Vivoactive

I had an older generation Vivoactive and purchased the 165 music when it came out. The running features and metrics are worth it alone, but I also like the physical buttons. I looked at the 265 and 965 as well but the advanced metrics and better heart rate sensor wasn’t worth it for my needs, and I use a heart rate strap anyways.

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 Forerunner 265s is definitely accurate while OWSwimming, with its own factory "OpenWater" function. My previous Vivoactive 4 or Vivoactive 1 were very erratic, even trying different IQ apps.

Usually 3-4 years. Generally the battery doesn't hold a good charge after \~2 years, then Garmin will refurbish it 1-2x for free. Then I realize I am a couple models behind and there's a few cool new features, and I go around and get the newer model. I think I have had the Garmin Vivoactive 1, 3, and 5 series over the years. They've been $200-300, and the battery life and features have improved with my running as I've moved from half marathons to 50 milers. They've done everything I need, without the excess bulk or superfluous features.

Just to set expectations; I have owned Garmin and Apple Watch as a fitness swimmer who does not do tumble turns. Both are Ok at counting lengths but are often 5% out ( eg measure 19 lengths after 20). Garmin is better than Apple.  If you are swimming at home in a small pool check the minimum pool length the watch can use (eg 10m for an Garmin, no lower limit for Apple). 

Nice. On my Vivo a wet long sleeve shirt can change the screen which is annoying when running. You can lock the screen during an activity to prevent that but it’s an extra step to disable when the run is over. First world problems

Garmin Venu 1, 2, or even one of the newer Vivoactives would be great. You can get a Venu 2 for probably about $100-$130 on Facebook Marketplace right now. You can also get one of the older Garmin Forerunners for about the same price as well, if not a little cheaper