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Difficulty using this watch

Is anyone else out there frustrated with using this watch? Wished I didn't buy it for my husband. It seems like old technology as far the watch design goes. Reminds me of my old Timex Ironman watch from the early 1990's. Definitely not like my Galaxy 5 watch!!! 

I bought it because I thought it would be tougher than the Fitbit I bought him. I worried about him breaking it . Now I'm worried I might take a hammer to this stupid Garmin watch because I have to keep trying to figure out how to fix this and that on it! Thank God for Google! I have to keep Googling how to fix this damn watch!

For such an expensive watch($500.00+ ), I can't believe how frustrating it is!!!!!!! I almost bought a more expensive Garmin. So glad I didn't.  Oh and another thing, he is getting an eczema rash from the band! He NEVER has had eczema before!! I got a bad rash from a Fitbit band but he didn't with that his Fitbit. Again maybe antiquated technology. Garmin, are you using the same crappy band material that Fitbit had like 10 years ago? My husband took his watch off back in July, now 7 months later he thought he'd give it a try again but we are feeling annoyed all over again. Still causes a rash, so it definitely has to be the strap because the only time he has ever had this rash is when he wears the watch. Still a problem trying to figure out how to use this watch. 

  • Despite my frustration with software related bugs over the years, I have to say that I absolutely love my 945. It’s a very technical watch with lots of functionality so it’s best suited to someone who is interested in all the data points it provides and the features that enable them. I’m sad like that and enjoy nothing more than reading the instructions and tweaking all the settings so that it’s customised entirely the way I want it.

    It’s definitely not a lifestyle watch like the Venu series so I can understand the frustration. 

    There are lots of reports of rashes on the forum and I guess there could be many causes. I’ve never had an issue with the band and I find it comfortable, however, I did often get an itchy rash behind the watch itself. I discovered that it was from the small serial number sticker, prob the adhesive, that was softening over time and in the heat or shower. I fixed it by applying some clear nail polish over it to seal it. I’ve not had a problem since.

  • Exactly what issues do you have?

    Garmin watches are primarily training watches. They are not very smart and you don't install apps to add functionality in the way you do with a smartwatch. You can, but it isn't really designed for that. Basically what you do with a Garmin watch is log your training, look at training metrics and get notifications from the phone.

  • Many people develop rashes from watches, my daughter has an issue now with her Apple watch... not brand or material specific.  Could be one of the many ingredients of band, watch, charger pins, etc.  Could also be irritation due to sweat, soap, or athletes foot... who knows.

    Watch is totally custom as far as the watch face to be more helpful or cool... the rest is just a bunch of complaining without any meaning... so hard to say what help you need besides turning attitude around....  

    Upper left button for 35seconds is a good cure all and recommended to to that after firmware updates... a bit of a hard 'reset' 

    And also... yes , this is an older watch at this point... I have had mine since May of 2020 and it was a year old then... so if he got it sometime 2023 (or late 2022)... it was a bit old-tech then.

  • Did you contact Garmin about the rash?

    There are many other watch straps one can use. These issues are often user specific and Garmin takes them seriously , but not in a public forum due to privacy issues! Look at other comments on rashes and you will see they request one contacts support specifically.

    You cannot compare these watches to smart watches , they have a different focus completely. I have used Garmin watches since the FR201 decades ago and a smartwatch just doesn't compare in terms of the functionality for the use case the Garmins are designed for.