the star of sport watches goes to solar charging

Garmin finally takes the replacement of the Fénix 5. Not surprisingly, this one is called Fénix 6 and comes in several variants. The American specialist in sports accessories has chosen Chamonix and the UTMB (Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc), one of the great events of the Trail, to present its most complete watch.

The new Fénix 6 range will have three models at launch:

• Fenix ​​6X Pro Solar
• Fenix ​​6 or 6X (depending on the size)
• Fenix ​​6S

Solar charging in the screen

The "Solar" version is the one that stands out immediately. It is home to Garmin's main innovation this year, the Power Glass solar charger. Specifically, the watch is equipped with a transparent photovoltaic glass that uses solar energy to extend its autonomy. One of the features of the watch offers the possibility to check the level of solar energy recovery during the last uses.

Garmin assures that the performance of its photovoltaic glass is not anecdotal. This would extend the autonomy of the Fénix 6X 3 days (in addition to 21 days of autonomy announced). Obviously, this endurance varies according to the use of the watch and its exposure or not to the sun.

Alongside this flagship model, Garmin also launches more traditional versions. The Fenix ​​6S and its 1.2 inch screen dedicated to small wrists as well as the 6 and 6X versions with 1.3 and 1.4 inch screens respectively. The novelty here: the larger display surface, it increases by 17% or 36% depending on the model.

New features dedicated to outdoor sports

If the "Solar" version is the most technically advanced, all the Fenix ​​6 share a base of common features. Runners, swimmers and other cyclists will obviously find the classic functions of the Fénix range (heart rate – even under water, GPS, VO2max estimation, calculation of the recovery time after the effort, and a large number of activity profiles).

The new range also hosts some new features, especially on the analysis of sports performance. First of all, there is the ClimbPro function, which is particularly aimed at athletes who are climbing at altitude. Whether in cycling or running, it determines the distance to go to the top, the percentage of the slope or the altitude difference.

Finally, among the other novelties, it is worth mentioning the monitoring of blood oxygen saturation, "Pulse OX4" or the control of energy expenditure soberly named "Body Battery".

Sport watches always connected

Finally, Garmin has not forgotten to endowed its high-end watches with adequate connected features. These are obviously able to display notifications but also to synchronize with Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music. Finally, the Fenix ​​6 integrates its proprietary contactless payment solution, Garmin Pay.

All Gamrin Fénix 6 models are available for sale today. Their price varies between 599.99 euros and 1149.99 euros.