While traditional dive watches remain popular as rugged and versatile tools, most modern serious divers rely primarily on wrist-worn dive computers to track telemetry underwater. Dive computers are generally fairly specialized pieces of equipment, but with their latest release, Garmin has unveiled a new generation of their flagship dive computer line that aims to create a more adaptable device. This new dive computer offers full smartwatch functionality, rugged construction, and integrated solar charging for easy use even on long dives. The Garmin Descent G1 Solar has enough features to be a practical smartwatch choice for avid divers, in a highly versatile design.
With a 45mm fiber-reinforced polymer case, the Garmin Descent G1 Solar looks imposing on the wrist, but in images it offers a G-Shock-esque wearability. Available in stealth black and a two-tone slate and sky blue color scheme, the case profile is defined by a heavily engraved bezel and five wide button pushers. In images, the underlying lug structure is surprisingly conventional, but aggressive case-side cutouts and a wide flange protruding from the case at 3 o’clock give the design a distinctive silhouette. Interestingly, despite being designed as a diving instrument with tools built in for seasoned professionals, Garmin has rated the Descent G1 Solar water-resistant to 100 meters. However, this may speak more to the watch industry’s obsession with big depth ratings than any useful feature.
The Garmin Descent G1 Solar’s touch-sensitive 176 x 176 pixel MIP dial is optimized for underwater use, but also offers additional features that make it suitable for everyday wear. The circular subdial at 2 o’clock immediately catches your eye at the first image, while each customizable dial display provides key information at a glance. The Descent G1 Solar offers customizable display options aimed at all levels of underwater enthusiasts, from recreational free divers to technical diving professionals. The amount of available telemetry is extensive, ranging from dive modes for single and multi-gas diving, including options for air, nitrox, trimix and 100% oxygen, to apnea, apnea hunt, gauge and tracking information for closed-circuit rebreather divers. Wearers can track depth, dive time, water temperature, ascent and descent rates, current gas mix, decompression stops and standard time during a dive, and the Descent G1 Solar also offers further complications specific to spearfishing. With integrated GPS tracking, the Descent G1 Solar can also be used to automatically mark entry and exit points on the surface during a dive and record vital details such as maximum depth and overall dive time in the available Garmin Dive app. When paired with a portable satellite communicator, the Descent G1 Solar can also send interactive SOS messages in the event of a diving incident. Outside of the diving options, the Descent G1 Solar’s customizable dial display and solid suite of connected features make it more than just a specialist tool. For non-diving athletes, the Descent G1 Solar offers a wide range of fitness tracking complications, from detailed sleep monitoring to heart rate tracking, recovery time monitoring, HIIT workout monitoring, daily workout tracking, VO2 max, a customized workout tracking suite for hiking, running, golf, yoga and swimming, and a branded integrated Surfline Widget for surfers. The Descent G1 Solar also offers the usual suite of smartwatch mobile connectivity options, including sending and receiving messages, customizable app notifications and hands-free payments with Garmin Pay.
Garmin has equipped the Descent G1 Solar with a solar smartwatch module. While it didn’t reveal details about the Descent G1 Solar’s microprocessor, the dive computer’s battery is robust, with Garmin claiming it will last up to four months on solar charging. Garmin pairs the module with an extensive suite of sensors, including a GPS tracker, heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, depth sensor and pulse blood oxygen monitor. To complete the package, Garmin mounts the watch on a textured silicone strap that matches the case.
While it may not be a replacement for a mechanical dive watch for traditional enthusiasts, the new Garmin Descent G1 Solar is a rugged, capable dive computer with plenty of smartwatch options for use outside the water. The Garmin Descent G1 Solar is available now from authorized retailers. The suggested retail price for this model is $649.99 at the time of writing. For more information, visit the brand’s website.
