New Garmin devices revealed by Czech e-shop. Fenix 9 leaked in 18 variants, including prices

The new generation of Garmin Fenix 9 watches will be unveiled on Tuesday, but we already know the prices for the Czech market. This was revealed by the domestic e-shop SkiAndBike, which prematurely prepared product cards for the upcoming models – and before they were taken down, the server Život s Garminem managed to capture them. The result is surprising: Garmin has practically not increased prices compared to the previous generation.

From twenty-four to thirty-three thousand

The cheapest entry into the series is expected to be the 43mm Fenix 9 AMOLED for 23,990 CZK. For the same size, prices then climb to 29,490 CZK for the variant with inReach technology and to 30,490 CZK for the gold or carbon finish.

The mid-range 47mm size starts at 25,990 CZK for the black DLC finish and again ends at 30,490 CZK. The largest 51mm models start at 27,990 CZK, and the most expensive variant with inReach in carbon is expected to cost 32,990 CZK. For comparison: Fenix 8 Pro models were launched last year at prices of 29,990 and 32,490 CZK, so the new generation fits into practically the same range. Given how component prices are rising across the market this year, this is not a given.

Titan and sapphire for all, steel is out

The material composition can also be inferred from the listing, and it is quite clear. All models are expected to have a titanium case back, a titanium bezel, and sapphire glass – not a single steel variant or a model with Gorilla Glass appeared in the list. This makes sense: steel adds weight, which no one wants in a sports watch, and sapphire is more resistant to scratches and glare.

More interesting is the fate of transflective MIP displays, i.e., those that are best read in direct sunlight and save battery. According to the listing, these will only appear on 47 and 51mm models in the Pro Solar version – and here’s the catch. The solar variant exists exclusively in combination with inReach, meaning with satellite connectivity and LTE; it won’t be possible to buy it without it.

Caution is advised

Before you start counting your savings, a warning is in order. This is a premature retailer listing, not an official Garmin price list. The product cards did not contain photos or specifications, and the naming of individual editions seems confusing – for some variants, it’s not clear how they differ from each other. It’s entirely possible that the store was just preparing space for models about which it doesn’t yet have complete information itself.

At the same time, SkiAndBike is an authorized Garmin dealer, and such retailers usually receive information about new products in advance to prepare. The credibility of the listing is therefore decent – but it can only be verified on Tuesday.

What users expect from the new generation

In the discussion under the Czech article, a number of comments were gathered that well illustrate where the current generation has shortcomings. Most frequently mentioned is thickness – the Fenix 8 Pro model grew by more than two millimeters compared to its predecessor, reaching 16.5 mm for the 51mm version, which is noticeable on the wrist. Criticism also targets the limited coverage of satellite and LTE services, which do not work in many countries, and voice control, which does not support Czech or many other languages.

Several users also mentioned more practical wishes: the ability to upload their own files to the watch, stored health data for emergencies, or automatic sending of health data when SOS is activated. However, doubts about quality also emerged – one of the discussants described repeated complaints about his Fenix watches and added that for this money, he would no longer buy another watch of this brand.

It will be revealed on Tuesday

Garmin itself remains silent for now but has confirmed the date. The live stream titled Play Harder begins on Tuesday, August 25, at 1:00 PM our time. In the teaser, the company shows a surfer with a watch on his wrist, suggesting an emphasis on resistance to prolonged exposure to seawater – a feature that standard Forerunner series models do not offer. Based on the length of last year’s Fenix 8 Pro event, expect a fifteen-minute sprint rather than an hour-long show. Incidentally, the listing did not include the Enduro 4 or Fenix E 2 watches, which have also been speculated about in recent weeks.

Would you pay twenty-four thousand for a watch, or would you wait for the new generation to drive down the prices of current ones?

Source: Život s Garminem, Notebookcheck, Garmin, SkiAndBike