Garmin Forerunner 645 GPS Watch Reviewed

One of the Forerunner 645’s biggest perks is that it’s fit for such a wide range of activities. Its simplistic style allows it to be worn to work without drawing any attention, yet its durable design and multiple smart features make it an incredible tool for workouts and fast-paced lifestyles.

Those who frequently run, cycle, hike, or swim are offered multiple tracking features that record time, distance, and overall progress. Even basic gym workouts are enhanced thanks to its activity profiles for cardio and elliptical, strength, floor climbing, stair-stepping, indoor rowing, and yoga. Furthermore, its safety features enable outdoor recreation enthusiasts to go about their activities at ease.

Even simple everyday tasks are made better with this particular watch. Sleep monitoring is available for those who need to keep track of their patterns. And, most significantly, easy payments can be made while on the go thanks to Garmin Pay.

The Forerunner 645 includes all standard features that buyers would expect from their smartwatch. These include a timer, stopwatch, alarm clock, and automatic daylight savings time. Calendar and weather features are also included to better plan workouts and daily activities, and a working GPS fully tracks the buyer’s route no matter where they’re running

In addition, buyers also have access to a thermometer and a compass as well as sunrise and sunset times. All three are able to aid runners and fitness enthusiasts, especially if they prefer different forms of outdoor workouts.

More advanced running dynamics are offered on the Forerunner 645, including ground contact time, stride length, and cadence. Elevation, calories burned, and various heart rate features are also included, and women are given the option of tracking their menstrual cycles by utilizing Garmin Connect.

Speaking of, the Garmin Connect app is considered to be this watch’s main center for most of its advanced features. Not only does it enable various tracking and monitoring features for the buyer’s workout of choice, but it also provides smart notifications and allows the buyer to stay connected with their contact list while out on a run. This also plays a critical role in the watch’s LiveTrack feature, which lets Contacts know of the runner’s current route and location.

There’s no doubt that this watch’s standout feature is Garmin Pay, which is set up by using the Garmin Connect app. Once the buyer’s credit card information and specialized passcode are programmed, they can easily access the app and hold the watch in from of the card reader whenever they are making an in-store purchase. It should be noted that this payment method is not accepted in all countries, so be sure to double check before using this feature.

Most buyers seem to be satisfied with the Forerunner 645’s overall level of accuracy, particularly when it comes to its GPS. At least according to online reviews, they’ve noticed no obvious issues whenever they’ve gone over their previous routes or when checking up on most of their vitals or previous workouts.

However, some have noticed a few inconsistencies when it comes to this watch’s heart rate features. When checking their records at the end of the day, a few online reviewers have pointed out that their heart rate was shown to be noticeably faster during more low energy activities.

Its listing on the Garmin website shows that the Forerunner 645 is compatible with Bluetooth, ANT+, and WiFi connectivity. Any buyer with a working iPhone or Android smartphone can easily control and customize this watch’s settings by using the app. Not only does this enable social media notifications and alert to texts and incoming calls, but this is also crucial for safety features such as LiveTrack.

Furthermore, those who purchase the Music version of this watch can play any music that’s stored onto the buyer’s smartphone. While there is a small handful of reviews that claim it’s connectivity stops working, these complaints seem to have more to do with the store that the buyer purchased from rather than the actual product.

As stated before, the Garmin Connect app is the Forerunner 645’s primary control center. After buyers download it onto their iPhone or Android smartphone, they can easily change us the watch’s settings, customize their workouts, and set up Garmin Pay for quick and easy in-store payments wherever it’s accepted.

Buyers also have access to the Garmin Connect IQ app, which allows them to better customize their device to mean their own individual needs or wants. These include Spotify playlists or keeping track of an incoming Uber ride. They can even choose from multiple watch faces and pick one that best fits their interests or style.

Several elements allow the Forerunner 645 to offer up such comfortable wear. The first is its weight, listing at less than 1.5 ounces, which means that it will never feel heavy or cause unneeded pain or fatigue. The second is its overall build, which is simple and highly minimalistic to avoid bulk and having it get in the way. The third is all of the materials that Garmin has used in its construction.

The silicone that forms its band gives a smooth feeling that will never dig in or rub against the bone uncomfortably. Its face and casing aren’t so substantial that they feel cumbersome, and the back of this watch is designed in such a way that it won’t rub or press against the skin and cause irritations.

The Forerunner 645 has the same simple, minimalistic design that this particular line is known for. It comes with the same distinctive silicone band, the same five-button configuration, and the same lightweight build that allows it to easily fit into a wide range of casual, fitness, and more rugged environments. Depending on the color option that they choose, buyers can easily wear this model to work and keep it on when they’re on a run or at the gym.

It's color range depends entirely on which version the buyer chooses. The standard version is only available in black or sandstone, while the one that enables music is available in cerise or black with stainless steel, slate, or rose gold hardware. It should be pointed out, however, that the latter version does cost $50 extra.

All smart watches are expected to have high levels of durability, considering their intended usage, and the Forerunner 645 definitely does not disappoint. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens is scratch resistant and can even stay in one piece after being dropped a significant height. While there’s no indication of how easily the stainless steel bezel will dent, it’s still able to stay in place and keep the face intact.

