- Garmin introduces a new Soft Gold colorway for the Venu X1
- Design refresh adds lighter tones and gold accents without hardware changes
- Pricing stays the same across all regions
- The update hints at a year focused on refinement rather than major launches
When Garmin launched the Venu X1, it stood apart from almost everything else in its lineup. Garmin is best known for rugged, round, tool-like watches built for endurance athletes. The Venu X1 broke that mold.
It was square, slim, strikingly bright, and unapologetically modern. More importantly, it proved that Garmin could challenge premium lifestyle smartwatches without sacrificing its fitness DNA.
Now, just weeks into the new year, Garmin is giving its closest Apple Watch Ultra rival a subtle but meaningful refresh. The update does not bring new hardware or features. Instead, it introduces a new Soft Gold colorway that leans into style without abandoning performance.
This move may seem small, but it says a lot about where Garmin is heading.
A design that bridges performance and style
The new Soft Gold edition of the Garmin Venu X1 feels carefully considered rather than flashy. The lighter gray polymer case replaces the darker tones found on previous models, instantly softening the watch’s overall presence.
Gold-accented buttons and a matching clasp add warmth, while the titanium caseback remains unchanged, preserving the premium feel and durability that serious users expect.
Completing the look is a French Gray velcro strap, which balances comfort and practicality. It is lightweight, breathable, and versatile enough for both workouts and everyday wear.
Taken together, the color choices reinforce the Venu line’s long-standing goal: to sit comfortably between a powerful fitness tool and a stylish smartwatch you would actually want to wear to the office or dinner.
Crucially, nothing about the internals has been compromised. The watch still delivers a vivid display, comprehensive health tracking, onboard GPS, speaker and microphone support, and Garmin’s signature training insights.
This is not a fashion-first device pretending to be sporty. It is a serious fitness watch that now happens to look more refined.
Pricing and availability remain unchanged
Despite the new finish, Garmin has kept pricing consistent across the Venu X1 range. The Soft Gold model starts at $699.99 in the US, £679.99 in the UK, and AU$1,499 in Australia.
That places it firmly in premium smartwatch territory, yet remains competitive when compared to rivals offering similar build quality and health features.
The watch is available now directly from Garmin, signaling that this refresh is meant to extend the life of the existing lineup rather than replace it.
For buyers who liked the Venu X1’s concept but found earlier versions too dark or utilitarian, this new option may be the nudge they were waiting for.
A hint at Garmin’s strategy for the year ahead
Garmin had an unusually busy year recently, refreshing much of its catalog across multiple categories. This year already feels different. With major tech showcases passing without new watch announcements, the Soft Gold Venu X1 may be an early indicator of a quieter release schedule.
Rather than flooding the market with entirely new models, Garmin appears poised to refine what it already does well. Small design updates, feature tweaks, and software improvements could take priority over constant hardware launches.
That approach makes sense for a company whose products already lead in reliability and battery life.
There will likely be exceptions. The Fenix line remains Garmin’s flagship for outdoor athletes, and expectations are high for what comes next. But for lifestyle-focused watches like the Venu X1, this kind of thoughtful evolution may be exactly what users want.
The Soft Gold refresh does not shout for attention. Instead, it quietly reinforces the idea that Garmin can be elegant without losing its edge. Sometimes, that restraint is the most confident move of all.
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