Forerunner 305

I've been using Garmin watches since 2004. I've never had one fail, I've replaced them out of wanting a new feature or eventually losing battery life. Models: FR 201, 305, 225, vivoactive 1 & 3, FR 735XT, Edge 520+ 6 watches over 21 years. Plus pulling the 305 apart and replacing the battery (it still works - so did the 201 last I heard that the guy I'd given it to had passed it on)

Garmin faithful (though not fanboy) here… 305>610>935>255s (middle numbers might be wrong and I’m too lazy to doublecheck). Wrist issues are going to happen to a small slice of the population with silicone straps… emphasis on small. As far as training readiness… these are consumer grade devices… squint when the garmin (or coros or suunto or apple or whoever) tells you stuff and you’ll be fine. 

You buy a Garmin for what it does today, not for what it may or may not do in a year with some maybe-happening update. As opposed to typical (real?) smart watches, a Garmin will keep working for years and will be compatible with the app even if it is not receiving further updates to its software. I can go for a run with my 15 year old 910XT today stick the ANT stick on my computer and upload all the data to the app with all the functionality the watch had the day I got it. I can probably do that even with my 18 year old 305 (I haven't tried in a while, but I would expect it to work). So, buy something that satisfies your needs today. It will keep doing it's job for its lifetime. If you develop additional needs, well then you can consider an upgrade.

My 1st two smart watches were Garmins; one dating back to 2006 I think with the original Forerunner 305 (bulky but paired well with heart rate monitor- used for cycling and running) and then years later with a smaller Garmin. Got my first Apple Ultra 2 years ago. I currently like the Apple Ultra better for my lifestyle. Ease of use for music (yes, I have Apple Music), phone calls, text messages, sleep stats, heart info, connects to Fitness app and Strava free app, etc. Thinking of upgrading soon to Apple Ultra 3 or a Garmin. TBD. Both are outstanding brands with excellent watches to choose from. Much better than the sundial I used to carry with me when I was young. For you OP, if cost is an issue, there is likely a Garmin that will fit your budget better than an Ultra which I think are better than their “series” SE watches for running and cycling. BTW: I check my Ultra watch and iPhone battery health and if below 80% I believe I can get it replaced by Apple (yes, I have Apple Care). I do need to charge both fully once a day. Not really a problem.

I’ve had both and definitely have had more issues with Garmin. I have yet to experience a mid activity crash on my AWU in over a year, something that I’ve had happened multiple times on every Garmin device I have ever owned (a lot, I started with a FR 205 or 305). I still own a Garmin edge and it happened again last week. Riding along and you look down and the screen is just shut off. I do miss the battery life of my old Fenix but I got used to putting the AWU on the charger every time I shower and that seems to work 99% of the time. I don’t see a bright future for Garmin. There’s companies like Coros that make arguably better watches now for a fraction of the price (don’t take my word, look at all the pros using Coros now). When my Edge dies I’ll probably switch brands.