Watch.
I have tried 2 Galaxy Watches, the Huawei GT Runner, and the Garmin Venu 2 Plus before deciding to go for the Epix.
I spend several hours on sports each week (running, weights, gym) and I must say that the watch tracks incredible metrics with very good reliability. You can easily trust it to structure your weekly program according to your exercise load, HRV, recovery, etc., etc., etc. It's something I was looking for a long time and finally found it, even though I paid a bit more (599 from Germanos).
It has so many measurements and graphs to "fool around" with that it really gets you into a mindset of wanting to improve your performance.
The only thing it loses in accuracy is the heart rate monitor during exercise. It seems to take a while to find the pulse, so it misses the peaks. This doesn't concern me because I wear a strap (Polar H10) when I want to and connect it.
Durability seems fine, maybe the case is a bit sensitive as being a physiotherapist and not doing anything that could wear it down, I've noticed two little marks (even if I’m the only one who sees them).
The display is amazing. You don’t need anything more; it’s just redundant.
Notifications and calls are all good.
The maps are super useful. I'm not a hardcore mountaineer, but once when I went hiking and needed to look at the map, it was very helpful.
No lag so far.
That's it for now. I will get back to you.

After some time of use, this is my overall impression... If someone wants a very good activity watch, it's worth it... I use it daily for training and as a smartwatch. That's why the Epix is worth it compared to the Fenix.

If you want a touchscreen, go for the 7 or the Epix. Personally, I considered it necessary. But if someone doesn't use it much as a smartwatch, the touchscreen is definitely not worth it. The buttons, after so many years, Garmin has made them perfect. Many times I use the buttons for speed and accuracy in pressing. Of course, when it comes to maps and menu scrolling, touch is unbeatable. If someone doesn't want touch, it's worth going for the 6. More value for money.
If someone goes for the 7, the price difference between the Fenix and Epix is minimal. In the same versions (sapphire and titanium, for example), the price difference is 100 euros. For that money, it's not much. However, the difference in the screen is chaotic. AMOLED VS MIP. And again, if you use maps and a smartwatch. If it's only for training, the Fenix covers it very well. Next to friends' Fenix, they look washed out... And the screen can fit more information due to higher resolution.

The only thing it loses compared to the Fenix is the battery. Personally, it doesn't bother me at all. In real conditions, and not just technical specifications, I noticed the following: I work the battery between 40 and 90% for better battery life. This means that when it reaches about 40, I charge it. And I never fully charge it. For lithium batteries, it's the best. This range requires charging every 6 or 7 days. It would definitely last 14 days from 100% to 0. It's definitely less than the Fenix. But charging it every week is meaningless to me. Compared to other smartwatches that need charging every 2 days, it charges very quickly. After training, by the time you take a shower and sit down to eat, it's already charged. All this with the settings as they came. Without always-on display. So far, I haven't needed it. The movement of the wrist is very responsive. Even a small movement is understood perfectly. During workouts, the screen is always on. I have also noticed that running-type workouts don't consume much battery, even with GPS. What consumes quite a bit is when it connects to other devices. Training in a gym, for example, that controls the ergometer and heart rate zone in real-time, consumes quite a bit. But still, I get 6 days with the battery range I mentioned.

As a smartwatch, it may not do everything that mobile company watches do (e.g. Apple Watch with iPhone or Galaxy Watch with Samsung mobile), but it does the basics perfectly. It connects seamlessly with good range. It doesn't burden the mobile phone. You have full control of messages and calls. Personally, it helped me a lot at work. I answer calls on Bluetooth and reply to messages without even taking out my phone. You can reply to messages with predefined answers. But if you set the basics (yes, no, coming, etc.), it covers a wide range. Chatting from the watch is not worth it anyway. It works with all programs like Viber, Messenger, etc. on Android. Also, a big bonus for me is that my phone is always on silent mode now. You don't miss anything because your wrist vibrates. And you don't bother anyone else. Ideal when you have a baby at home. Of course, this applies to all smartwatches.

The design is also very good for me. With an extra leather strap, it can be worn comfortably at events. And the change is very easy due to the quick fit. For me, it is a device for everything. A watch like jewelry. A smartwatch that fits into everyday life. And monitoring all workouts and races.

