When it comes to dedicated smartwatches, Garmin is the industry leader, and among the brand’s extensive lineup, the Descent series is a collection of dive computers. While they have all the health and fitness tracking features you’d expect from a modern, feature-rich smartwatch, Garmin Descent models also integrate diving-specific modes and sensors, making them fully capable dive computers. As the latest release for 2023, Garmin has launched a full assortment of new Descent models. Alongside the all-new Garmin Descent Mk3 series, which boasts twice the water resistance of the previous generation, there’s the Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition, which features components made from 100% recycled ocean plastic.
Like the previous generation, the new Garmin Descent Mk3 series includes both the standard Descent Mk3 and the Descent Mk3i, the latter of which supports air integration with the updated T2 auxiliary tank accessory. Additionally, while the standard Descent Mk3 is only available in 43mm format, the Garmin Descent Mk3i comes in both 43mm and 51mm case sizes with a choice of carbon gray or bronze titanium bezel on the 43mm version and a carbon gray DLC titanium bezel on the larger 51mm version. Additionally, if you opt for the full-sized 51mm model, you’ll also get the option of a built-in LED flashlight with strobe setting and a matching DLC-coated titanium bracelet instead of the Garmin Descent series’ standard silicone rubber strap.
Another big difference between the standard Garmin Descent Mk3 and Descent Mk3i dive computers is that the more advanced Descent Mk3i models also include SubWave sonar technology, which provides diver assistance for diver-to-diver messaging and tank pressure monitoring. This will be added to the Garmin Descent Mk3i watch as part of an upcoming update. The SubWave technology used in the new Descent Mk3i and Descent T2 transceiver devices works with other connected divers up to 30 meters away. Not only does it allow users to exchange pre-defined messages, it’s also perfect for divemasters who need to monitor multiple other divers for safety reasons.
Diver Assistance allows Garmin Descent Mk3i dive computer users to request assistance right from their wrist, and alerts other SubWave-connected divers in the area, allowing other Descent Mk3i smartwatch users to view the diver’s depth and distance and monitor him or her until assistance is no longer required. Additionally, Garmin Descent Mk3i Series Dive Group Tracking allows a divemaster leading a group to simultaneously track up to eight divers and view data from the Descent T2 tank transceiver (10-meter range) to monitor metrics such as tank pressure, air consumption rate and air time remaining.
The case of the new Garmin Descent Mk3 dive computer features an ultra-bright AMOLED touch screen protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and DLC-coated titanium bezel. In addition, the new models in the Descent Mk3 series also feature a leak-proof metal button structure, so they remain fully functional and protected from moisture even when pressed at the maximum depth of the Descent Mk3 series at 200 meters. This improved water resistance is twice that of the previous Descent Mk2 series, and the built-in dive application includes modes for everything from free diving and spearfishing to more technical forms of scuba diving with mixed gases (including nitrox and trimix) and even settings for use with closed-circuit rebreathers. In addition, despite the vibrant AMOLED color touch screen, the Descent Mk3 offers users up to 48 hours of battery life in dive mode.
Like other modern Garmin smartwatches, the new Descent Mk3 series displays are user-customizable, and DiveView maps show depth contours for over 4,000 preloaded dive sites to help locate specific locations like shipwrecks or spearfishing hotspots. Built-in sensors include an altimeter, barometer, and even an underwater compass, while a satellite-based surface GPS helps divers track dive entry and exit points, all while supporting Descent’s various other modes dedicated to sports like running and cycling. Additionally, free divers can use the variometer tool to monitor descent and ascent rates using audio and vibration feedback. Once you’ve completed a dive, the built-in dive log allows you to review your data, track your gear, take notes and share details in the Garmin Dive smartphone app.
Another new dive computer launched at the same time as the Mk3 series is the Garmin Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition, which takes the core design of the original Descent G1 Solar, which debuted last year in 2022, and features a case made from recycled ocean plastic. Like the standard model, the new Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition is based on a 45mm reinforced polymer case with sapphire crystal and 100 meters of water resistance, but 100% of the materials used to manufacture the watch housing, bezel and buttons are made from recycled ocean plastic. Like the original Descent G1 Solar, the light-powered feature provides users with up to 25 hours of battery life in dive mode, and a whopping 124 days of autonomy when using the solar charging feature in smartwatch mode.
While the Garmin Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition lacks the full range of SubWave-enabled connectivity features of its Mk3i sibling, it still has all the standard dive computer and smartwatch features of the Descent series, along with all the same dive modes and 30+ sport-specific applications. Aside from the use of recycled ocean plastics and new Dark Lakeside and Azure Blue colorways, the new Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition is much the same affordable dive computer as the standard model, and it’s tested to the same U.S. Military 810 standard for heat, shock and water resistance.
Pricing for this latest Garmin Descent dive computer starts at $699 USD for the Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition and $1,199.99 USD for the standard 43mm Garmin Descent Mk3. Additionally, the Garmin Descent Mk3i will retail for $1,399.99 USD, with the same price applying to both of the two colorways available in the 43mm version of this model. Finally, the official retail price for the 51mm Garmin Descent Mk3i is $1,599.99 USD if you purchase it with the standard silicone rubber strap, or $1,799.99 USD if you opt for the top-of-the-line version that comes with a DLC-coated titanium bracelet. While it’s certainly possible to buy a high-performance dive computer for a low price these days, one of the best benefits of a smartwatch that also doubles as a dive computer is that it can track all of your different health and fitness metrics, giving you great analytics on how ready and rested your body is before embarking on your next underwater adventure. For more information on the Garmin Descent Mk3 Series and the Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition, check out the brand’s website.
