Last updated at 23/06/2026 09:27:03
Garmin Descent MK1 Dive Watch
Free delivery between 25–30 June
Garmin Descent Mk1 Watch Dive Computer
Free delivery between 25 June – 2 July
Garmin Descent Mk1 Watch Dive Computer
Free delivery between 25 June – 2 July
originally posted on mikesdivestore.com
I don’t really write reviews...I’d like to start with mikes store.Very professional and detailed in their approach to customer service..constant updates via emails etc they made the entire purchase a pleasure.The above watch was purchased for me by my wife as a birthday present.I’ve been in the market for a smart watch now and garmin with the dive modes seem to fit all my requirements.The watch itself is fantastic she opted for DLC band version as I like to wear my watches regardless of the activities.So on to the watch..It’s light in weight for its size it’s also very comfortable.It’s features are amazing regardless of the activities you favour.It’s simple to navigate it connnects to your smart phone with alerts etc & keeps consistently updated without the ... MoreI don’t really write reviews...I’d like to start with mikes store.Very professional and detailed in their approach to customer service..constant updates via emails etc they made the entire purchase a pleasure.The above watch was purchased for me by my wife as a birthday present.I’ve been in the market for a smart watch now and garmin with the dive modes seem to fit all my requirements.The watch itself is fantastic she opted for DLC band version as I like to wear my watches regardless of the activities.So on to the watch..It’s light in weight for its size it’s also very comfortable.It’s features are amazing regardless of the activities you favour.It’s simple to navigate it connnects to your smart phone with alerts etc & keeps consistently updated without the need to pull out you’re phone every 5min.Garmin connect store has many widgets apps and watch faces free to upload with is a nice touch.I’ve own it now for 3weeks I’ve not dived with it as I write this..I’m planning Thailand later this year so will know how it performs at some stage this year.I’ve downloaded many different watch faces and if I need to pick faults? The garmin App Store should add the battery life requirements each face requires to run..!On average with an average watch face all your alerts etc you’ll get between 6>8 days of battery life..! If you add the photos etc to Your watch face? You can reduce that to 2>4 daysOn average I’d say you get 7 days of battery life running time with your watch for most alerts/apps. I’ve also had 12days having turned off alerts etc.All told if your after a well built smart watch that has scuba dive modes to boot? You could do a lot worst than the garmin decent Mk1A well designed watch with everything you’ll ever need in a smart watch setup.!I’d like to thank mikes store for all assistance and help
originally posted on ebay.com
I can NOT comment on scuba diving use of this watch since I have used it only for day to day use. And I have to say for the price you have to pay I expected more. My main issue is with the screen. Previously using samsung S3 frontier I was probably spoiled with the quality and size of the screen. Garmin Descent MK1 is NO comparison nor competition to samsung screen. This screen is small despite the size of the watch, there is wide black rim around. And a quality of the picture is bad. Low brightness, very limited apps with interesting screen themes. All relying on numbers mostly not pictures. If you like variety of themes interesting colours of your watch it's NOT a watch for you.
originally posted on REI
There was a BIG server outage today, sometime before 7:00 EDT and 9:30 EDT some of my data was either lost or trashed. I went from 1790 steps to 94 steps on the watch, and Connect, when the server went back online. Sleep information was "gone". Heart rate has a big gap.The logging data and logging settings seem to be changing by the day. Attempting to reset/reprogram the settings seems to wander all over the place of the MK1.I really don't want to trust this watch for a diving device, too many changes happening without any notification. Too "iffy" for dependence as main dive computer. If something as simple as steps are changing due to server availability, where will dive logs and other dive information go?Yes, it keeps time well, what else, I'm not sure. I ... MoreThere was a BIG server outage today, sometime before 7:00 EDT and 9:30 EDT some of my data was either lost or trashed. I went from 1790 steps to 94 steps on the watch, and Connect, when the server went back online. Sleep information was "gone". Heart rate has a big gap.The logging data and logging settings seem to be changing by the day. Attempting to reset/reprogram the settings seems to wander all over the place of the MK1.I really don't want to trust this watch for a diving device, too many changes happening without any notification. Too "iffy" for dependence as main dive computer. If something as simple as steps are changing due to server availability, where will dive logs and other dive information go?Yes, it keeps time well, what else, I'm not sure. I will be comparing the MK1 to a Suunto C*** while diving in November. Just enough time to be under the 90 day return policy at REI.
