Updated in October 2023 to make comparisons to the newer Approach S70 and Epix Gen 2.
We’re not breaking any news when we say the Garmin Approach S62 is a killer piece of golf equipment. It’s been out a couple of years now, and in the past it’s topped pretty much every best-of list, including our own best golf watches list.
But (there’s always a but, right?).
As of May 2023, Garmin released the brand new Approach S70 – their new flagship golf watch. It comes in at $200 more than the S62, but it also brings a whole lot more to the table.
So the question becomes, is it worth buying the Garmin S62 as we move into 2024? Or should you spend a little bit more (or quite a bit less) to get something that’s going to be a better fit?
We’ve never had more options when it comes to buying a high quality GPS golf watch, so the good news is that there really isn’t a wrong choice.
But let’s look at everything the S62 offers, how it compares to more expensive Garmin models like the Approach S70 and Epix Gen 2, as well as what it offers over cheaper alternatives like the S42 or Voice Caddie T9.
Ready to dig in and check out how the Garmin S62 performs? Let’s do this thing.
Do you want a GPS golf watch that can do just about everything? Look no further. This is the watch for you.
First Impressions of the Garmin Approach S62 GPS Golf Watch
The S62 arrives in the same robust, straightforward packaging as all of Garmin’s recent golf products. It’s not quite the luxury feel of Apple, but I would describe the packaging look and feel as classy.
Upon opening the box, you’re greeted with a very front-and-center presentation of the watch face, which is sizable. Maybe it was because I was so excited to try this thing out, but for me, the simple, minimalist packaging design gave me the first impression that this was a serious piece of tech and a product good enough on its own merit that it didn’t need to be dressed up. It really does exude quality.
The S62 comes with a very nice silicone band that’s both functional and good-looking. The band is flexible and very clearly durable. It’s not the band you might find on a dressier watch, but for a “working” golf GPS watch, it does have a luxury look and feel to it.
The watch is available with either a white band or black band. The face and black ceramic bezel are the same with either option. To me, the body of this watch looks sporty and modern and like a luxury smart watch.
All this talk of aesthetics to say this: The Garmin S62 to my eyes is a watch you can wear as a daily driver. We’ll get into the functionality and how that might help you in your day-to-day, but talking just looks — yeah, you can wear this thing out to dinner, no problem.
Upon firing the watch up, you’re given the option to pair it with a smartphone. This process is very intuitive and straightforward. It took me only a few minutes.
In fact, I found navigating throughout the watch to be super simple after just a little bit of acclimating.
You’ve got three buttons on the right side of the watch.
The top button is larger than the other two and has a red bezel that contrasts nicely with the black. This is your action button and the one you press to begin a round of golf.
The middle button gives you your setting options.
And the bottom button allows you to go back as you navigate.
The S62 is also a touchscreen watch. So, between the buttons and the touchscreen, you have multiple navigation paths that after a little bit of use start to feel very intuitive and logical.
The Garmin Approach S62: Features Upon Features
Beyond golf, this watch is a very legitimate fitness tracker. You’ve got a heart rate monitor, a pulse oxygen sensor, a sleep sensor, a step counter, a stress level monitor and more. I mean, this thing is loaded. Even by modern Garmin watch standards that have come out more recently, the S62 is still one of the most feature-heavy dedicated golf watches out there.
But you’re probably considering the S62 as a golf watch with the bonus of fitness tracking, not the other way around. So, let’s talk some golf.
Where the Garmin Approach S62 really outshines cheaper competitors is with its virtual caddie function. This was Garmin’s first golf watch that can independently compile your club data and then make recommendations depending on the playing conditions and how you’re likely to hit each individual club.
You can now find this feature on the S70, Epix line, as well as the MARQ 2 Golfer watch as well.
But it’s still a high tech feature.
And if you pair it with optional CT10 sensors? Then you’ve truly got world-class shot tracking and data.
Yeah, you can get that kind of data and feedback using club sensors or interfacing with your phone or computer.
But in the case of the S62, we’re talking just the watch itself.