Addition 11/22: After a few months of daily use, training, and races, I wanted to add some details.
Durability: The build quality remains top-notch. Sea, manual labor, everything is okay. The sapphire glass does not have a scratch (no need for a screen protector). The bezel, when hit hard on metal, may lose a bit of its black paint. But you need a microscope to notice it. I don't know if it will show after years of use. But from what I asked, all watches with paint on metal have this issue. Even in jewelry watches, they recommend getting the natural color of the metal so that these troubles don't show. I don't see it with the naked eye, and it doesn't bother me.
General use: Everything I mentioned above also applies to battery, screen, and usage. I am still undecided between buttons and touch screen. I use both.
Sports: What I will mention in this area probably applies to the entire series (fenix, forerunner). The measurements of workouts and races are very detailed, and although we don't need all these for simple athletes, it's nice to have them. And in some points, it helps you with technique and training. I should mention that it is a complete solution. For triathlon, for example, it tracks all the sports in training and gives me the structured workouts I have created as well. I simply use the bike computer as a screen to display the watch's data. The brain is the watch. It is very convenient to have everything there.
I also discovered that the body measurements are incredibly accurate and useful. Body battery, training readiness, HRV, training load reflect the body's sensations. When I don't sleep well or feel very tired from training, and my body tells me to stop, the watch confirms it. You might ask why I need the watch if my body tells me. Well, most of us, due to habit or psychological need for training, will overlook our bodies and continue training. I have done it many times, and it leads to injury or ineffective training. Having a third party (the watch) telling you helps you listen.
What didn't always match reality was the training load. Maybe they are still stuck in older training standards. Following a modern standard like the 80/20 low intense/high intense training, the watch wanted more high intensity. And the training suggestions it gave, although 7 out of 10 times were okay, there were also workouts that didn't fit. So, I wouldn't rely on the watch for structuring my training. However, I fully rely on it and it is accurate in depicting the body's condition.

The following text is completely personal opinion and in no way do I want to influence anyone, and I will try to be as objective as possible.

Unboxing on June 14th and charging at 98%. On June 24th, the battery was at 12% (easily had two more workouts). The workouts that were done during this 10-day period totaled 20.5 hours, including hiking, mountaineering, Kettlebells, and track running. Connected to Garmin Tempe and Garmin HRM-Tri for all workouts.

The GPS settings were multi-band for mountaineering and all systems for the rest, with every second frequency (not smart, which is the default from Garmin). I used the watch during this period with the Pulse Oximeter off and Always On Display on Wrist Gesture. Also, please note that the watch has an ambient light sensor, which means that the brightness is automatically adjusted according to the environment regardless of your choice.

Connectivity with mobile is excellent. I only use it when driving and in no other case. The wifi is faster than previous models, I would say the sync is lightning fast. As for satellite lock, I don't have anything to say and I just laugh when I see this comment in some reviews or videos because it solely depends on when you last synced with wifi or mobile to update the watch's satellite location file. Garmin Pay works flawlessly (Piraeus Bank). The new heart rate sensor works very well for low and high heart rates (for demanding exercises, the chest strap is a one-way street). The new Health Snapshot feature is interesting (measures HRV) and you can export it to PDF. The charging port is the classic four-pin inconsistency of Garmin. If you want to charge during multi-day activity or in an emergency, you have to carry the hard-to-find cable with you. A notable change Garmin made in the watch's settings is that now 95% of the settings can be done from the mobile app, in previous models, it was a hassle (click-click-click). There has been an improvement in the sleep tracking feature, BUT unfortunately, it still doesn't track naps (short midday sleep, etc.). The Pulse Oximeter has visible improvement. Compared to a dedicated pulse oximeter that I tested, it gives the same results. Keep in mind that the oximeter drains the battery easily, even during sleep if you only have it on. I recommend turning it off when not in use. The new Stamina feature in running is excellent (look it up on the internet because it's a whole section). Now the touchscreen gives you the option to activate it separately for each exercise. Working with maps using touch is truly amazing (in previous models, it was a hassle again, click-zoom-click-left or right-click-up or down, etc.). Of course, Coros was the pioneer in this. Wireless headphone connectivity is excellent without interruptions (in previous models, I often had disconnections). The multiband (combination of L1 and L5 satellites) is accurate in the mountains, and finally, it no longer shows incorrect distances due to canyons or trees (although Coros is still better in this aspect, Garmin works better). I don't know if there have been any changes in the barometer-altimeter sensor, but since I live at altitude, it has never lost even HALF a meter, literally.

