Garmin tees up Approach J1, the first GPS watch specifically designed for junior golfers

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) announced the Approach J1, the first GPS watch purpose-built for junior golfers, available now at a suggested retail price of $299.99. The slim, lightweight design features a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, ComfortFit fabric strap for smaller wrists, and metal bezel color options in cloud blue or lilac. Key features include tee-off guidance with forward tee options across 43,000+ preloaded courses, personal par tracking, club selection distances, a pace-of-play timer, and up to 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode. The watch is water-resistant and will be shown at the PGA Show in Orlando at booth #1501.

News Market Reaction

-5.23%

1 alert

-5.23% News Effect

On the day this news was published, GRMN declined 5.23%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Suggested retail price: $299.99 Preloaded courses: 43,000+ courses Display size: 1.2-inch +1 more

4 metrics

Suggested retail price $299.99 Approach J1 junior GPS golf watch

Preloaded courses 43,000+ courses Forward tee locations on all preloaded courses

Display size 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display on Approach J1

Battery life 15 hours Up to 15 hours in GPS mode

Market Reality Check

Price: $206.17 Vol: Volume 775,387 is at 88% ...

normal vol

$206.17 Last Close

Volume Volume 775,387 is at 88% of the 20-day average, indicating typical trading activity ahead of this product news. normal

Technical Shares at $211.80 are trading modestly below the 200-day MA ($215.40) and about 19.06% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

Pre-news, GRMN slipped 0.38% while peers showed mixed moves: TDY up 1.97%, FTV u...

1 Down

Pre-news, GRMN slipped 0.38% while peers showed mixed moves: TDY up 1.97%, FTV up 0.33%, but TRMB and COHR down 5.82% and 3.03%. Momentum scanner mainly flagged MKSI moving down, suggesting this junior golf watch launch is more company-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 14 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 14	Earnings call schedule	Neutral	-1.1%	Announcement of date and time for Q4 2025 earnings call.
Jan 13	Product launch	Positive	+1.1%	Launch of quatix 8 Pro nautical smartwatch with satellite connectivity.
Jan 06	AI platform reveal	Positive	+2.7%	Introduction of Unified Cabin 2026 with AI/LLM-based virtual assistant.
Jan 06	Tech partnership	Positive	+2.7%	Automotive OEM proof-of-concept with Meta Neural Band at CES 2026.
Jan 06	Auto platform collaboration	Positive	+2.7%	Expanded Qualcomm collaboration for Nexus automotive HPC platform.

Pattern Detected

In the past month, Garmin’s stock generally reacted positively to product and technology announcements, while a neutral earnings call scheduling notice coincided with a small decline.

Recent Company History

Over recent weeks, Garmin released several technology and product updates. On Jan 6, 2026, it unveiled Unified Cabin 2026 with an AI/LLM-based assistant and announced partnerships with Meta and Qualcomm, with shares rising about 2.74% after those CES-related headlines. A nautical smartwatch launch on Jan 13, 2026 saw a modest 1.14% gain. By contrast, the Jan 14, 2026 fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call scheduling coincided with a 1.12% decline. Today’s junior golf GPS watch continues Garmin’s pattern of consumer product innovation.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -5.2% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite product-focuse...

Analysis

The stock moved -5.2% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite product-focused news would fit a pattern where not all corporate updates drive sustained strength, as seen with the 1.12% drop after the earnings call scheduling. Even when innovation headlines previously supported gains up to 2.74%, follow-through was not guaranteed. In such a scenario, recent insider selling and broader sector volatility could have contributed to downside pressure.

Key Terms

gps, amoled

2 terms

gps technical

"First-of-its-kind GPS golf watch includes features that focus on learning"

A global network of satellites and ground stations that provides precise location and time information to devices on Earth; think of it as a map and clock in the sky that tells a device exactly where and when it is. Investors care because GPS underpins navigation for shipping and delivery, fleet and asset tracking, location-based services, autonomous vehicles, and precise timing for financial networks—so changes in GPS technology, reliability, or competing systems can affect revenue, costs, and risk across many industries.

amoled technical

"It features a bright, 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display."

