The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is one of Garmin‘s smartwatches that promise advanced features for running, along with—as per its name—the ability to store up to 500 songs and compatibility with streaming apps like Spotify. And while the simple design of the watch looks decent enough, I have to say that the new Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Japan Edition has a significantly sexier look.
100 units of the limited edition Forerunner 245 Music are now available in Malaysia, and the model retails for RM1,799 (RM100 more than the regular Forerunner 245 Music). Garmin tells us that the watch takes design cues from a “strong Japanese aesthetic”, and there will be a specially engraved serial number plate on the back of the watch.
But regardless of all of that, have a look yourself:
The straps have been given bright red and white colours, while a matching watch face is designed with Mount Fuji and the sun disc of the Japanese flag in mind. According to Garmin, the aim is to inspire runners to new challenges; personally, I just really like the bright, loud look that the Forerunner 245 Music Japan Edition sports. Gold metal buttons and strap buckle add to the bright colour scheme, and I like that there’s a subtle red ring around the gold power button on the watch.
It appears that the internals of the Forerunner 245 Music Japan Edition are identical to the regular Forerunner 245 Music. That includes performance monitoring features like VO2 Max, along with a wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor so that you can monitor the oxygen absorption rate of your body. Battery life for the original Forerunner 245 is pretty decent as well, with up to 7 days of usage predicted by the company.
Plus, of course, you get built-in GPS.
“The Forerunner 245 Music Japan Edition takes the lead to demonstrate the science of running as a runner’s most intimate running companion. The smartwatch monitors performance and health science including physiological measurements, running dynamics and wellness features including blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep monitoring to help athletes understand their health and training profiles to push their limits further.”
If you’re keen, you can pick up the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Japan Edition at any of the following Garmin brand stores in Malaysia at RM1,799:
- GARMIN Malaysia headquarters: (AECO Technologies), 43, Jalan Jejaka 2, Taman Maluri, Cheras
- Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur
- Digital Mall, Petaling Jaya
- 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya
- Jalan Lagenda, Melaka
- Queensbay, Penang
- Juru Autocity, Penang
- Bukit Indah, Johor
- Mid Valley Southkey, Johor
- Kuantan East Coast Mall, Pahang
- Kuching Vivacity Megamall, Sarawak (GARMIN Premium Reseller)