It looks like Garmin has something new on the way—and it’s not another high-end multisport beast.
A teaser image has popped up in China, and all signs point to an upcoming entry-level running watch, possibly the long-awaited Garmin Forerunner 65.
- The launch date? July 22 at midnight local time.
- The price? Somewhere around $140 to $280.
- The vibe? Runner-friendly and budget-aware.
Let’s break down what we’ve seen—and what it could mean if you’re thinking about grabbing a new Garmin without breaking the bank.
Breaking Down the Teaser: What’s Hiding in Plain Sight?
A reader in China shared a promo image that Garmin recently posted, and even though it’s just a teaser, there are some pretty big clues packed in.
Here’s what the image tells us:
- There’s a shadowy outline of a Garmin watch in the middle—looks a lot like a Forerunner model.
- The phrase “懂了, 就买” is front and center, which roughly means: “Understand it, then buy.”
- Underneath that is a price hint: “1xxx” — most likely in the 1,000–1,999 RMB range (roughly $140–$280)
- The date and time shown are “07/22 12:00”
- And at the bottom, another phrase reads: “价期开封，静待此刻”, or “Price reveal begins, await this moment”
- Oh, and there’s a faint outline of a runner in the background.
All signs point to one thing: Garmin’s getting ready to launch a running watch for first-timers or budget-focused athletes.
Could This Be the Garmin Forerunner 65?
If you’ve been waiting for a follow-up to the Forerunner 55, this might finally be it.
Here’s why we think it’s the Forerunner 65:
- The Forerunner 55 came out way back in June 2021. It’s due for a refresh.
- Garmin tends to stick to clean, logical model numbers. Going from 55 → 65 fits.
- The silhouette in the teaser matches the Forerunner style—same button layout and familiar case shape.
- It doesn’t scream “AMOLED,” which makes it more likely to be a MIP screen model (just like the 55).
This may be a lightweight GPS-focused watch with just the essentials, and that’s precisely what many runners are looking for.
Quick Refresher: Garmin’s Affordable Forerunner Watches
Let’s take a second to compare Garmin’s most recent entry-level models and where this new one might fit.
| Watch | Launch Date | Screen | Who It’s For | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 55 | June 2021 | MIP | New runners, budget users | ~$199 |
| Forerunner 165 | Feb 2024 | AMOLED | Entry-level + smart style | ~$249–$299 |
| Forerunner 65 (Expected) | July 2025 | Likely MIP | Runners who want the basics | ~$199–$249 |
So if the 165 was about style and color, the 65 might be about simplicity and reliability.
Why Is Garmin Doing This Now?
Let’s be honest—Garmin’s been launching a ton of high-end gear lately. In the last few months alone, we’ve seen the Quatix 8, Forerunner 970, Venu X1, and even a new Index Sleep Monitor.
But what about those of us who just want a solid GPS watch without all the bells and whistles?
That’s where the timing makes sense. Garmin may be feeling the heat from brands like Suunto, which just dropped the Suunto Run—a slick, budget-friendly option with an AMOLED screen. And don’t forget Amazfit is always hovering in the budget space.
This could be Garmin’s way of saying, “Hey, we’ve still got your back if you’re starting or upgrading on a budget.”
What Might the Forerunner 65 Offer?
While Garmin hasn’t confirmed anything yet, here’s what we expect based on past releases and the price range:
- A transflective MIP display — easy to see outdoors and great for battery life
- Built-in GPS (with GLONASS + Galileo support)
- Smart training features like VO2 max, pace alerts, and maybe workout suggestions
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring
- Water resistance (probably 5 ATM, swim-friendly)
- Two-week battery life in smartwatch mode
We’re not expecting music storage, maps, or touchscreen—but that’s exactly the point. Simple, focused, and ready to run.
July 22: Why That Date Feels Right
The teaser clearly says July 22, 12:00, and there’s a reason that lines up with Garmin’s usual pattern. Most Garmin product launches fall on Tuesdays, and yep—July 22, 2025, is a Tuesday.
Combine that with the rising competition and the aging Forerunner 55, and this launch timing makes perfect sense.
Unless it’s a China-only release (which feels unlikely), we’re probably just days away from a global announcement.
Will the Forerunner 65 launch outside of China?
Most likely, yes. Garmin usually releases globally after regional teasers. If it hits China first, expect a U.S. release shortly after.
How’s it different from the Forerunner 165?
The 165 has a colorful AMOLED display and more smartwatch features. The 65 will likely stick to basics with a longer-lasting MIP screen.
Why This Matters
Not every runner needs a fancy smartwatch. If this is the Forerunner 65, it could bring reliable GPS tracking, strong battery life, and Garmin-quality training tools to more people at an affordable price.
It’s a reminder that great fitness tech doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
Final Thoughts: A Small Watch with Big Potential?
If this teaser is the real deal—and it sure looks like it is—the Forerunner 65 could be the perfect pick for first-time runners, students, or anyone who wants Garmin quality without the premium price.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this launch. Be sure to check back here on July 22 for full coverage and our first impressions.
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