Vivoactive

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.

I have a Garmin Vivo 1 I never got around to selling. If interested, DM and make me an offer. It'd mean a lot for it to go to someone else going through this

Just out of curiosity...since Venus 4 is considerably more, I've checked to see the price of the Vivoactive 5 and it's about $200. Sure thing, it doesn't have the Sapphire glass but as a long time Garmin user, I can vow for how durable these screens are. At this point, all things considered ( particularly software support, metric accuracy and all added functionality... including Garmin pay that works almost everywhere unlike Zepp pay) I'd go for the Vivoactive 10 out of 10 times. The number one differentiator for me was the classic look of the watch... https://preview.redd.it/t0qhfy5sculg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=0747b216c44b04f4bb430e4dc6b3da6e46357997

Apple watch is the best smartwatch, Garmin is the best sportwatch. If your runs are under xhours, than go for the AW; if you are going to train seriously, Garmin all the way

I have used AW, Garmin, Polar and Suunto and AW is by far the worst sportwatch. After switching back to Polar after AW the quality of life improved immediately by not having to charge the thing more than once a week.