7/26/26
AG
I had a Garmin instinct tactical for about 8 years until the battery finally was only lasting about 3 days. Just bought the new version (instinct tactical 3) and love it so far. I've had it about a month and am on my second charge…
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AggieEP
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10:36p, 7/26/26
I'm the world's all time most sweaty guy and I've had a Garmin Instinct for 7 years and a Fenix for 4 years and both still work as well as the day I bought them. I run over 1000 miles a year, hike, bike, swim and never had any issues. The Instinct (gen 1) lasts about 11 days still and the Fenix (6 Pro) goes 15 days in between charges. If it matters to you (or anyone else) the instinct can enter classified facilities which is why I still use it occasionally despite having the Fenix which is not allowed in classified facilities. The Instinct was the only watch I used while working in the desert in Saudi Arabia and it never let me down working in extreme heat.

I couldn't imagine any reason on earth why I'd ever use an Apple watch as the battery life alone is a non starter for many of my activities.
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Owen Kellogg
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9:28a, 7/27/26
AG
Garmin has everything you need. Pick your budget and go for it. You'll love it!
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agdoc-ultrarunner
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10:26p, 7/30/26
AG
Love my Coros vertix 2S
Ran a 50k and had 89% battery life left at the end. Unreal battery life. The Pace 4 is just as durable at a better price point and somewhat lower battery life
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Sweep4-2
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10:30p, 7/30/26
I've had Garmin Forerunner 245 and 255 and they've both given me everything I needed, both data, toughness and battery (for a reasonable price).
Consistency: It's only a virtue if you're not a screw-up.
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10andBOUNCE
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10:46a, 7/31/26
AG
one of those old school Timex watches can keep track of your pace/laps just fine
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JeremiahJohnson
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1:58p, 8/1/26
AG
Garmin fenix Saphire
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Bogey1996
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5:42p, 8/1/26
I've had my Amazfit for years now and has worked fine and I sweat more than anyone I know, especially when working out. And as a plus, it actually looks like a watch. This is after the face of my IWatch popped off.
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MikesFamousJava
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4:06a, 8/2/26
AG
I was trying to decide between the Suunto Race S and a Garmin last year. Had decided on the Garmin but the Suunto went on sale for a price I couldn't turn down. I've been happy with it. It is the smaller version, which I chose to make it easier to fit under the cuff of my shirt sleeve, so the battery only lasts about a week. The regular size version lasts longer. Garmin's solar versions can last significantly longer, but I got the Suunto for about $250 on sale so no complaints from me.
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