Let's talk about the screen now (Amoled), which is one of the main reasons someone would buy it compared to previous models or generally the transflective MIP LCD screens that most sportwatches have (with an impact on battery life).
I will describe it as simply as possible. When it was time to charge the Epix (by the way, it charges very quickly), I picked up my favorite Tactix and its screen seemed somewhat different to me. 65 thousand colors (64 unique to the Fenix 7). Readable screen under sunlight (even smartphones are difficult to see clearly with so much brightness). The screen also has the option to turn off completely. It would be good if you are hesitant about the screen to see it up close from a friend or a store.

Let's move on to its battery. Garmin claims 6 days in Always On mode and 16 days in gesture mode. With Always On Display mode, the battery easily lasts 5-6 days, BUT this is purely subjective! 5-6 days with what activity? The videos on YouTube are obviously funny because each reviewer does not know everyone's needs. If you use the watch for multi-day activity, I don't think it will last more than 3 days (especially if you use the map to follow a route you created or some other route, and especially in multi-band GPS mode). Even the Fenix 7X struggles with such activities. Personally, I use it in wrist gesture mode since I got it. I don't care about Always On Display watch faces and the like. I didn't buy this particular watch to play with apps, look at it every now and then, and download watch faces from Garmin's ConnectIQ. I bought it for sports, just like any other Garmin watch I had.

Regarding the size, if someone is concerned, let me say that compared to the Tactix or the Fenix, for example, which are larger, it didn't feel uncomfortable as a transition. In fact, I didn't notice any differences unless I put them side by side, even though the Tactix is larger (51mm vs 47mm) mainly because their screens are 1.4 inches (Tactix-Fenix, etc.) vs 1.3 inches (Epix). Garmin obviously tried to find a golden mean in diameter and battery to sell to both men and women with small or large wrists. Its range for small wrists starts from 37mm (Garmin Venu), so someone with this type of wrist will hardly choose the Epix.

As for the weight, the Epix (titanium) is 70 grams (with the silicone strap) and, of course, less with a nylon band (the 955 weighs 53 grams). You don't feel like you're wearing it. With the Fenix and Tactix series, sometimes the weight was "bothersome."

Garmin fans have been asking for Amoled for years. I used to be old-fashioned and made fun of it. Today, I understand why I was wrong, not because I didn't know the technology, but because I didn't believe they would combine it with an AMAZING battery life (for an Amoled screen).

Does it cost 1000 euros? It's purely subjective, as it involves a lot of discussion and many factors such as research and development, target market, company reputation, competition, and so on.

In summary, this watch is NOT intended for:
1. Ultra-marathon runners who run for more than 30 hours. The Epix is NOT intended for you (the Fenix 7x in GPS-only mode lasts 89 hours, while the Epix lasts 30 hours).
2. Garmin advertises it as a premium active smartwatch. I strongly disagree. A smartwatch is an extension of the smartphone you already have. The Epix is NOT a smartwatch and can work independently or connected to a PC/Mac/Wi-Fi. It has some basic functions like pre-made message replies, but I believe you are wasting a lot of money on something like this. It's like someone buying a Ducati Panigale and taking it out for a spin around Syntagma Square.

3. If you only exercise once a week or are generally not an active person, the Epix is NOT intended for you. Buy something cheaper. Don't fall victim to consumerism and purchase something so expensive that you won't make use of. I say this as kindly as possible to prevent someone from making such a serious mistake (there are many who fall into these traps and then end up losing a lot of money).

Summary of what this watch is intended for:
1. Track and field runners, swimmers, hikers who pack their backpacks and go on multi-day trips (you will enjoy it because of the Multi-band feature), cyclists (I will update the evaluation regarding cycling).

Pros:
1. Excellent bright touchscreen display (I used to hate it, but now I love it)
2. Multi-band GPS
3. Garmin Pay (contactless payments)
4. Built-in maps with excellent navigation and countless options like climbpro, etc.
5. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are more reliable than previous models (tested with headphones and router compared to previous models)
6. Extremely lightweight considering what it offers and the technology it has inside
7. Excellent sports functions such as HIIT, AMRAP, EMOM, Tabata, Garmin coach, Visual race predictor, Pacepro, Vo2 max, Recovery time, MTB Dynamics, Daily workout suggestions, the new Stamina feature, and many more.
8. Excellent 24/7 monitoring with features like heart rate, respiration tracking, stress tracking, sleep monitoring, body battery, etc.

