Garmin has added to its ever-increasing line-up of wristwatch dive computers with the launch of the Descent G1 series, which is sure to cause a stir in the market as it comes in at a very competitive price, but still boasts all of the smart/fitness watch functionality that marked out the company's previous offerings.
The Descent MK1 was superceded by the Descent MK2 and MK2i, which itself was then joined by the smaller Descent MK2S, and now this role-call has been joined by the Descent G1 (SRP: £479.99) and the Descent G1 Solar (SRP: £569.99).
“Whether you are looking to purchase your first dive computer or wanting to support your active lifestyle, our Descent G1 Series is the ideal companion for all types of divers who appreciate having a multisport smartwatch for all other aspects of life topside,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Descent G1 Solar builds upon Garmin’s innovative dive technology line-up with the addition of solar charging, allowing customers more time to enjoy their topside activities.”
Featuring an easy-to-read, high-contrast display and 45mm watch case, the G1 Series introduces a new compact design into the dive line-up that is purpose built in both form and function. Water rated to 100m and tested to engineering standard EN133319 for dive compliance with leakproof inductive buttons and a sapphire lens, the Descent G1 Series is rugged and ready for excursions above and below the water’s surface.
It is available in multiple colour options and compatible with Garmin QuickFit bands, so divers can switch between long and short straps for wearing over wetsuits when needed, or switch up their style in a snap to take their timepiece from a dive to dinner.
Explore longer with the Descent G1 series, which offer a rechargeable battery with up to 25 hours in dive mode, up to three weeks in smartwatch mode, and up to four months in smartwatch mode with the solar charging models.
The Descent G1 series has features for new recreational divers up through seasoned technical divers with support for multiple dive modes for single and multiple gas dives (including air, nitrox, trimix and 100% O2), gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather. The G1 series also includes a three-axis digital compass and vibration depth alerts. Right on the wrist, divers can view depth, dive time, temperature, NDL/TTS, ascent/descent rates, gas mix, PO2, N2 loading, decompression/safety stop information, and time-of-day, all customisable to the user’s preference.
Freedivers will enjoy customisable dive and surface screens in apnea modes, plus more metrics like ascent and descent rates to analyse performance between dives.
The Descent G1 will automatically mark surface entry and exit points in the water using multi-GNSS satellite support and log it in the companion Garmin Dive app2 so divers can easily review a detailed analysis of each dive activity, including max depth and bottom time. Use the Garmin Dive App to configure settings on the Descent G1 series, or plan the next trip by viewing popular sites that have been rated and reviewed by other users.
The Descent G1 Series delivers a multitude of wellness features, including advanced sleep monitoring with sleep score and features a variety of built-in indoor and GPS sports apps with favourites that include swimming, hiking, running, cycling, golf, yoga and surfing. The G1 series will track and measure performance with Garmin’s full suite of advanced fitness features like VO2 Max, Fitness Age, Training Status, Recovery Time, HIIT Workouts, and Daily Suggested Workouts3.
While in between activities, users can take advantage of connected features like Garmin Pay for payments on the go, receive notifications for calls, texts, calendar reminders, social media updates, breaking news stories and more when paired with your compatible smartphone. Like all Garmin smartwatches, the Descent G1 series can be used with either Android or Apple® smartphones.
