Garmin upgrades the solar functionality on the new Instinct 3

New Garmin Instinct 3 is more powerful

By Nathan S.R Published April 30, 2025

Garmin Instinct 3 — Garmin Instinct 3 Garmin / Garmin

Garmin presents the new Instinct 3 collection of tactical watches with advanced tactical functionalities to enhance the user experience. It features three watches—a 45mm solar version, a 50 mm solar option, and a 45 mm AMOLED piece. The solar variants are designed to offer unlimited battery power to tackle the toughest outdoor expeditions. A bigger screen means more surface area for solar energy.

While the battery goes a long way in providing an enhanced user experience, the watch’s durability is also quite crucial, so the brand upgraded the bezel and reinforced it for multiple activities. The solar functionality is also more powerful than that featured on the previous model. It’s about five times more efficient than the Instinct 2 feature.

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Susan Lyman, Garmin’s vice president of consumer sales, said, “The Instinct series has proven itself time and again as the ultimate choice for individuals who need an advanced smartwatch they can depend on in any situation. With incredible battery life, an innovative rugged design, and dedicated features for your tactical lifestyle, the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition answers the call and dares to be more.”

Like Instinct 2, this model is suitable for multiple outdoorsy scenes thanks to the GPS functionality, 3-way compass, and trackback routing technology. It easily connects with smartphones to help track various routes and provide physical insights on multiple activities, from hiking to jogging. Everything related to physical wellness, such as heart rate, sleep, and the number of steps taken, is also monitored.

While the 45 mm AMOLED option retails at $599.99, the 45 mm solar version is priced at $499.99.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…

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The company, based in Nyon, redesigned its architectural work in materials closely connected to Hublot's design history. This happened three years after the introduction of the first titanium mp-10 tourbillon. Its delivery required three years of development before the first 50 units.
The most exclusive version, limited to 30 units, contains a completely clear sapphire case and bracelet. This dramatic take offers a contrast to its sibling, giving what Hublot calls a "pure, celestial" look. This floods the special movement with light. It reveals all 592 parts of its constructed form.
An edition in black ceramic complements this light creation. It has a more controlled look but similar technical attributes. It is limited to 50 units. This version honors Hublot's pioneering all-black concept while maintaining the original mp-10's spirit.
The mp-10 omits regular watchmaking rules through its lack of dial, hands, as well an oscillating weight. It replaces those with a roller display system for hours and minutes, a circular power reserve indicator with color zones over 48 hours next to a seconds display within the tourbillon cage.
The technical detail spreads to the regulatory system. It uses a tourbillon angled at 35 degrees. The automatic winding mechanism works with two linear weights. These weights are seen through the sapphire crystal. The movement form received a finish in satin-brushed metal grey. It shows the mechanical skill and resembles a supercar engine seen through a clear hood.
These new models keep the original's complex case shape. It has no right angle and holds a double sapphire crystal. This offers views of the moving linear weights.
Through these releases, Hublot shows its position as a technical inventor and design changer. This is especially true in its control of materials. It uses ceramic "in all its forms and colors" to sapphire crystal "in all its chromatic variations." These new mp-10 tourbillon editions represent the manufacture's continued commitment to creating what it calls "a manifesto which fuses the past, present and future of haute horology in a single piece: first, unique and different."

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Chrono24, a luxury watch marketplace with headquarters in Karlsruhe, has made public some new information. This data shows clear preferences among different generations of watch buyers. Rolex is the most popular brand overall, but certain models appeal more to different age groups.
The company in Karlsruhe examined transaction information to determine which watches are bought more frequently by each age group. The results showed both expected patterns and some surprising exceptions.
Rolex models are in first place in four out of five age categories, but the specific choices change quite a bit. The Datejust is the top pick among buyers under 30. The Submariner leads with people aged 30-39. The Daytona is most popular with those who are 40-49, while the Sea-Dweller comes out on top with buyers aged 50-59. Only the group over 60 goes against this trend, showing a stronger preference for the Patek Philippe Calatrava.
Loyalty to Rolex seems highest among younger buyers. Three of the top five models for people under 30 and those aged 30-39 are Rolex. This drops to two Rolex models in the top five for buyers aged 40-59. For buyers over 60, only one Rolex-the Sky-Dweller-makes it into the top five.
The 40-49 age group shows the most variety in taste. Their top ten purchases include nine different manufacturers, such as Breitling, Vacheron Constantin, and IWC. By comparison, buyers over 60 are drawn to more expensive options, with three Patek Philippe models in their top ten.
Interest in Omega is especially strong among Gen Z watch enthusiasts (mainly the under-30 group). Three Omega models appear in their top ten, along with four Rolex watches, two from Cartier, and, somewhat surprisingly, a Grand Seiko Heritage Collection model. This Grand Seiko is the only one to appear in any age group’s top choices.
The data confirms the wide appeal of luxury watches across generations. Chrono24 reported that more than a third of Gen Z already own a high-quality watch or plan to buy one soon. With about 540,000 watches from around 3,000 dealers and 45,000 private sellers across more than 120 countries, Chrono24 offers a unique view of global watch market trends.