Garmin has announced a new Cerakote Edition of its tactix 8 with a hardened ceramic-based coating.
The new tactix 8 Cerakote Edition retains the core hardware of the existing tactix 8, including a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, sapphire lens, titanium bezel, and an integrated LED flashlight for low-light visibility.
Garmin applies the Cerakote coating through a sprayed and baked ceramic-polymer process, a finish commonly used for abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance in demanding environments.
The company claims the Cerakote coating is designed to show wear over time, with each watch developing its own patina through regular use.
Tactical, performance, and navigation features remain unchanged
Alongside the new exterior finish, the tactix 8 Cerakote Edition includes Garmin’s existing tactical feature set, such as rucking activity profiles, Jumpmaster modes, dual-position GPS coordinate formats, Stealth Mode, and night vision goggle compatibility.
The watch also supports Garmin’s Applied Ballistics Ultralight solver, providing advanced calculations intended for long-range marksmanship scenarios without requiring a paired smartphone.
For performance and training, the device carries a 40-metre dive rating and supports scuba and apnea dive modes, strength training plans, sport-specific workouts, and real-time stamina tracking.
Health monitoring features include Body Battery energy monitoring, Pulse Ox measurements where available, and advanced sleep and nap detection, with Garmin noting that Pulse Ox is not available in all regions.
Navigation tools include TopoActive maps, global golf course and ski resort maps, aviation waypoint navigation, and multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology supported by onboard compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter sensors.
Pricing and availability
When paired with a compatible smartphone, the tactix 8 Cerakote Edition supports on-wrist phone calls, smart notifications, and Garmin Pay contactless payments through its built-in speaker and microphone.
Garmin has confirmed that the tactix 8 Cerakote Edition will be available for purchase on January 23 and priced at £1,379.99 / $1,599.99 through its official website and selected retailers.
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