Is Garmin Forerunner 45 Waterproof or Just Water-Resistant?

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Written By Alan

Would you believe a G-Shock I was gifted in 2014 by my grandpa started my lifelong journey of a watch geek?

🕑  Last Updated: March 28, 2023

There aren’t many manufacturers that can match Garmin in terms of feature-rich and incredibly durable watches.

Since it began producing GPS-enabled wearables, the US-based brand has seen an increase in demand globally – and not without a reason.

Garmin has a wide range of watches to suit various requirements and price points, and unquestionably, its Garmin Forerunner series is one of the most well-liked (especially amongst runners!).

The Forerunner 45 model is one of the collection’s best-selling pieces, and it is popular with those searching for a robust watch filled with perks for running enthusiasts and fitness dorks in general.

Can the model endure being submerged in water, notwithstanding how fantastic it is? Is the Garmin Forerunner 45 waterproof?

Let’s find out.

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Is Garmin Forerunner 45 Waterproof?

  • Many premium wellness apps
  • Compatible with iPhone & Android
  • Built-in GPS
  • Garmin Pay
  • Water-resistant up to 50m

The answer to this question would be “no,” if we were to answer it literally.

However, that does not imply that the Vivoactive 4 is an ineffectively made watch; just the contrary. The truth is that a lot of people think a waterproof watch is the same as one that is water-resistant.

Before you make a purchase, you must grasp the significant difference between the two phrases.

As things stand, a waterproof watch hasn’t been invented (and it’s unlikely to be anytime soon). The most that manufacturers can do is create products that are water-resistant and can endure brief submersion times.

Numerous watches, including all models in Garmin’s line-up, include water resistance (WR). The WR will differ amongst Garmin models that offer the following ratings:

  • IP65 – can survive light spray or rain
  • IP67 – can take splashes, rain or snow, and survive a dusty environment
  • 1ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 10 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering
  • 3ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 30 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering, jumping into the water
  • 5ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, snorkeling
  • 10ATM – withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters, fine for splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, diving into the water, snorkeling, high-speed water sports

So, which of the above ratings is offered by the Garmin Forerunner 45?

With a 5ATM (50m) WR rating, all Garmin Forerunner 45 versions are reliable companions for showers, short swims, or even snorkeling (in the pool).

The gadget will not have any trouble with splashes, rain, or snow.

Here it’s important to note that water resistance status should be regularly monitored. Over time, gaskets and seals may deteriorate with aggressive use, which will result in a loss of water resistance.

To stay on the safe side, you should have your watch inspected regularly (eg. once a year) by an authorized Garmin dealer to make sure it keeps its 5ATM rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we have a clear understanding of what the Forerunner 45’s water resistance capabilities are, let’s take a look at some of the popular queries/doubts related to the subject.

Can I swim with my Garmin Forerunner 45?

Yes, you can swim with your Garmin Forerunner 45. The watch has a water resistance rating of 5ATM, which means it can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, making it a safe companion for swimming in shallow water (eg. a pool).

How old is the Garmin Forerunner 45?

The Garmin Forerunner 45 was first released in May 2019.

Is Garmin Forerunner 45 worth it?

The Forerunner 45 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate runners who are looking for a reliable, feature-packed watch that won’t break the bank. It offers advanced tracking features such as heart rate monitoring and GPS, as well as helpful training tools like PacePro to help you improve your running.

Is Garmin Forerunner 45 touchscreen?

The Garmin Forerunner 45 has a color touchscreen display. You can navigate the watch’s interface and menus by swiping and tapping on the screen.

Can Garmin Forerunner 45 track sleep?

Yes, like most Garmin models (eg. Instinct), Forerunner 45 can give you great insights into your sleeping patterns.

Can Forerunner 45 detect heart arrhythmia?

No, Garmin watches don’t offer the ECG app. Check out our article on watches that detect Afib if you need that function.

How good is Forerunner 45’s battery life?

The battery life of Forerunner is approximately 7 days in the regular mode. For a battery performance of a smartwatch, that’s really impressive.

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