Deep Disappointment with Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED 51mm

That's interesting - I didn't know there was a distinction between titanium vs titanium DLC in the Fenix line.  If OP got a non DLC watch maybe they can vigorously complain to Garmin and try and get a free replacement to DLC.  It's worth a try!

I have the Enduro 3 and the box says the bezel is Titanium DLC which may explain why I don't have any scratches yet either.  I think my old Fenix 6 was regular titanium and has quite a few scratches by contrast but it's all cosmetic - it still works fine and I gave it to my son as a gift.

OP never answered my question from a few days/weeks ago: is your watch on the latest firmware and if so, did you do a reset of the watch after?  

silentvoyager said:

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.

I don't share these good experiences with DLC. Look how the edges of my 7X look after slightly more than one year. And I never hit any rocks, just occasionally a doorframe.

A sport watch without scratches is like a warrior without scars. 

Yes it is branded as DLC ,that is my pain....

Thank you for your comment. Yes, my watch is on the latest firmware, and I did perform a reset as part of troubleshooting. I’ve also enrolled in the beta program and thoroughly explored the features of the watch for over three months before sharing my concerns here.

I didn’t respond earlier because your question, while likely well-intended, felt a bit dismissive of the effort I’ve already put into resolving these issues. Rest assured, I’ve taken all the basic and advanced steps expected of a user before voicing such feedback. My post isn’t a knee-jerk reaction but rather the result of prolonged frustration with the product’s shortcomings.

I hope this clears up any misunderstanding. Thank you for taking the time to engage.

I often see these type of posts, and I've posted my fair share of them as well. It never ceases to amaze me how many white knights come and defend, deny, and try to find excuses for every negative (but 100% true) point regarding these watches, be it software or hardware. I sometimes think people either aren't using their watches enough, or in enough scenarios, or have unlimited money not to care how much it costs and how it doesn't perform or last according to that sum of money. To add insult to injury, the HR sensor + algorithm on the Fenix 8 is scoring WAY lower than on much, much cheaper watches, when it's supposed to be the epitome of accuracy amongst sports watches (being priced as such, at least) and constantly positioning itself as the "leader of the pack" in the industry. 

I share many of your concerns. I use the heck out of my watch (with thousands of real intensity minutes per week) in various scenarios and I can wholeheartedly say it's not up to par with its price. Either hardware or software. From the most embarrasing crashes when you need it to work the most, to scratches and scuffs from banging a "Titanium Diamond-Like Carbon" bezel to a composite wood door frame. If one day I forget my HR strap at home I can be sure the metrics resulting from the onboard HR sensor will render my training data for the day almost useless and all the metrics revolving around it as well. 

It's a darn shame. 

I'm not meaning to diminish your concerns.  However, if this forum is to give perspective to current or prospective buyers, I wanted to chime in.  I've had all Fenix watches except the 7 (skipped from 6xPro to 8 51mm).  I am amazed at the watch.  It's on my wrist almost 24/7. I mountain bike, hike, ski, trail run and kayak.  Not all the time but reasonable use, particularly in the warmer months. So Quick Perspective on your concerns:
1) Watch faces - I was really surprised at how the new faces sucked (my taste, not everyone).  Love Glance Pro.  Eliminated it.
2) No crashes at all.  12.35 seems stable.
3) Scratches - It's like my jeep.  If I go through brush, I'm going to get cat whiskers on it.  I've included a pic.  Yes, little scratches but nothing noticeable unless I'm looking hard.
-- Additional outside of post
4) GPS is FINALLY the same as my Stryd with distance on trail runs on switchbacks and canopy.  This is HUGE!.  And locks awesomely.
5) Combo touch/buttons rocks.  I am used to buttons and love that they are sealed.
6) Battery life is amazing.
7) Screen is fantastic.
8) Speaker is handy.
So I am a little surprised when I read someone's post about being disappointed in the watch overall.  But I get it.  They aren't cheap!  I love mine and do not regret one bit.

My wife gave me a Garmin FENIX 8 51mm carbon greey DLC for Christmas. After 10 days of use, 2x scuba diving, a couple of mountainbike rides and 2x running I noticed already quite a lot of scratches on the bezel. 

The watch should  be titanium DLC, but it scratches easilty. The watch has never fallen down or have I hit it with something, so I am really wondering how it can scratch so easilty. I also have a black FENIX 6, that I have been using for thousands of activities - including also rock climbing, and on this watch I have no visible scratches.

I contacted Garmin Austria - they exlained to me that such scratches are normal and proposed to me an exchange to a new watch for 365€. Not really what I was looking for or a solution that could make a customer happy.

The Titanium DLC is advertised as scratch resistent - diamond like! Diamond is among the hardest materials and cannot be scratched easily - so one would expect a very scratch resistent watch. 

I have read on forums that DLC should be pretty hard - is my watch really made from DLC Titanium? The back of the watch says only Titanium, but not DLC. DLC is only said on the package. 

Deeply dissappointed.

For what concerns the firmware:all works flawless, no crashes.