| Lens Material | sapphire crystal |
| Bezel Material | stainless steel or titanium |
| Case material | fiber-reinforced polymer |
| QuickFit watch band compatible | yes (26 mm) |
| Strap material | silicone or titanium |
Garmin Descent MK1 Dive Watch
Free delivery between 25–30 June
Garmin Descent Mk1 Watch Dive Computer
Free delivery between 25 June – 2 July
Garmin Descent Mk1 Watch Dive Computer
Free delivery between 25 June – 2 July
I don’t really write reviews...I’d like to start with mikes store.Very professional and detailed in their approach to customer service..constant updates via emails etc they made the entire purchase a pleasure.The above watch was purchased for me by my wife as a birthday present.I’ve been in the market for a smart watch now and garmin with the dive modes seem to fit all my requirements.The watch itself is fantastic she opted for DLC band version as I like to wear my watches regardless of the activities.So on to the watch..It’s light in weight for its size it’s also very comfortable.It’s features are amazing regardless of the activities you favour.It’s simple to navigate it connnects to your smart phone with alerts etc & keeps consistently updated without the ... MoreI don’t really write reviews...I’d like to start with mikes store.Very professional and detailed in their approach to customer service..constant updates via emails etc they made the entire purchase a pleasure.The above watch was purchased for me by my wife as a birthday present.I’ve been in the market for a smart watch now and garmin with the dive modes seem to fit all my requirements.The watch itself is fantastic she opted for DLC band version as I like to wear my watches regardless of the activities.So on to the watch..It’s light in weight for its size it’s also very comfortable.It’s features are amazing regardless of the activities you favour.It’s simple to navigate it connnects to your smart phone with alerts etc & keeps consistently updated without the need to pull out you’re phone every 5min.Garmin connect store has many widgets apps and watch faces free to upload with is a nice touch.I’ve own it now for 3weeks I’ve not dived with it as I write this..I’m planning Thailand later this year so will know how it performs at some stage this year.I’ve downloaded many different watch faces and if I need to pick faults? The garmin App Store should add the battery life requirements each face requires to run..!On average with an average watch face all your alerts etc you’ll get between 6>8 days of battery life..! If you add the photos etc to Your watch face? You can reduce that to 2>4 daysOn average I’d say you get 7 days of battery life running time with your watch for most alerts/apps. I’ve also had 12days having turned off alerts etc.All told if your after a well built smart watch that has scuba dive modes to boot? You could do a lot worst than the garmin decent Mk1A well designed watch with everything you’ll ever need in a smart watch setup.!I’d like to thank mikes store for all assistance and help
I can NOT comment on scuba diving use of this watch since I have used it only for day to day use. And I have to say for the price you have to pay I expected more. My main issue is with the screen. Previously using samsung S3 frontier I was probably spoiled with the quality and size of the screen. Garmin Descent MK1 is NO comparison nor competition to samsung screen. This screen is small despite the size of the watch, there is wide black rim around. And a quality of the picture is bad. Low brightness, very limited apps with interesting screen themes. All relying on numbers mostly not pictures. If you like variety of themes interesting colours of your watch it's NOT a watch for you.