Although the silicone band may still run the risk of wearing down or tearing overtime, buyers can easily find $30 replacement bands on the Garmin website. And its Quick Release design makes switching this feature out a breeze.

Buyers are especially happy to know that this watch is water resistant, as its listing states that it has a water rating of 5 ATM. However, this does mean that it comes with some limitations. As stated before, while it can definitely resist everything from light splashed and showering to swimming and diving, it’s not meant to be used during scuba diving or high-speed water sports.

The Forerunner 645’s lens is made from Corning’s trademarked Gorilla Glass 3, just like other models within this same line, and is held in place by a stainless steel bezel. It measures 1.2 inches in diameter on its own, which is standard for wrist watches, and 1.7 inches in diameter with its casing. The entire unit is also only half an inch thick, meaning that it’s prominent enough without being overbearing at all.

Oddly enough, there are no listings that detail which material this watch’s casing is made out of. Based off of product photos alone, it looks to be constructed from either resin or a highly durable form of plastic. Either way, it’s clear that Garmin designed the entire unit to be resistant to scratches and accidental drops.

Its display resolution is listed at 240 x 240 pixels, meaning that it’s low resolution yet still quite advanced for a smartwatch. It’s also sunlight visible and transflective, meaning that buyers won’t have to worry about glare when reading the screen in bright and sunny conditions.

Just like all the other watches within this line, the Forerunner 645’s wrist band is made from a sturdy silicone. Listings state that it’s just under 0.8 inches wide, and it can comfortably fit any wrist size between five and eight inches around.

While it is durable enough to withstand everyday use and rugged environments, replacement bands are readily available on the Garmin website for only $30. Buyers could even select one made of leather, suede, or Italian leather if they do not use this watch for swimming. Furthermore, this band features a Quick Release design that allows it to be easily removed by releasing a small steel bar at the top and pulling it back.

Although a number of buyers prefer a watch with a metal or resin band, those options don't seem to be available anywhere for this particular model.

Reviewers seem to be quite satisfied with the Forerunner 645’s overall size, as it continues to follow this line’s lightweight and non-bulky design. It has the standard display size of 1.2 inches in diameter, and this measurement goes up to 1.7 inches with the casing. Listings also state that it’s around half an inch thick, and its overall weight is less than 1.5 ounces.

Furthermore, its silicone band measures in at 20mm, or just under 0.8 inches, wide. This makes for a comfortable fit that’s secure without being overwhelming. Its Garmin listing also states that it can comfortably fit any wrist that’s between five and eight inches around.

Those who are familiar with smartwatches, especially those designed by Garmin, would find this model quite easy to use. It has the same five-button configuration as all of its predecessors, and almost all of its features can be easily set up and utilized by downloading the brand’s apps onto an iPhone or Android smartphone.

However, those who are new to this particular setup may have some difficulty when it comes to setting up and learning how to properly use it. Although after a short amount of time, and with some help from a video tutorial on the Garmin website listing, most buyers seem to get the hang of it.

Each Forerunner 654 comes with a USB charging cable, allowing the buyer to easily power up their watch by plugging it into their laptop or a wall outlet. They can also utilize a portable charger whenever they’re out and on the go, ensuring that they never have to worry about keeping track of its battery level.

Furthermore, according to its listing on the Garmin website, this watch’s battery life is said to be particularly impressive. It can easily last up to seven days in regular smartwatch mode and up to 14 hours when set in GPS mode. While it’s not clear how long its charging time is, one reviewer did state that it was surprisingly fast.

Just like all other smartwatches, the Forerunner 645 comes with an incredibly expensive price tag. It’s found on the Garmin website, and other retailers such as Road Runner Sports and B&H, for a whopping $400. While it doesn’t cost quite as much as a number of other Garmin models, especially those in the Fenix line, it still costs noticeably more than previous versions within this same series.

Despite its extreme price tag, it’s still easy to see why so many would consider this watch to be worth it. It provides high levels of durability and comfort, plenty of tracking features to enhance workouts, and a brand new app that enables quick and easy payments. And its added safety features make it even more appealing to potential buyers.

It should be noted, however, that not everyone will be able to fully utilize all of this watch’s features and get their money’s worth. Therefore, only those who live a consistently active lifestyle should truly consider buying this watch.

-Garmin Pay
-LiveTrack for Safety
-Advanced Running Dynamics
-Wrist-Based Heart Rate
-Garmin Connect
-240 x 240 Pixels
-Water Rating of 5 ATM
-Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Lens
-Silicone Wrist Band
-7-Day Battery Life in Smartwatch Mode
-14-Hour Battery Life in GPS Mode

The Garmin Forerunner 645 has consistently been given high reviews online, and for a number of very good reasons. Not only does it have the same sleek and simple design that this particular line is known for, but its features allow it to enhance every activity from running and cycling to swimming and even yoga. Even if the buyer is sleeping, their vital signs and overall stress can still be monitored.

Buyers are especially happy with this watch's Garmin Pay feature, which allows them to make quick and easy payments whenever they're out. Various heart rate features are also included, and the brand's LiveTrack allows them to feel safe and at ease when running through rugged conditions.

Although a few issues have been brought up, such as inconsistencies in connectivity and accuracy, they don't seem to be very widespread. As a result, those who are willing to spend the money with definitely be given an incredible tool that will enhance their daily lives greatly.