Garmin wanted to create a rugged smartwatch, one that can withstand the outdoors. That would be the Instinct series that Garmin launched in 2018. Then they added a feature for the Instinct model to use solar energy to prolong its battery life. Now with the latest Instinct 2, the model gets a few upgrades.
For one, the Instinct 2 smartwatch has a slimmer profile and comes in two sizes: the usual 45mm bezel and a new smaller 40mm bezel. The display gets a hi-res leg-up with an easy-to-read display that's protected by chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant glass. Added another layer to its ruggedness, the Instinct 2 is built to MIL-STD-810 or military standard 810, which is a barrage of performance and manufacturing guidelines set by the US Department of Defense for military and commercial equipment and applications; features like built-in multi GNSS support, barometer and an electronic compass are present in the Instinct 2.
This means, your Instinct 2 can tahan thermal and shock resistance and is water-rated to 100 metres. It could take a beating; it can withstand the elements. And if your Instinct 2 is a Solar model, it takes advantage of the ever-present sun (well, mostly present for the first half of the day), using solar power to keep it operational until the cows come home or when the chickens come home to roost (I'm terrible with metaphors, especially when they all happened to be farm references).
Taking a break from its staid colour profiles, the Instinct 2 Solar opts for "Deep Orchid", "Poppy" and "Neo-Tropic". For the non-solar ones, you have "Surf", "Tactical" and "Camo" editions—these have their own specific purpose-built features as well.
The Instinct 2 series is no stranger to 'off-beat' collabs. In 2020, it released the collection with Evangelion and for this year, Garmin teams with another Japanese anime IP, ONE PIECE.
(If you're unsure of what ONE PIECE is, it's one of the longest-running manga about a group of pirates led by Monkey D Luffy in search of the titular 'One Piece' treasure.)
This Asia Limited Edition, the Instinct 2 Solar ONE PIECE series takes its inspiration from three of the members of the Straw Hat Crew—Monkey D Luffy, Roronoa Zoro and Tony Tony Chopper. Limited and decked in the aesthetics of their specific characters, Scoppen Lin, the Assistant General Manager of Garmin Asia, sees the Instinct 2 Solar ONE PIECE edition to be the "perfect companion for every sailing enthusiast.”
If that's the case, with the Garmin's GPS capabilities, the Straw Hat Crew will be able to find the 'One Piece' treasure much sooner than later.
Garmin's Instinct 2 Solar ONE PIECE, Asia Limited Edition retails at SGD699. The complete collection is available at all Garmin Brand Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Garmin Online Store and all authorised retailers on 5 May to commemorate Luffy’s birthday.
If anime is not your thing, the Garmin Instinct 2 models retail at SGD499 at the aforementioned sites and retailers.
