If you are anything like me, you probably spend way too much time tracking tech leaks, regulatory documents, and update papers just to catch a glimpse of Garmin’s next big release. Well, the rumor mill is spinning hard right now, and a couple of fresh certifications have caught my eye.
Recently, two unreleased outdoor Garmin model numbers popped up in Indonesian regulatory databases (PT Garmin Indonesia Distribution) originating out of Taiwan:
-
Model A05197 (Filing reference: 125815/DJID/2026, registered in late August 2026)
-
Model A05196 (Filing reference: 127524/DJID/2026, which literally just appeared today, October 12, 2026)
Seeing model A05196 drop right after A05197 isn’t a coincidence. In Garmin’s filing history, sequential internal numbers like A05196 and A05197 usually belong to the same watch line—typically representing different casing sizes (like 47mm vs. 51mm) or feature variants (like Solar vs. AMOLED, or Standard vs. Pro/Air-Integrated).
So, what upcoming outdoor watch could models A05196 and A05197 actually be? Looking at current leaks and release schedules, three major contenders line up: the Tactix 9, the Marq Gen 3, and the Descent Mk4.
Let’s break down how this single mystery watch fits into those three possibilities.
1. Garmin Marq Gen 3 (Leaked on Official Support Pages)
If there is one watch that perfectly explains having multiple internal model codes like A05196 and A05197 for the same core hardware, it’s the Marq Gen 3.
Garmin accidentally spilled the beans on official support pages across Spain, Chile, and Argentina. Tech sleuths spotted direct references to the unannounced Marq Gen 3 listed alongside existing flagships in documents covering the Garmin Explore app, accessory connectivity, and weather locations.
Given that the Marq Gen 2 came out back in 2022, a luxury refresh is well overdue. Because the Marq line branches into distinct physical variants (like Athlete, Golfer, Captain, or Aviator), it requires paired model certifications. Models A05196 and A05197 could easily be two casing variants of this luxury series.
2. Garmin Tactix 9 (Confirmed in Regulatory Filings)
Another strong candidate for these paired model numbers is the upcoming Tactix 9.
Garmin’s military-spec series has been making quiet regulatory appearances, pointing directly toward a Tactix 9 launch. The Tactix series typically drops in two primary versions, such as an AMOLED model and a Solar MIP model, or standard vs. Ballistics versions.
Seeing A05196 surface today alongside A05197 fits this pattern perfectly. If this mystery watch is indeed the Tactix 9, the two model codes likely represent those two distinct hardware variations built on top of Garmin’s latest outdoor architecture.
3. Garmin Descent Mk4 (Following the Release Pattern)
Finally, we have the dive community’s most anticipated watch: the Descent Mk4.
Looking at Garmin’s release history for the Descent lineup reveals a clear multi-year rhythm:
-
Descent Mk1: Late 2017
-
Descent Mk2: Late 2020 (3-year gap)
-
Descent Mk3: Late 2023 (3-year gap)
Following that three-year cycle, late 2026 is the target window for the Descent Mk4 series. When Garmin launches a Descent watch, they almost always register two distinct model numbers for the same watch family, one for the base model (e.g., Mk4) and one for the air-integrated version (e.g., Mk4i), or two size options (43mm and 51mm). That makes A05196 and A05197 an exact match for a dual-variant dive watch.
Final Thoughts
With A05196 making its appearance in Indonesia today right alongside A05197, Garmin is clearly getting ready to pull the curtain back on a major new outdoor device. Whether these two model numbers represent two sizes of the luxury Marq Gen 3, Tactix 9, and Ballistic Edition, or the base/transmitter versions of the Descent Mk4, we won’t have to wait long to find out.
Also Read: Garmin Enduro 4 Officially Launches: Here Is What’s New and Everything You Need to Know