There was a BIG server outage today, sometime before 7:00 EDT and 9:30 EDT some of my data was either lost or trashed. I went from 1790 steps to 94 steps on the watch, and Connect, when the server went back online. Sleep information was "gone". Heart rate has a big gap.The logging data and logging settings seem to be changing by the day. Attempting to reset/reprogram the settings seems to wander all over the place of the MK1.I really don't want to trust this watch for a diving device, too many changes happening without any notification. Too "iffy" for dependence as main dive computer. If something as simple as steps are changing due to server availability, where will dive logs and other dive information go?Yes, it keeps time well, what else, I'm not sure. I ... MoreThere was a BIG server outage today, sometime before 7:00 EDT and 9:30 EDT some of my data was either lost or trashed. I went from 1790 steps to 94 steps on the watch, and Connect, when the server went back online. Sleep information was "gone". Heart rate has a big gap.The logging data and logging settings seem to be changing by the day. Attempting to reset/reprogram the settings seems to wander all over the place of the MK1.I really don't want to trust this watch for a diving device, too many changes happening without any notification. Too "iffy" for dependence as main dive computer. If something as simple as steps are changing due to server availability, where will dive logs and other dive information go?Yes, it keeps time well, what else, I'm not sure. I will be comparing the MK1 to a Suunto C*** while diving in November. Just enough time to be under the 90 day return policy at REI.
This is a great watch and dive computer. I use it for diving and for long distance hiking. It is loaded with options for many sporting activities. The heart rate monitor is run with three green lasers on the skin or a heart rate monitor strap. The heart rate monitor doesn't work underwater. This dive computer does not have air integration. It automatically logs your GPS position from when you enter the water and from when you surface. There's not enough room for me to tell more. I like the powerful vibrator, the dive compass & email alerts and texts that come through.The "boat" navigator in the watch brought my boat back to dock after a 5-mile round trip. You just line the boat icon up with the red line. Note: It doesn't go around islands; so use common sense.
I have owned this diver watch/ computer for two-years. I use it for diving and for biking, hiking, boating, swimming, etc. It is an actual Smart Watch. This watch is super easy to read in bright sunlight and clear water (whereas the Scubapro G2 doesn't fare as well in bright sunlight & clear water). The digital compass is accurate and easy to use. I love the green marker and indicators that I might be off course. For boating, after you hit the button to go back miles to the boat launch that you have marked earlier, it will show you a line of travel and a boat icon. You steer the boat until the boat icon is on the line pointing in the direction you need to go. (It doesn't tell you that you might need to go around an island! When the dive computer has to warn you ... MoreI have owned this diver watch/ computer for two-years. I use it for diving and for biking, hiking, boating, swimming, etc. It is an actual Smart Watch. This watch is super easy to read in bright sunlight and clear water (whereas the Scubapro G2 doesn't fare as well in bright sunlight & clear water). The digital compass is accurate and easy to use. I love the green marker and indicators that I might be off course. For boating, after you hit the button to go back miles to the boat launch that you have marked earlier, it will show you a line of travel and a boat icon. You steer the boat until the boat icon is on the line pointing in the direction you need to go. (It doesn't tell you that you might need to go around an island! When the dive computer has to warn you about something you need to pay attention to, it uses a powerful vibrator to get your attention. The heart-rate monitor doesn't work underwater. It seems to only be accurate in resting or consistent activity but isn't too precise with aggressive activity. One day, the watch screen lit up in fire-orange color and warned me the depth sensor failed; the computer shut down and was out of warranty. Garmin replaced it for free because of a safety recall. I only had to pay to send in my dead Descent MK I, and they sent me a new one. So this is my second Descent MK I. It is not AI, but I wish it was. If I only did diving and did not do other outdoor sports, I would have gone with the Shearwater Teric.