Cons:
1. The case in the (sapphire titanium) version, keep in mind that although it is lighter as a material, that's why it costs more (Garmin also does a special DLC processing), it scratches VERY EASILY. It's only a matter of time before you see scratches or even marks on the back that is not DLC. The stainless steel version is more "rugged". This happens with every Garmin watch between versions (tested in tough use in mountains and work). If you can handle it losing its beauty, I recommend using a silicone case; otherwise, if you don't care, it will simply lose its resale value unless it dies on your wrist.
2. Funny charging port, look on eBay for a type-C adapter (I have provided a photo)
3. Funny silicone strap in this version (sapphire titanium)
4. Lottery on which buttons you will get. A known Garmin problem for years (usually they replace them when some don't click properly)

Update 29/7: They have done an AMAZING job with waterproofing. In previous models, when you washed the watch from sweat and dirt or after swimming, the water stayed on top for several minutes and would get into the buttons, the charging port, and the optical heart rate monitor (all around). You had to take a cloth and wipe it for several minutes and blow on the watch to dry it properly, especially the charging port (in many models, corrosion occurred). With the Epix, you can wash it under the tap and in 10 seconds, you have cleaned it with a cloth. Even the barometric-altimeter sensors do not release water after washing for a few seconds under the tap, as well as in the "puddles" that were present where the straps were fastened or on the outer sides of the springs.

Update 04/9: Firmware (9.33) The changes made have made it a different watch. In addition to the many things that have been added (Widget Glance folders, categorization in activities), notable is the Garmin SatIQ, a GPS technology that determines optimal operation based on the environment (such as tall buildings or dense forests or when a low-power GPS mode can achieve the same accuracy as in more open areas), so it acts accordingly in Multiband GNNS switches, etc.

Update 23/10: To further help with the battery issue (especially with music that drains the battery), in a 10-kilometer race, at 96% battery, 50 minutes before the race and with wireless headphones connected (listening to music before the start, that is), Multiband GNNS, always on display, HRM-TRI, and Tempe. Starting the music and the race, the battery dropped to 78%. In simple terms, the Epix, when connected to three devices (two ANT+ and the Bluetooth headphones), lost 18% of battery in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Update 16/11: Firmware (10.43) The changes made transformed it again. Wrist-Based Running Power and many more!! The battery has improved even more.

Update 18/2/23: Firmware (11.28) [Link to the forum post with the update details]

Fenix 7 with amoled display!

The display is amazing and definitely the best in Garmin (probably the same as the one in venu 2).
The battery with always on and all sensors lasts 5-6 days with 1 hour of exercise per day.
It has so many measurements that you may never discover them. Maps like the old Fenix 6 pro.
Overall, it's a 5-star device and it shows in its quality. The only significant downside is the price.

If it was priced at 500-600 like the 6x pro when it was released, it would be a great purchase. But at 999, I think it's expensive without any function that justifies the extra 400-500, except maybe the display.

On the other hand, for 999 euros, you can buy the 6x pro and still have money left for an Apple Watch or the venu2 plus.

If money is not an issue, it's definitely worth it compared to the Fenix 7x, even though it may have half or even less battery life, but with a super display. There is no comparison to the Fenix 7 in terms of brightness in darkness, etc. Epix rules.

If you want battery life, go for Fenix 7.
If you want display quality, go for epix 2.

1

Expensive but good. It has everything someone would need for outdoor activities and many more things that the average user won't need. The screen is excellent in both clarity and brightness, which is very useful for routes where you use the GPS. The measurements are relatively accurate, at least for the GPS and altimeter that I have tested. The battery life is quite satisfactory, it will last for 6 more days even with everything recorded. The construction seems quite good, but time will tell its durability. Overall, it is an expensive watch, not exactly value for money, but it is the most complete option currently available, so for someone who is looking for all the capabilities for various activities (it even has jump measurements for mountain biking) along with a smartwatch-like screen, then it is the top choice. For those who are mainly looking for smartwatch functions and occasional tracking of sports activities, there are much cheaper watches on the market that will fully meet your needs without having to spend a fortune.