Instinct 3 Solar Sport Watch
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Stay powered by the sun with the Instinct 3 Solar, a rugged GPS smartwatch built for extreme adventures
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"This watch is an absolute game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. The solar charging gives me virtually unlimited battery life, and the GPS tracking is incredibly accurate—even in remote areas. The rugged build handles anything I throw at it, and the heart rate monitor, barometer, and altimeter keep me informed no matter where I am. Whether I’m climbing, hiking, or cycling, this watch is always up for the challenge."
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is engineered for those who push their limits in the great outdoors. Featuring solar-powered battery life, multi-band GPS tracking, and rugged durability, this watch is ready for any adventure—whether we’re summiting peaks, trekking through remote landscapes, or training for our next endurance feat.
Built with fiber-reinforced polymer housing and 10 ATM water resistance, the Instinct 3 Solar is made to withstand extreme conditions. Altimeter, barometer, and compass sensors keep us informed, while wrist-based heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking ensure we stay in peak condition. The larger 50mm version offers even more solar efficiency, extending battery life further for long expeditions.
From backcountry trails to everyday workouts, the Instinct 3 Solar delivers the performance, reliability, and power we need to go farther.
Details
- Solar charging extends battery life for multi-day and off-grid adventures
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo tracking for accurate navigation in remote areas
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring and advanced fitness metrics for peak performance
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass provide real-time environmental data
- Water-rated to 10 ATM (100m) for durability in extreme conditions
- Smart notifications keep us connected on the go
- Item #GRMF082
- Housing Material
- fiber-reinforced polymer
- Strap Material
- silicone
- Face Material
- glass
- Movement
- digital
- Pedometer
- yes
- Odometer
- yes
- Altimeter
- barometric
- Barometer
- yes
- Heart Rate Monitor
- wrist-based
- Submersible
- 10 ATM (100 meters)
- Technical Features
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, smart notifications, fitness tracking, stress monitoring, sleep tracking, ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass)
- Wireless
- Bluetooth, ANT+
- Operating System
- Garmin OS
- Dual Times
- yes
- Date Indicator
- yes
- Weekday Indicator
- yes
- Alarms
- customizable
- Backlight
- LED
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium-ion
- Battery Life
- up to 28 days (unlimited with solar)
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Face Size
- 45mm, 50mm
- Activity
- hiking, fitness, running, cycling
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 40 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The smartwatch offers a durable construction, excellent battery life of up to 32 days with solar charging, and a large, clear display. Users praise the comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring and GPS functionality. Some report issues with Bluetooth connectivity range. Overall, the smartwatch is well-suited for outdoor activities and active lifestyles, providing reliable performance and a range of useful features.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 1, 2025
Very poor solar capability.
Own an old Casio that is still only being charged via solar after 25 years. This watch have very limited solar capability and need to be charged via cable so useless on a long adventure. Returned
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 25, 2025
Instinct 2 now an instinct 3
I had an instinct two that still works and was absolutely bulletproof for 5 years. My instinct 2 went through junkyarding wrenching on cars being dropped all kinds of stuff and the thing was great. I have a feeling that this instinct 3 will be of the same quality. Garmin genuinely builds a quality product. Very pleased. I decided to purchase the instinct 3 solar due to the ability to monitor my blood glucose with apps available on the store. So far very impressed with the watch build quality is good. The flashlight's kind of cool helps at night and solid product.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 22, 2025
Game Changer
This watch not only does what watches are supposed to do, but it educated and motivates as well. I have probably learned more about my physical health while learning how to navigate and operate my new Garmin Instinct 3 than any other time in my life. I like being able to see the numbers and then be able to see what they mean, how they are calculated, and why they matter. Couple the information with workout plans, coaching plans, and connections and you have a one stop shop for better health and motivation. Don't think I will ever own another brand watch.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
September 6, 2025
Garmin 3
After my Garmin watch stopped working, I went back to my old Samsung watch. I finally decided to get another Garmin. You never know what you use until it isn't there to use anymore. Really like my Garmin watch.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 27, 2025
Great watch
I got this watch a bout 3 weeks ago after seeing it on an online ad. I hadn't heard of the Instinct 3 so I looked it up. Saw that it was a 50mm and bought it. I have 2 Epix Pros, Fenix 6 and 7 and the Venu X1. I like watches. The Instinct 3 is by far my favorite. I don't use it for it for what it's intended for. I just got it and like it because it's a big watch.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 25, 2025
Fenix 5 upgrade
After 6 years using my Fenix 5x which still works perfectly, I decided to upgrade only for a more readable, brighter display. After a lot of research I went with a competitor’s watch (trusting the hype to be honest) based on reviews and price. It didn’t take long to realize that my trust was misplaced. I came back to Garmin as fast as I could and settled on the Instinct 3 50mm solar. The smartwatch is perfect for this almost 70 year old. I know and trust the watch and app and after almost a month without charging, I am still at 39% battery. I use only a fraction of its capabilities but it’s still perfect for me. I am now a Garmin user for life!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 5, 2025
Good watch but needs some work
I like Garmin watches. Have several. My issue with this one is the compass. It doesn't work well. I have other watches with a compass, gps etc... All work well, except for my Instinct. It's just off... I mean WAY off, like 45-90 degrees off. No matter how many times I calibrate it, it doesn't hold. I worked with Garmin to try and resolve. Tried every suggestion they made. Still doesn't work and we're out of options. All the other functions work well, it's just the compass, which is important to me.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 4, 2025
Readable and Reliable
I have owned every Fenix since the original, and this was is amazing! The light weight, solid construction, and THE most readable screen ever make this a great watch. The solar function is impressive as well.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 2, 2025
Great product evolution
Upgraded to the Instinct 3 50mm after using the original for about 5+ years (still running strong). Three key features I really value in the upgrade: 1) Drastically improved battery life with the solar charging capability. My old Instinct was good for maybe 12-14 days if I only used its base watch features like altimeter, alarms, etc. much shorter if I tracked workouts or other efforts. The new watch routinely displays 31-32 days of battery available and I love to see it go up on backcountry trips after being in the sun all day. 2) Much improved monitors - HRM, HRV, Oximiter, sleep, etc. It really delivers on those features. Combined with its existing ruggedness means it’s up for any activity and 3) The larger 50mm display allows Much more data to be displayed clearly and easily. Overall Garmin made a good sports watch into a great watch.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 2, 2025
Awesome watch
Ive had this watch since it came out- I had the Instinct 2 prior. It does everything i need it to and has tons of battery life- and is easily recharged by sunlight. Its light and easy to wear and customizable as to the face. Doesn't have all the fancy features of a fenix 8 but its much easier to wear and tracks most everything you'd need tracked. Id buy it again given the option.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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