Deep Disappointment with Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm

I wouldn't give up on Garmin just yet.  Yes, for sure the software at launch was a dumpster fire and it's gotten better since then.  But yes, for $1200+ it's unacceptable we have to put up with this.  I'd suggest calling (not email or chat) garmin support.  Some of your issues might be a settings change they could find.  What firmware version are you on?

I understand your frustrations. With regards to Titanium

Titanium has a few issues when it comes to durability and scratch resistance.

While titanium watches scratch easier than stainless steel, the real issue is that scratches and scuffs on a titanium watch tend to be much more noticeable than scratches on a stainless steel watch.

This is because titanium reacts with oxygen in the air to form a layer of oxide that coats the metal and protects the watch. As the watch gets scratched, the scratch more often than not pierces the thin layer of oxide coating, creating much more noticeable scratches.

On the other hand, scratches on titanium watches are much easier to buff out. 

By using something like a titanium refinishing pad (Amazon), you can scratch away the thin layer of oxide surrounding the scratch. This will even out the layer, and create a smooth and even appearance. 

Stainless steel watches can be re-polished and brushed similarly, it just takes a bit more effort to do so. You’re also likely to shave off a lot more metal in the process. Over years and years of re-polishing, this can eventually completely change the shape of the case. 

This is something you might notice if you currently shop for vintage Rolexes from the 60’s. The ones that have been polished many times may be visibly deformed. 

In short, titanium scratches easier initially, but can also be repaired easier. 

Stainless steel doesn’t scratch nearly as easy, but can be more difficult to hide the scratches, once it does get scratched.

Because of this, stainless steel makes an excellent “beater” watch. Great for everyday wear and tear, and activities that might be a little tougher on your watch. 

I think the titanium was chosen more for being lightweight and practical for extended outdoor activities.  While I understand the frustration, bear in mind that the scratches do not interfere with the actual usability of the watch.  I sometimes struggle with this perspective as well given the price, but maybe try to keep in mind that no Garmin watch (not even the MARQ) can be thought of as an investment piece like a Rolex.  The battery will decline eventually and the watch will become technologically obsolete with a realistic usability timeframe of 5-7 years at most.  So I suggest people focus on using it to build their athletic ability now and to enjoy the outdoors today with an expectation that it will be disposed of in due course.  Actually that's why when I wanted to upgrade from a Fenix 6, I went with the Enduro 3 even though it didn't look as good as the Fenix 8, but was cheaper and more practical from my perspective especially knowing I would ultimately throw it away in 5 years.

As for the watch faces, there are plenty to download from ConnectIQ.  The software crashes and other bugs are a big problem but Garmin is making progress stabilizing the product - admittedly much more work is needed.

I see where you're coming from about the titanium being lightweight and practical, especially for outdoor activities, and I agree that it's not meant to be a luxury investment piece like a Rolex. However, my frustration isn't just about aesthetics or scratches—it's about the overall expectation set for a 'premium' and 'rugged' product. When something is marketed that way, you'd expect it to handle small impacts better, especially considering the price tag.

I'm coming from an Apple Watch Series 7 (299 GBP), and the scratch resistance here (1100 GBP) is identical to what I experienced there. Both of them get scratched just as easily, which is frustrating when you're paying a premium for a supposedly 'rugged' watch.

Regarding the Connect IQ watch faces, yes, I know there are options available, but the quality of these apps and their UX design often feels far below what you'd expect from a product that's supposed to offer a premium experience. Some of them really do seem amateurish, like a child's first attempt at design.

I also get the idea that these watches have a limited lifespan in terms of both battery and technology, but even within those constraints, the build quality should be able to stand up to regular wear and tear without showing major scratches so easily. I want to enjoy the product now, but it feels frustrating when something touted as 'rugged' doesn't seem to live up to that claim, especially when compared to similar products from other brands at a comparable price point.

1118749 said:

Regarding the Connect IQ watch faces, yes, I know there are options available, but the quality of these apps and their UX design often feels far below what you'd expect from a product that's supposed to offer a premium experience. Some of them really do seem amateurish, like a child's first attempt at design.

You do know that connect iq is an open platform, and that there are mainly programs from many private „hobby“ programmers? Nevertheless, most of the programmers make a lot of effort and invest a lot of private time to provide users with a versatile open world of apps.

You can contact the developers via the “contact developer” button, and many of them will get back to you, accept suggestions for improvement and work with the users to improve the apps. If you feel that the apps are not meeting your expectations, I suggest discussing this with the developer in question.

Another suggestion would be to sign up for the developer program and develop better apps ;)

I at least cannot understand your opinion.

Thank you for sharing your perspective, and I understand where you’re coming from. However, I find it inappropriate to twist the theme of my post and frame the issue as though it’s solely on me. To clarify, my feedback is not about developers who contribute to the Connect IQ platform—my opinion is that while I appreciate their efforts, the quality of the apps and the platform’s overall execution does not align with the premium nature of a product like the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED, which I purchased, not received as a gift.

This feedback is directed at Garmin as a company. It’s their responsibility to ensure that the platform they provide and the product they market as "premium" lives up to the expectations they’ve set. While the developers’ contributions are valuable, the responsibility of curating, improving, and ensuring the quality of the user experience lies with Garmin.

As for your suggestion that I develop apps myself—while I respect the effort developers put into this work, I believe that it’s unreasonable to suggest that every dissatisfied user needs to take on that role themselves. My role as a customer is to provide feedback, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Instead of questioning my opinion, it might be more constructive to reflect on why this frustration exists in the first place. My intent isn’t to criticize the developers personally but to express my disappointment in Garmin’s overall execution, especially given the price point of the device.

I hope this clears up any misunderstanding.

As a long-time Garmin customer I am glad you posted this as this helps other people make product selection choices that match their expectations.  I also suggest reading this which explains pretty well the pros and cons of titanium watches and also discusses Grade-5 titanium which might be a better fit for what you are looking for. 

https://hiconsumption.com/watches/best-titanium-watches/#The_Benefits_Drawbacks_Of_Titanium

Here is a thought - consider if you would be willing to return the Fenix 8 and go with a MARQ instead which has the Grade-5 titanium bezel.  That might be a better fit for what you are looking for.

With all that said, in spite of the scratches, I do think the Fenix and Enduro are very rugged watches and having spent alot of time in the outdoors (including plenty of falls), I have never had a physical failure of a watch.  I feel I can depend on it within reason for my safety.

Marc Krawitz said:

consider if you would be willing to return the Fenix 8 and go with a MARQ instead which has the Grade-5 titanium bezel. 

To be accurate on the Marq 2 series, the Aviator and Captain have ceramic bezels.

I have both the Fenix 8 and the Marq 2 Aviator and would not suggest the Marq as a replacement for the Fenix as the technology has moved on and the Fenix 8 47mm has a significantly bigger screen.

If you don't want scratches, buy titanium DLC. In my experience, that is super scratch resistant. I had zero scratches after several years of owning Fenix 6X and several years owning 7X despite trail running with the watch and occasionally taking falls, hitting it against rocks, etc.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It sheds a light on practice instead of theory. 

It is amusing to see people explain how materials behave completely overlooking the facts that 1200 USD watch should be using tough materials in the first place. Even more importantly, it should be fully functional.