Garmin Descent

Garmin is a brand that barely needs an introduction and is known for designing some of the most rugged and utilitarian watches on the planet. The Garmin Descent is their no-nonsense dive computer in a compact watch on your wrist.

About Garmin Descent Watches

Using a designated watch specifically for diving has been common practice since the mid-1900s, but in our modern age, you need more than just simply knowing the time. With the invention of diving computers on your wrist, divers had the ability to track depth, oxygen levels, and much more.
The Garmin Descent is the rugged brand's dive offering, embodying everything the company is known for. Bold, strong, and utilitarian. With several different iterations available in different colors and finishes, there is sure to be one to suit your needs.

Garmin Descent History

Back in the late 2010s, at the height of the sports watch craze, Garmin released the first Descent - known as the Mk1 (Mark 1). Garmin has been producing some of the most focused and precise watches for those who focus on one particular objective for years, and the Garmin Descent was the first dive computer produced by the company. Mk2 was later released in the early 2020s, with various updates including improved build quality, battery life, and features.
Unlike your favorite dive watch, a watch-style dive computer doubles down on the features available to the wearer, making it the perfect companion for those who explore the deep. You would not expect anything less from Garmin, seeing as some of their other models, like the Tactix, series, have been a mainstay for runners for years.

How Much Do Garmin Descent Watches Cost?

Being a computer and not just a plain dive watch, the prices are going to be slightly higher. That said, compared to what professional divers use, the Garmin Descent range is rather affordable, starting at merely $1,000.

What's Unique About Garmin Descent Watches?

Unlike other smartwatches on the market that are meant to hit several notes at the same time, the Garmin Descent sets itself apart by having a far more distinctive approach. Being a dive computer, the Garmin Descent is certainly more robust in its construction than other smartwatches and is packed to the brim with several dive features.
What's more, most smartwatches are meant to be somewhat under the radar; however, the Garmin Descent is bold, large, robust, and in your face, coming in relatively large dimensions.

Garmin Descent Specs & Features

As you might expect, the Garmin Descent is filled with dive features such as a SubWave™ sonar, several dive modes, surface multi-GNSS, and a dive log. All of these features are displayed behind a sapphire crystal and powered by a battery capable of 50 days of power when used in a power reserve mode - 16 days for normal use. But there's more to this piece than pure diving.
The Garmin Descent is not a one-trick pony, as it retains several capabilities of a normal smartwatch, specifically, a smartwatch made for those interested in sport and movement. Features like performance metric tracking, sports apps, animated workouts, and even preloaded ski maps make this one hell of a wrist piece.
You still get plenty of 'normal' features, like music control, safety features, and Garmin Pay. You can also use the Connect IQ store to customize your dial to suit your every need and emotion - or just something fun to show your kids.

Garmin Descent Watch Colors

Garmin is certainly known for its use of neutral colors in its design, especially more subtle colors like variations of brown and black. These colors suit the overall utilitarian niche of the brand perfectly and don't draw attention to one's self.
For the most part, the Descent range follows suit, with the most popular models being represented with subtle color schemes of black, brown, or light tan. However, one model that stands out is the 'Sea Foam', a pale yet interesting blue that does seem to match the aquatic roots of the Garmin Descent. One other standout feature is the black DLC-coated case. This is certainly not something new, but it is a bit more unique than simple 'black'.

Garmin Descent Watch Materials

When it comes to watches meant for diving, one does not expect to be met with white gold and diamonds. Garmin feels the same and offers the Descent models in utilitarian materials meant for the job at hand. All the cases of the Garmin Descent models are constructed from fiber-reinforced polymer.
The most common material used in the construction of the Garmin Descent bezels is stainless steel - effective, resilient, and affordable. However, some models sport a black-DLC coating, enabling not only a stealthy look but slightly increased durability as well.
To round out the collection, Garmin introduced a titanium model as well, which has a titanium bezel, which is even more durable than steel. All the bands are made of silicone with the addition of a pin buckle system.

Garmin Descent Sizes

The Garmin Descent is a rather robust model in the Garmin range, measuring a whopping 42 or 52mm in diameter. Only two sizes are offered. While this is rather large, the watch is filled with features and a pretty sizable battery. Display size is either 30 or 35.56mm, respectively, both with a 280 x 280 pixel resolution. The lug-to-lug of the models are 43 and 52mm, creating a snug and square profile on the wrist. Thickness is rated at 14.15 and 17.8mm, respectively.

Buying Garmin Descent Watches

Garmin is one of the most well-known brands on the planet, with several different outlets selling their offerings, ranging from online shops to mall stores. Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized retailer of Garmin products, including the Garmin Descent range as well. With free insured shipping on purchases above $1,000 and a wide range of products to choose from, there is bound to be an option to suit your needs.

Caring for your Garmin Descent Watch

Garmin watches are built to be used. With a rugged undertone and a robust nature, these watches are more than eager to transverse any terrain you might come across. Unlike mechanical watches, you won't need to service your timepiece. However, you might need to have the bezel or case polished now and then. The battery needs to be replaced.
The broken crystal needs to be fixed. All of these factors and a lot more are executed by Exquisite Timepieces, with experts in the horological world meeting all your watch needs.

Garmin Descents FAQ

What is a Garmin descent?

Garmin is known for creating watches for the task at hand, and the Garmin Descent is the dive computer produced by the company.

Is Garmin dive watch worth it?

Certainly, it should not be confused with deepsea dive computers that could reach 1,000m of depth, but it is perfect for the novice or pastime diver.

How deep can the Garmin descent go?

The Garmin Descent has a maximum depth rating of 100m or 333ft.

What is the difference between Garmin Mk2i and Mk2S?

Whereas the Mk2i has touchscreen compatibility, the Mk2S does not.

Find Your New Garmin Descent watch with Exquisite Timepieces

The Garmin Descent is a rather interesting offering from a brand that certainly needs no introduction. If you are looking for a new dive computer, look no further than the Garmin Descent. Cost-effective, robust, reliable, and doesn't look half bad. The Descent range, as well as the rest of the Garmin range, is available at Exquisite Timepieces. Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized retailer of all Garmin watches and offers a full warranty on all pieces sold.