Table of Contents
Express comparison (harmonized key specifications)
| Model | Altimeter | GNSS | Auto-cellar | Storm alert | Temp. | Screen | Glass | Tightness | Weight* | GPS 1 S ** | Prix FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin fēnix pro | Baro | Multi L1/L5 | Yes (periodical) | Yes | −20 to 45 ° C | MIP/AMOLED (according to) | Optional sapphire | 10 ATM | ~ 60–80 g | 20–60 h | 899–1 299 € |
| Garmin Enduro 3 | Baro | Multi L1/L5 | Yes | Yes | −20 to 45 ° C | Mip | Sapphire (according to) | 10 ATM | ~ 63 g | 60–120 h | 899–1 099 € |
| SUUNTO Vertical | Baro | Double frequency | Yes | Yes | −20 to 45 ° C | Mip | Sapphire | 10 ATM | 74–87 g | 30–90 h | 529–839 € |
| Coros Vertix 2S | Baro | Double frequency | Yes | Yes | −20 to 45 ° C | Mip | Sapphire | 10 ATM | ~ 70 g | 60–118 h | ~ 699 € |
| Polar Grit X2 Pro | Baro | Double frequency | Yes | Yes | −10 to 50 ° C | Amoled | Sapphire (Titan -) | 10 ATM | ~ 79 g | 20–43 h | 599–749 € |
| Apple Watch Ultra | Baro | L1/L5 | Yes | – | −20 to 45 ° C *** | Oled | Sapphire | WR100 | ~ 61–62 g | 10–20 h | 899–999 € |
| Garmin Instinct 3 | Baro | Multi (satiq) | Yes | Yes | −20 to 45 ° C | MIP / AMOLED | Reinforced glass | 10 ATM | 53–61 g | 30–70 h | 399–499 € |
*Weight according to sizes/materials; ** Autonomy in 1 S recording, without music or cards; *** Indicative beach. The figures vary according to firmware, temperature, GNSS mode, self-calm frequency.
Precision: Read (and reliable) your figures
The baro drifts with the pressure. As a result : caliber at the start (known altitude), let the Auto-Cal GPS correct regularly, protect the vent from the direct wind. In town, the GNSS multi-trajets distort the trace; In crest, the wind disrupts the pressure. Simple tip: handle over the burst sensor. And shelter in refuge. In short, common sense.
Concrete use case
GR20 (8–12 days) : Manual REQUALLY MORNING AND OUT (refuge), Auto-CAL activated, control D+ by segment. A light powerbank is enough if you stay on MIP (fēnix/enduro/instinct). For a more “nomadic” field story, our paper on robust watches for backpackers and real nomads puts energy compromises in perspective.
Winter alpi : baro + wind = traps. Hide the vent, avoid the sleeve sleeve, re-calm on altitude known before the ridge. MIP readability of the cold sun; Amoled remains top sheltered, but more greedy.
Urban trail/dense forest : Find L1/L5. The D+ must remain smoothed and credible despite the buildings. And if you specifically work skating or V2 in winter, see the dedicated settings in the best Garmin watches suitable for running trail to optimize views/alerts.
Testimonials
“Enduro 3: I chained 4 days, 12 p.m./day, re-cal morning/evening. D+ in ± 3 %. It’s clean. » – F., long distance hiker
“Vertix 2S: indecent autonomy. You forget the charger. The D+ is regular if you protect the baro. »-FM, ultra-trailer
“Ultra + iPhone: top security. Autonomy… I manage with a mini powerbank. It goes. » – FA, Trek Alpes
Maintenance: Keep precision
Rinse dust/sand/sweat (baro vents = tiny). Soft brush, drying, no compressed air. RE-CAL with each departure and after long break. Avoid condensation (damp handle stuck to the sensor). Firmware updates the day before, not in the parking lot. Simple, effective.
Quick recommendations by budget
<400 € : Garmin Instinct 3 (promo) – Robust, reliable figures. 600–800 € : Vertical suunto or vertix 2S coros – autonomy and precision. € 1,000+ : fēnix pro – all on the wrist, Carto Premium. And if you are an iPhone-Centric: Apple Watch Ultra (with PowerBank, of course).
FAQ – Altimeter watch
Baro alone or baro + GPS?
Always baro + GPS to make more reliable D +/D -. The baro drifts, the GPS corrects. The smooth GPS, the baro restores relief. Both together are the right mix.
How to calibrate quickly before leaving?
Known altitude → Manual calibration → Auto-Cal GPS activated → Protection of the baro vent. Control in shelter. 2 minutes. Do.
Winter distorts altitude?
Yes, via pressure/wind and sleeve sleeves. Protect the vent, dry the area, re-calm on a known point if the Alti has moved 40–80 m.
Apple Watch Ultra for GR20, is it serious?
Yes if you accept the PowerBank. Correct GNSS precision, baro altimeter OK, but shorter activity autonomy than dedicated outdoor watches.
What D+ difference is acceptable?
On clean marked route: ± 3–5 % with baro+GPS well adjusted. Beyond 8–10 %, there is a concern for calibration, wind, or very disturbed GNSS.
Conclusion
Choose according to your dominant practice. Precision firstautonomy then, finally ecosystem. fēnix pro if you want everything. Enduro 3 to forget the charger. SUUNTO Vertical and Vertix 2S to draw away in simplicity. GRIT X2 PRO if you like Polar Ergonomics. Instinct 3 to leave without stress. Apple Watch Ultra if you are a iPhone and connected safety seduces you. And if the snow calls you, take a look at the detailed settings of our complete guide of watches dedicated to cross -country skiing – the cold is not tender with the sensors.
