Garmin Forerunner 255 smartwatch

Garmin is a leading global brand in the wearable technology and GPS navigation sectors. The Forerunner series, specifically designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, is part of the company's core fitness segment. The brand was founded in 1989 in the United States by Gary Burrell and Min Kao. Its early success was rooted in aviation and marine GPS technology before expanding into the consumer fitness market with the launch of the first Forerunner model in 2003.

Garmin operates under a vertically integrated business model, meaning it controls most of its design and manufacturing processes in-house. While the company is headquartered in the U.S. and has a legal domicile in Switzerland, its manufacturing is distributed across multiple locations. Key production facilities are located in Taiwan, where a significant portion of its consumer electronics are assembled, as well as in the United States (Olathe, Kansas) for specialized aviation and automotive components. The ultimate owner of the brand is Garmin Ltd., a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: GRMN).