Instinct 3 is the rugged 45 mm GPS smartwatch with a 0.9” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).
A: Yes it is. Especially paired with the Garmin App. It gives great details about waves ridden, length and time of wave and speed.
Q: Can I replace the watch strap?
A: undefined
Q: Does it give you avg. heart rate for the activity?
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Q: Does it come with the solar powered lense built in or do you need to buy it separately?
A: It's built into the face.
A: It's not similar at all to Garmin bounce. No you can't track a child same way as bounce. Simply wear watch as intended and snug and it should never fall off. Makes no sense. My daughter has the bounce and she has never broken it once. That being said bounce is one of the cheapest watches in world. Spend more and you get better materials and more robust design. Sapphire. Etc. this watch you posted on is not for kids.
A: A little over 10"

Instinct 3 is the rugged 45 mm GPS smartwatch with a 0.9” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).

Instinct 3 is the rugged 50 mm GPS smartwatch with a 1.1” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).

Why just carry out the mission? Own it with Instinct 2X Solar – Tactical Edition. This bold, rugged GPS smartwatch is built to U.S. military standard (MIL-STD-810), water-rated to 10 ATM and features solar charging for unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode when exposed to 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day. Dedicated tactical features, such as night vision goggle compatibility, waypoint projection and dual-position GPS format, keep you mission-ready. Stealth mode lets you go dark by disabling wireless communication and data sharing. Count on multi-band signal reception technology to provide more accurate positioning, and multi-GNSS support to provide more reliable service in challenging environments. Stay ready for anything with all-day health monitoring for energy levels, stress, sleep, Pulse Ox, heart rate and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked. Pulse Ox not available in all countries).

Instinct 3 is the rugged 45 mm GPS smartwatch with a 0.9” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).
| Pros for Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Twilight with Twilight Band - (2025) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Customers are positive about the Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch, frequently praising its exceptional battery life and the surprisingly useful built-in flashlight. Many appreciate the overall performance and the added convenience of solar charging, while the GPS functionality also receives positive feedback. There were no negative customer comments reported.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
The improved contast is worth it personally. There is almost no difference between the elevate 4 and 5 sensor on my wrist so I do not care its the “old sensor”. All of these instinct watches, and quite frankly all fitness/sports/smartwatches have their issues, quirks and glitches. This one requires proper updating through Garmin Express to get the battery life to display properly. The orange accents do not bother me like I thought they might. They are subtle and gives it some character. I can not use silicone or rubber watch straps. The Ultrafit nylon straps are incredibly comfortable and create a better fit and adjustment. I typically disable all features except for HR and full charge gets 31 days with one or two activites tracked. Solar charging is incredible compared to prior gen.
This review is from Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Black Band - (2025)
Posted by USMC1108A
Well worth the money! I work outside all day and enjoy the solar charging. It has a ton of exercises to choose from to track. I have only used it at work and a couple bike rides but I haven’t begun to use it to its full capability. The torch light is really convenient when you need both hands to work on something at night. Or just getting a drink of water in the middle of the night. I’ve had a fitbit watches for ten years and this blows them out of the water.
This review is from Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Black Band - (2025)
Posted by JoshuaF
This is a great watch! Upgraded from the instinct first edition and it was well worth the price. I use the flashlight all the time. Who would have thought it would be so handy? My wife calls it my super power. LOL Battery life is even better than the first series. With pulse oxygen on for monitoring sleep i get 19 days battery life.
This review is from Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Black Band - (2025)
Posted by David