AMOLED is a display technology where each tiny pixel lights itself with organic materials and is switched on and off by a thin control layer — think of a high-resolution mosaic of tiny self-lit bulbs that produce deep blacks, vivid colors and fast motion. Investors care because AMOLED affects product appeal, battery life, production cost and supplier dynamics; choices around this screen tech can influence sales, margins and capital spending across device makers and component suppliers.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

First-of-its-kind GPS golf watch includes features that focus on learning and improving with a comfortable fit for smaller wrists

OLATHE, Kan., Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the groundbreaking Approach^® J1, the first GPS watch purpose built to help youth golfers learning the game play with confidence and track their performance. Featuring a slim, lightweight design that will not hinder a golf swing, the Approach J1 comes with either a cloud blue or lilac metal bezel and a ComfortFit fabric strap that securely fits on smaller wrists. From the tee box to the green, it's packed with innovative features like tee-off guidance, personal par and a pace-of-play timer that can help young golfers get to know the game like never before.

"Garmin has pioneered technology advances in golf for decades, and now we're thrilled to help introduce a new generation of golfers to the game with the Approach J1. Designed to help junior golfers learn the game faster and play smarter, the Approach J1 can help build better course management skills, improve shot planning and pace of play and provide real-time feedback that over time can help young players develop stronger strategy, independence and a better feel for the game." —Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Guiding the game

A revolutionary tool on the course, the Approach J1 is packed with features that help young golfers better understand how to play.

• Tee-off guidance: Receive on-screen, real-time guidance about where to tee off on every hole, according to the golfer's ability. This feature allows young players to use forward tee locations, including down the fairway, on all 43,000+ preloaded courses.
• Personal par: Build confidence and set realistic goals based on the scores a golfer shoots, which can be adjusted as they improve and receive celebratory animations for making par or better on a hole.
• Pace-of-play timer: A simple visual aid helps golfers understand if they are playing a hole at the recommended pace or if they have exceeded the allotted time.
• Club selections: The watch provides club selections and distance to the green, helping the golfer make more informed decisions on the course. 
• Customizable experience: Adjust any of the features focused on learning the game on or off as the golfer progresses.

"As a coach who works with young golfers daily, I see first-hand how critical it is for juniors to understand their distances and develop proper pace of play from the very beginning. The Garmin Approach J1 is a game changer for LPGA and PGA professionals who specialize in junior development. By teaching distance awareness and on-course efficiency in a simple, age-appropriate way, the Approach J1 accelerates learning, builds confidence and helps young players develop habits that support long-term growth in the game." —Courtney Mahon, 2024 LPGA Global Junior Golf Leader of the Year

Purposeful design

This slim, lightweight golf watch was designed to go virtually unnoticed during a golf swing. It features a bright, 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. Rain or shine, the Approach J1's water-resistant design allows users to play through light rain and wind. Young golfers can play multiple rounds without needing to re-charge as the smartwatch boasts up to 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode.

Available now, the Approach J1 GPS watch has a suggested retail price of $299.99. See the Approach J1 and more during the PGA Show in Orlando, Fla. at the Garmin booth, #1501. To learn more about Garmin's full lineup of golf products, visit garmin.com/golf.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.  

About Garmin: Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and Approach are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Media Contacts:
Mike Cummings & Connor Hoffman
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

What is the Garmin Approach J1 price and availability (GRMN)?

The Approach J1 is available now with a suggested retail price of $299.99.

What battery life does the Garmin Approach J1 offer for junior golfers?

The Approach J1 offers up to 15 hours of battery life in GPS mode.

How does the Approach J1 help juniors with course management (GRMN)?

It provides tee-off guidance, personal par tracking, club selection distances, and a pace-of-play timer to teach distance awareness and course pace.

Which courses and course data are included with the Garmin Approach J1?

The watch includes mapping for over 43,000 preloaded courses, including forward tee locations suitable for juniors.

Where can investors see the Garmin Approach J1 during the PGA Show (GRMN)?

Garmin will display the Approach J1 at the PGA Show in Orlando at booth #1501.