Finally, a watch that does it all... well, almost. If your primary requirement is AI then you'll have to go elsewhere. At this price point, I would hands down recommend the Perdix AI by Shearwater. I can go into how awesome that computer is in its own review.Back to the Garmin... Finally, a manufacturer has a product that allows us to enjoy the world above and below the water. It's great that it offers smartwatch capabilities. I could care less about getting notifications to my watch from my phone, although weather and such are nice touches.The main reason I have been looking for a watch like this is that I wanted something that allowed me to utilize it for land-based and underwater applications. I need navigation, ABC and positioning for work and when out ... MoreFinally, a watch that does it all... well, almost. If your primary requirement is AI then you'll have to go elsewhere. At this price point, I would hands down recommend the Perdix AI by Shearwater. I can go into how awesome that computer is in its own review.Back to the Garmin... Finally, a manufacturer has a product that allows us to enjoy the world above and below the water. It's great that it offers smartwatch capabilities. I could care less about getting notifications to my watch from my phone, although weather and such are nice touches.The main reason I have been looking for a watch like this is that I wanted something that allowed me to utilize it for land-based and underwater applications. I need navigation, ABC and positioning for work and when out recreationally in the outdoors, but also use the same tool when in the water.My intention for this watch is to wear it as my EDC and function as a secondary when diving. I have my Perdix AI which is my primary computer so I don't need another AI to replace that.This is a computer and a great looking piece to wear for any occasion. I opted for the DLC Titanium band just because its light and has a fierce look to it. I like the new band interchangeability. Its quick and easy and you don't necessarily have to unscrew the pins depending on the bands you opt for. And to think... just before finding out about this I was looking to get a Tag Heuer. Great brand, but nowhere near the same functionality as this Descent MK1.Again, if you don't need AI this is a great piece to add to your everyday carry or simply because it allows you functionality both above and below the water.
I bought this because I wanted something more from my dive computer. I had a simple one button Cressi Leonardo, which does the job well, but I wanted more options and easier programming. This watch also replaced my Apple Watch, all of the features the Apple had that this one doesn’t have I never used anyway. The options for diving are beyond my current training level, but I plan to go further and the watch definitely will handle my endeavors. I have not used the Jumpmaster or HALO/HAHO settings yet. The biggest plus over the Apple Watch is the battery life. I logged over 20 dives over the course of 8 days and still had battery life left.
Best dive watch you can buy!! I've done over 50 dives now with my Garmin Descent Mk1 Titanium and it is absolutely the very best for the recreational sport diver. Touch, sapphire crystal and DLC coating over the titanium band make it extremely tough. Compass, barometer, heart rate monitor and altimeter make this sensor laden device an extremely useful tool on the open sea or just working out at the gym. Exceptional battery life when compared to an iWatch or Android Wear, I get 7 days easy before needing to charge. However, a 4 dive day will require you to charge before the next day as the dive computer will eat the battery life. Beautiful and rugged, its the watch James Bond would wear when prowling the Seven Seas.
I have been using the Descent since shortly after it came out, as both an everyday wear watch and as a dive computer. It works great as an outdoor activity tracker, but is not a great dive computer. My specific concerns:- Lack of a decent electronic log like every other dive computer manufacturer has. Garmin Connect is terrible in this aspect and there has been no real work with any third party. Subsurface has developed an interface on their own, but it is not the most user intuitive process.- The Descent has had a large number of "issues" and Garmin has not been terribly proactive in addressing these. The last software update was over 6 months ago. Now this would be fine if there were no major issues, but basic functions like the compass do not work reliably ... MoreI have been using the Descent since shortly after it came out, as both an everyday wear watch and as a dive computer. It works great as an outdoor activity tracker, but is not a great dive computer. My specific concerns:- Lack of a decent electronic log like every other dive computer manufacturer has. Garmin Connect is terrible in this aspect and there has been no real work with any third party. Subsurface has developed an interface on their own, but it is not the most user intuitive process.- The Descent has had a large number of "issues" and Garmin has not been terribly proactive in addressing these. The last software update was over 6 months ago. Now this would be fine if there were no major issues, but basic functions like the compass do not work reliably and there does not seem to be any urgency in addressing these issues.- Garmin Tech Support has been terrible for the most part. From a diving perspective they have no one that understands the issues.As a Scuba Instructor I cannot reccomend the Descent to my students as I do not fully trust it, and only use it as a backup dive computer. The question I get asked a lot about the Descent is would I buy it again, right now the answer would have to be a resounding NO. Why an Average rating, well it is a good outdoor activity watch. But it is also a piece of equipment your life could depend on when you are diving.
