Garmin unveils Instinct 3 Tactical: Enhanced durability and features

The highlights of this line include a clear AMOLED screen, with an alternative version featuring a solar lens that significantly extends the device's battery life.

Designed for demanding tasks, the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition comes equipped with a metal bezel reinforcing the case and an LED flashlight, which is particularly useful in low-light conditions.

The extremely long battery life ensures readiness in any conditions— the variant with an AMOLED display operates for up to 24 days without requiring a charge (in watch mode), while versions with solar power can offer an unlimited usage time.

The fibre-reinforced polymer housing, metal ring, and reinforcing screws, along with the scratch-resistant screen, establish a new standard in durability for the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition. The smartwatch meets military standards MIL-STD 810 for shock and extreme temperature resistance, and it is waterproof up to 100 metres.

The integrated flashlight offers several lighting modes—from variable brightness and a non-blinding green light in the dark, to a strobe signal mode useful in challenging field conditions. The watch also includes an NVG (Night Vision Goggle) function, which dims the screen to a comfortable level for those using night vision goggles, while remaining almost invisible from the outside.

Here are some selected distinctive features available in the newest model of the Instinct 3 series:

                              
• Rucking activity mode: A specially designed activity profile that considers the weight of a carried backpack, allowing for more accurate tracking of effort levels when trail running, hiking, or marching with a load.
• Ballistic functions: Every version of the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition includes the Applied Ballistics app (which requires a fee for unlocking) and is compatible with the Applied Ballistics Quantum system.
• Dedicated tactical functions: The smartwatch offers features designed for operational activities, such as hidden mode, kill switch, and the Jumpmaster app for parachutists.
• Two sizes: Available versions include a 50mm AMOLED display, and solar models in sizes 45mm and 50mm.
• Increased solar panel efficiency: The improved, larger panel better utilises sunlight. Compared to the Instinct 2 Solar, the new 50mm variant offers over five times longer GPS mode usage time.
• Multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology: Provides precise positioning while saving battery power.
• 24/7 health and fitness monitoring: Records data concerning steps, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels (Pulse Ox), heart rate variability (HRV), and much more.
• Notifications: Allows receiving emails, texts, and other alerts directly on the watch when connected with a compatible Apple or Android smartphone.

Thanks to a three-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and GPS with SatIQ technology, exceptionally precise navigation and effective route optimisation are possible. The watch can be connected with the Garmin Explore app, enabling the viewing of detailed maps, setting route points, planning routes, and many other activities.

During operations in key locations, hidden mode can be activated to deactivate wireless communication while allowing for distance and biometrics recording— without saving location data. In situations requiring immediate action, the kill switch function allows for the rapid deletion of all data from the device. Other functions include displaying coordinates in two formats, the Jumpmaster app, built-in tactical mode, and waypoint planning options.

The Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition, with its extensive activity monitoring functions, serves as a versatile training tool. In the field, the TracBack function helps guide you back to your starting point, setting reference points based on known locations.

Apart from outdoor activities, the smartwatch also supports HIIT, cardio, treadmill, and basketball training. Using free Garmin Coach plans, one can prepare for competitions, achieve training goals, or simply improve fitness. Based on data such as VO2 max, training load, and current body status, the watch calculates predicted recovery time and provides rest recommendations.

In terms of safety, incident detection functions (for selected outdoor activities) and Assistance are available—allowing users to send a message with the GPS location (if available) to emergency contacts after connecting with a smartphone.

The AMOLED screen model is available at a suggested retail price of €599.99, and solar versions start from €549.99.