By Claire Reilly
Garmin has recalled its Quatix watch — a marine watch with GPS-assisted navigation features — due to a manufacturing error that may cause skin irritation or burns on the user’s skin.
According to a statement from Garmin, the brand “identified a potential safety issue involving the Quatix watch and has decided to voluntarily recall all Quatix watches”.
“The issue involves the battery being too close to the watch housing in some watches which, when combined with salt water or heavy perspiration, can cause a small burn on the skin under the watch,” the statement read. “Garmin has received one report of this issue from a Quatix customer. Given Garmin’s longstanding commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, Garmin is voluntarily recalling all Quatix watches.
“Garmin sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience that this matter has caused.”
While this irritation may at first be felt as a “tingling sensation” on the wrist at the point of contact, a recall notice posted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission advised that “if the watch is worn for an extended period of time, the watch may cause a small skin burn at the location of the charge connectors on the back of the watch”.
The Quatix marine watch was sold nationally through specialty and independent stores from 1 April to 23 July 2013, supplied by Garmin Australasia, and can be identified by the part number 010-01040-52.
Consumers are advised to return the watch to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund, or alternatively, they may contact Garmin Australasia on 1800 552 438 to organise a replacement. Consumers can also email Garmin at australasia.marine.contacts@garmin.com, providing their name, shipping address, primary phone number, email address and Quatix serial number to organise a replacement.
The Garmin Quatix watch (Source: ACCC).