Electronics: The Garmin Marq smartwatch displays on-board data in a watch-style display

The Marq Diver is one of six models in the new Marq collection. Garmin has designed it for activities both on and under water. For motorboat enthusiasts, the integration with the on-board electronics and the ability to communicate without a connected smartphone are particularly appealing. Although the dial features hands, it is in fact a digital display.

Titanium, ceramic and sapphire crystal

According to Garmin, the case is made of titanium. The manufacturer uses titanium and ceramic for the bezel; the AMOLED touchscreen is protected by sapphire crystal. The materials and the dial give the watch the look and feel of a classic diver’s watch. It remains, however, a digital instrument capable of displaying maps and other data when required.

According to the manufacturer, the Marq Diver weighs 62 grams without the strap and, depending on the model, 86 or 95 grams with the strap. According to Garmin, the strap can be finely adjusted in 15-millimetre increments. Inductive, sealed buttons are designed for use in water; Garmin specifies the maximum diving depth as 40 metres.

Engine speed and autopilot on your wrist

The watch can receive water depth, engine speed and other vessel data from a compatible Garmin chartplotter. This means you can keep an eye on selected readings even when you’re away from the helm. According to the Autopilot app, Garmin’s product description of the Marq Diver change the heading or follow a GPS route. To do this, the watch must be connected to a compatible chartplotter or the GHC 50 autopilot unit. The watch is therefore an additional control option and not a standalone autopilot. Just like a Control via a smartwatch using an additional gateway Another solution demonstrates how this is implemented in other on-board systems.

The Marq Diver also features a virtual starting line, a countdown timer and a turning assistant. For most motorboat owners, these regatta functions are likely to be less important than engine performance and autopilot operation.

Communication and Price

Thanks to built-in inReach technology, it should be possible to send messages and make an SOS emergency call without a connected smartphone. An active subscription is required for this. Satellite and LTE connections are not available everywhere.

Garmin has set the price of the Marq Diver at 3,150 euros. The collection starts at 2,550 euros and is expected to be available from November. Anyone looking primarily for marine functions will find that the The quatix 8 Pro as a marine smartwatch a more affordable alternative, which Garmin lists at 1,049 euros. It can also display data from compatible on-board electronics and supports satellite communication and LTE.

Technical specifications of the Marq Diver