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Fenix 8 Sapphire Titanium - about the sensor cover/side accent...bright orange...

Giannix
2 months ago

Hi everyone, I recently upgraded from the Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire (silver version) to the Fenix 8 Sapphire Titanium (silver as well). Unfortunately, there was no chance to see the watch in person before purchasing, so I went ahead despite some doubts about the side orange accent. Now that I have it, I’m certain it’s not for me—it's a definite dealbreaker. I wear my Fenix watches 24/7, including at work, formal meetings, and events, where I simply swap out the bracelet. This orange detail makes the watch look more like a $50 gadget, and I really dislike it.

I’m aware there's a pricier version available, but it comes with titanium or leather bracelets, which I’d rarely (if ever) use, so it doesn’t seem worth the investment. At this price point, I think Garmin should have included a silver replacement option (assuming it’s even possible to swap it without risking damage). Right now, I’m regretting the upgrade and wondering if I should just stick with my Fenix 7 and sell or return the 8.

I'll drop a note to Garmin in my country as well but wanted to hear from you first.

Any hints?

  • 0 2 months ago

    Il modello arancione è moto bello e mi ero convinto d acquistarlo, però c'ho pensato a lungo e ho optato per il nero. Questo perché l'inserto arancione è di difficile abbinamento con cinturini e lo rende piuttosto sportivo. È vero che il nero è comune come colore ma è più semplice abbinare cinturini e lo si può utilizzare in ogni occasione. 

  • 0 2 months ago in reply to 3908394

    Si hai ragione ma total black ne ho avuti troppi prima di passare a Garmin e dal 7 sono passato al silver bezel molto più elegante per me. Io credo che garmin voglia spingere le vendite del modello più costoso (quello col cinturino in titanio)... Vedrò cosa fare quando mi arriva. 

  • 0 2 months ago

    In some regions the Garmin online store also has the "Your watch your way" where you can select the AMOLED case with the bare titanium cover and then select the strap you want. I believe it is cheaper than the premium strap bundle (but you could always sell the strap). If your region has this, you will see the "customize" option for Fenix 8 in the Garmin web store.

    The cover on 47/51mm is removable, there was a picture of it removed on Reddit some time back. I've also seen various pictures of watches  where the cover was removed and modified (painted/stripped to be silver), but nothing that gets a factory finish.

    The 43mm cover is glued on and is not removeable.

    There was a reply from Garmin on here somewhere saying that they were not going to offer the covers for sale separately, something along the lines of engineering didn't think customers should be removing/fitting a new cover.

    Surprisingly, I haven't seen any third party sellers making these.

    This doesn't give you many options. 

  • 0 2 months ago in reply to MDPennock

    "Surprisingly, I haven't seen any third party sellers making these".... to me it's matter of time :-)

  • 0 2 months ago

    To me it’s weird that you want it to look more professional but dismiss the leather and titanium bands. I have the titanium band and it looks great with the orange decal, as does my leather band. 

    I promise you that nobody cares about your watch anyway. 

  • 0 2 months ago in reply to lustyd

    I can't wear any metal band nor leather. 

  • 0 2 months ago

    My suggestion is to return the watch and get the all black sapphire version.  (Or get a full refund and stick to your 7.)  That orange cover will be more and more annoying over time and you'll never not be able to notice it.  I'd also strongly advise you to NOT try and replace the cover.  It's there for a reason and if you mess it up I'd assume garmin would reject any warranty repairs on it if you had to.  

  • 0 2 months ago in reply to net1994

    Thanks a lot. I did it...removed it for testing. The cover is simply a piece of metal and 2 screws, you can remove and see yourself. No glue, no seal no nothing. It is then easily replaceable when something available on Aliexpress & co. So I keep the 8 and wait.... 

  • 0 2 months ago in reply to Giannix

    I think you can even just sand and paint this orange cover.

  • 0 2 months ago in reply to Octopus 82

    Good idea but the warranty will be over..