Tags: Selection Guide | Garmin | Smart | Diving
28.6.2022 | 5 MIN
"Passionate maybe but definitely not a diver" is a line from a famous Czech movie. Today, let's take a look at smartwatches for truly passionate divers. Specifically on the Descent Mk2, Mk2i, and Mk2S models. The names call for the feeling of "how am I supposed to see the difference here," right? So let's shed some light on this.
We have devided this article into questions that you might have. So if you are not interested in a particular question, feel free to skip it.
Definitely not. Descents are based on the most equipped model on the market – the Fenix 6 – so many users reach for this watch to have the fantastic smartwatch with a different design. Just to be a little different... And they dive only in a bathtub or the ocean if they lose their sunglasses.
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The key functions are the NFC payment, offline music player (with downloading playlists from streaming services support), and topographic maps. The maps differentiate the upper-class series from the lower class. You can look at your current location or plan a route. Or find the closest gas station or a parking lot.
Although the watches are intended for divers, there are all the sport profiles that are in the Fenix 6. And the Fenix 6 model monitors probably every well-known sport you can think of.
Sports profiles are connected to analysis metrics such as the VO2 Max value estimate, Recovery Time, Training Status, or Training Load.
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It is a standard that all Descent watch has sapphire glass, a plastic case, and a metal bezel and case back. But the Mk2i model slightly steps out from the line as the metal parts are made of titanium, and you can buy it with a titanium bracelet. But you can really feel it in the overall weight that in combination with the bracelet reaches 160 grams.
Every model has a water resistance of 100 meters and meets the EN 13319 standard for diving devices.
| Garmin Descent Mk2S | Garmin Descent Mk2 | Garmin Descent Mk2i | |
| Case Diameter | 43 mm | 52 mm | 52 mm |
| Case Height | 14,15 mm | 17,8 mm | 17,8 mm |
| Strap Width | 20 mm | 26 mm | 26 mm |
| Display Size | 1,2" | 1,4" | 1,4" |
| Display Resolution | 240x240 px | 280x280 px | 280x280 px |
| Weight | 60 g | 103,8 g | 99,6 (sil.) / 160,3 g (tit.) |
| Suitable for a wrist with a circumference of | 128-224 mm | 135-230 mm | 135-230 mm |
| Circumference with elongated strap | 126-360 mm | 135-355 mm | 135-355 mm |
The Mk2 and the Mk2i have the same battery life – 16 days in a smartwatch mode, 48 hours with active GPS, and 80 hours while diving.
Mk2S lasts about 7 days in normal mode, 18 hours with active GPS? and 30 hours while diving.
The only difference might be that the Mk2i is able to connect to a T1 transmitter, which is connected to the tank and gives out information about the gas in the tank. And not just about one tank, but as much as five tanks. So if you are diving with a group, you can have data about yours and their tanks which can prevent a disaster. Especially, if you are a diving instructor.
The Mk2i uses ultrasound to transmit the data, which can communicate for up to 5-10 meters. Bluetooth and ANT+ transmission is considerably affected by factors like water temperature, water type (freshwater, saltwater), and more.
Everything else is the same throughout all Descent Mk2 models:
| Name | |
| Decompression Model | Bühlmann ZHL-16C |
| Single-Gas Mode | Allows setting up to 11 mixes as a backup. |
| Multi-Gas Mode | Allows configuring the oxygen content (5-100%) and 11 other mixes. |
| Apnea Mode | Mode for free diving with a higher data refresh rate. |
| Apnea Hunt Mode | The same mode as the Apnea Mode, but it deactivates sound alerts. |
| Nitrox Support | Nitrox gas mix support (nitrogen and oxygen mix). |
| Trimix Support | Trimix gas mix support (mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium). |
| Closed Circuit rebreather (CCR) | You can configure two setpoints for oxygen partial pressure (PO2), dilution gases for the closed circuit (CC), and decompression and backup mixtures for the open circuit (OC). |
| PO2 | Oxygen partial pressure threshold configuration. |
| Water Temperature | Integrated thermometer measures water temperature and outside surface temperature. |
| Auto Start/End Dive | Automatic start when diving to 1.5 meters and stop when emerging. |
| Custom End-Dive Timeout | Alert for custom timeout (20 s to 10 min). |
| Safety Stop | Alert for upcoming NDL (decompression) and TTS (emersion). |
| Customizable Conservatism | Selection of preset or custom conservatism values. |
| Alerts & Alarms | Sound and vibration alerts for example for depth or time. |
| Dive Ascent/Descent Rate Indicator | Color indicator indicating if we are moving too fast. |
| Automatic Altitude Adjustment | Automatic adjustment of the initial altitude. |
The only difference here is in the tactical functions. The Mk2i has functions that are seen in the Tactix series.
It actually makes sense. Maybe there is a military diver that really appreciates functions like these.
That is a question for you. But I can guide you a little.
If you are a man or a woman with a thinner wrist and you don't need the T1 pairing, go with the MK2S.
If you want longer battery life, a bigger display, and a case, and you don't need the T1 pairing, reach for the Mk2.
If you want a diving device with no compromise, a titanium bracelet sounds appealing (or you may be allergic to nickel in steel), and you will find a use for the T1 pairing, Mk2i is the one for you.
Can you think of any important note that might help somebody with choosing the right model? Let me know in the comments!
