GPS Watch For Commandos, Real And Aspirational

Garmin’s newest GPS watch, the tactix (yep, all lower case) has training, navigation and weather prediction capabilities packed into a rugged, tactically-inspired watch.

Setting the $449 watch apart from other models are tactical features and compatibility with military times and uses. A matte black finish and curved, green backlit lens was designed for night vision devices and the watch can display locations using both latitude/longitude and MGRS (military grid reference system).

It can even be used for skydiving with included “Jumpmaster” programming.

Time and data are displayed on an LCD with a negative, low light mode. Basic watch functions include alarms, tones, vibration alerts, timer, stopwatch and world clock with the ability to display several time zones, military time, and zulu time at once.

It was just announced today and we haven’t had the chance to see it yet. The technical specs look good albeit similar to other GPS outdoor watches on the market.

It has an altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass, tide data, and navigational tracking capabilities built in. It is waterproof to 50 meters, has Bluetooth and is compatible with ANT+ external devices such as heart rate and cadence monitors.

Without having used it, the tactix seems like a solid tool for athletes, navigators and those in search and rescue, combat, police or fire operations. We look forward to examining it first hand. —Sean McCoy