NexWare (Brand+) Store via[aliexpress.com] has Garmin Forerunner Gray 255 GPS Running Smartwatch 46mm Multisport Heart Rate Monitor on sale for $180 when you Apply $20 off Coupon at checkout: USBS20 orVSUSAFF20. + Free S\H from US warehouse.
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NexWare (Brand+) Store via[aliexpress.com] has Garmin Forerunner Gray 255 GPS Running Smartwatch 46mm Multisport Heart Rate Monitor on sale for $180 when you Apply $20 off Coupon at checkout: USBS20 orVSUSAFF20. + Free S\H from US warehouse.
I found enough reports from Reddit, etc that genuine Garmin products are received but are usually a Hong Kong variant (which means you switch language to English, have possibly delayed firmware updates, and risk warranty problems). There was plenty of bluster about fakes but no actual reports of receiving one. I went ahead and ordered and have a tracking number populate already.
I was willing to forego warranty as my Garmin devices over the years have never failed in first couple years of use.
Last edited by calvano915 August 19, 2026 at 01:48 PM.
make sure this is not the ASIA version of the Garmin because it won't do some US things and won't take US firmware
(I think that is called APAC version, can't remember)
but that's a FANTASTIC price for the 255 which has about 80-90% of the features of the flagship models
including dual-band GPS (L1+L5) which is rare, only 255+955 have that
Quote
from GOOGLE
:
The primary difference between the Garmin Asia-Pacific (APAC) version and the US/Rest of World (ROW) version of a Forerunner watch is language support and the timeline for software updates. APAC models contain specialized double-byte character sets for Asian languages, which require separate firmware branches.
Key DifferencesSoftware
Updates:
US/ROW models receive public updates and beta firmware much faster. APAC updates typically lag behind by weeks or months because Garmin has to adapt and test software builds for specific language packs.
Language Packs:
APAC versions are preloaded with specific regional language sets (such as Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Bahasa, and Malay) alongside English. US versions support standard Western languages (English, Spanish, French, etc.).
Firmware Interoperability:
You CANNOT cross-flash US firmware onto an APAC device or vice versa; they use distinct part numbers and dedicated update channels.
Compatibility & Ecosystem:
While core tracking features, GPS accuracy, and smartphone syncing via Garmin Connect work identically, third-party Connect IQ app availability or regional map features can occasionally differ or update slower on APAC variants.
Last edited by avalon August 19, 2026 at 02:08 PM.
make sure this is not the ASIA version of the Garmin because it won't do some US things and won't take US firmware(I think that is called APAC version, can't remember)but that's a FANTASTIC price for the 255 which has about 80-90% of the features of the flagship modelsincluding dual-band GPS (L1+L5) which is rare, only 255+955 have that
I have to assume this will be the Asia version but how would you check beforehand/after?
I found enough reports from Reddit, etc that genuine Garmin products are received but are usually a Hong Kong variant (which means you switch language to English, have possibly delayed firmware updates, and risk warranty problems). There was plenty of bluster about fakes but no actual reports of receiving one. I went ahead and ordered and have a tracking number populate already.
I was willing to forego warranty as my Garmin devices over the years have never failed in first couple years of use.
I'm curious what version of the watch you get - if you receive it soon please update!
I'm curious what version of the watch you get - if you receive it soon please update!
Will do! Thanks to other posters for providing more info. Still not seeing any deal breaker regarding firmware, and its nice to know that I can check a part number before opening the box.
The package is in USPS possession now. Out of all the things its crazy that this made me pull the trigger for my first order from Aliexpress/Alibaba, after avoiding for all these years.
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I was willing to forego warranty as my Garmin devices over the years have never failed in first couple years of use.
(I think that is called APAC version, can't remember)
but that's a FANTASTIC price for the 255 which has about 80-90% of the features of the flagship models
including dual-band GPS (L1+L5) which is rare, only 255+955 have that
Key DifferencesSoftware
Updates:
US/ROW models receive public updates and beta firmware much faster. APAC updates typically lag behind by weeks or months because Garmin has to adapt and test software builds for specific language packs.
Language Packs:
APAC versions are preloaded with specific regional language sets (such as Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Bahasa, and Malay) alongside English. US versions support standard Western languages (English, Spanish, French, etc.).
Firmware Interoperability:
You CANNOT cross-flash US firmware onto an APAC device or vice versa; they use distinct part numbers and dedicated update channels.
Compatibility & Ecosystem:
While core tracking features, GPS accuracy, and smartphone syncing via Garmin Connect work identically, third-party Connect IQ app availability or regional map features can occasionally differ or update slower on APAC variants.
is it NOT amoled
the 255 is old-school MIPS
also wrong "always-on display"
MIPS is not the always on display
only AMOLED has "always on" option
the 255 does NOT have "always on" display
(the more expensive 265 is the one with AMOLED / always-on)
there is no touchscreen on 255/265 but there is a dedicated light button
Forerunner 255 (Slate Gray): 010-02641-00
Forerunner 255 (Tidal Blue): 010-02641-01
Forerunner 255 Music (Black): 010-02641-20
Forerunner 255 Music (Whitestone): 010-02641-21
Forerunner 255S Smaller Version (Powder Gray): 010-02641-12
Forerunner 255S Smaller Version (Light Pink): 010-02641-03
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here's a "local delivery" with US codes on the real 265 AMOLED "always on"
https://www.aliexpress.
it says $256 so can you use the $40 code to make it $216?
Because a 265 with AMOLED for $216 would be arguably hotter deal than 255 for $165
or maybe you can get it under $200? I don't know how aliexpress works
I was willing to forego warranty as my Garmin devices over the years have never failed in first couple years of use.
I'm curious what version of the watch you get - if you receive it soon please update!
The package is in USPS possession now. Out of all the things its crazy that this made me pull the trigger for my first order from Aliexpress/Alibaba, after avoiding for all these years.
[IMG]https://static.slickdealscdn.com/images/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG]
here's a "local delivery" with US codes on the real 265 AMOLED "always on"
https://www.aliexpress.
it says $256 so can you use the $40 code to make it $216?
Because a 265 with AMOLED for $216 would be arguably hotter deal than 255 for $165
or maybe you can get it under $200? I don't know how aliexpress works
*Edit: I see you updated the original posting to reflect that price change.
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Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!