Waiting for GPS signal for 15-20mins

Do you sync your watch regulary?

There is a file that is sent to the watch called the CPE.  It basically gives the watch a "heads up" about where the GPS sats are around it, so it can get a fix very quickly.  The problem with CPE is it's only valid for about a week before it expires and isn't useful anymore, it needs to be refreshed.

If you aren't syncing your watch often, you will have an expired CPE file and yes, getting a satellite lock can then take a very long time.

Here is a previous thread about it that might contain some useful information.

Unlikley your watch is faulty - you just need to get an updated CPE on your watch.  If this continues to be an issue, speaking with Garmin on the phone might be the best resolution.

Thank you, yes, I sync often, and even more often than i did prior to this issue.  (like at least once-twice a week, and i use the device 2-4 times a week) 

I've emailed Garmin, waiting for their response. 

I would suggest reading some threads and verify if you have a CPE file on the watch, if there is, maybe delete it in case it's stuck and then sync with Garmin Express with the watch physically plugged into a computer.  And if your watch still shows CPE Expired afterwards, then I would contact Garmin and ask for help.

Checked, CPE is current, dated by today. I typically upload my Course map same day we hike, prior to the hike, so the device receives new CPE before the activity..  Maybe will try deleting it and re-syncing as is suggested on those threads (thanks for the link, i had no idea about CPE and that it's possible to see my watch files on the Mac) if things won't improve, will take a while to check as no hikes until weekend. 

Same here. And before activity I sync a couple of times with iOS Connect app. It took almost 15 minutes before GPS was active. Tried to sync time with GPS too. That also hung forever. I expect better from Garmin's experience building these things for years. Trying to factory reset the device now. My opinion: expensive status toy gadget for most with many features implemented minimally (look at fitness stuff outside of running/hiking/walking)

You checked if your CPE is current?