I bought the Garmin Descent in February and have put about 130 dives on it so far. While there are many aspects of the computer that are excellent, I don't believe all of the kinks have been ironed out yet. Furthermore, the technical support I have received from Garmin has not been great, and the computer is not easily compatible with most dive tracking apps.What's good about it:-Easy to use: Just put on the watch and dive!-Well-designed/easy to understand underwater interface-SmartWatch integration is great when it works.-Ability to easily change settings, even underwater-Excellent as overall fitness tracker-Built-in compass is outstanding and works great underwater.What's not so good:-Dive algorithms on all conservatism settings are bizarre. ... MoreI bought the Garmin Descent in February and have put about 130 dives on it so far. While there are many aspects of the computer that are excellent, I don't believe all of the kinks have been ironed out yet. Furthermore, the technical support I have received from Garmin has not been great, and the computer is not easily compatible with most dive tracking apps.What's good about it:-Easy to use: Just put on the watch and dive!-Well-designed/easy to understand underwater interface-SmartWatch integration is great when it works.-Ability to easily change settings, even underwater-Excellent as overall fitness tracker-Built-in compass is outstanding and works great underwater.What's not so good:-Dive algorithms on all conservatism settings are bizarre. While it gives back time well as you ascend from a multi-level dive, the NDL settings are extremely conservative as you descend. For a dive at/over 100 feet, even at moderate conservatism, I get less NDL on my Garmin than on my Mares Puck Pro, which is one of the most conservative computers on the market. Even the low conservatism setting's NDLs are very conservative at depth, even while they are extremely liberal at 40-50 feet. This computer is happy to kick you into deco, and it can make deep dives very frustrating if you're trying to see what your divers computers say.-At times, this computer will rotate through screens for no reason. There's not an easy or intuitive way to make it stop. The dive screen that tracks your heart rate is the most helpful. The other, similar screen is essentially useless, and the compass shouldn't come up unless I specifically want it.-The altimeter doesn't work or accurately track your N2 when you fly or after you reach your destination. You have to reset the altimeter after you travel to get accurate NDL/N2 readings. I had 62% N2 after a three day surface interval on a recent trip, according to my Garmin!-Tech support is not great. When you have a dive-related problem, the tech people require additional information to the point that they are useless. Furthermore, few, if any, of them seem to be dive experts, which makes explaining problems to them frustrating.-The button setup takes some getting use to. The buttons are not intuitive at all, and the manual does a poor job of explaining the logic of what they all do.-The integration with iPhone on the surface does not meet expectations. The watch will receive some, but not all, notifications. There is no rhyme, reason, or logic to this, as far as I can tell.Overall, I do like my Garmin, but there are some drawbacks. The kinks still aren't worked out, even though it seems like they should be after such a long time on the market. Garmin is not very responsive, and they don't seem to care that much about the diver demographic. While I would recommend the watch, I would only suggest it for experienced divers who understand its limitations.
| Lens Material | sapphire crystal |
| Bezel Material | stainless steel or titanium |
| Case material | fiber-reinforced polymer |
| QuickFit watch band compatible | yes (26 mm) |
| Strap material | silicone or titanium |
Explore worlds of adventure, underwater or topside, with Descent Mk1 dive computer. It’s the first watch-style dive computer to offer surface (land or water) GPS navigation with colour mapping, multisport features and wrist-based heart rate. You can plan your dives right on the computer, then use GPS waypoints to mark your dive entry and exit points. Choose modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox and trimix), gauge and apnea. There’s also a built-in 3-axis compass for navigation above or below the waterline. The computer activates automatically underwater and uses the proven Bühlmann ZHL-16c algorithm with configurable conservatism settings. Selectable tone and vibration alerts help keep you informed and safe throughout your dive.
Explore worlds of adventure, underwater or topside, with Descent Mk1 dive computer. It’s the first watch-style dive computer to offer surface (land or water) GPS navigation with colour mapping, multisport features and wrist-based heart rate. You can plan your dives right on the computer, then use GPS waypoints to mark your dive entry and exit points. Choose modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox and trimix), gauge and apnea. There’s also a built-in 3-axis compass for navigation above or below the waterline. The computer activates automatically underwater and uses the proven Bühlmann ZHL-16c algorithm with configurable conservatism settings. Selectable tone and vibration alerts help keep you informed and safe throughout your dive.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Garmin Descent Mk1 right now is $1,349.00 at SportGPS, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $620.00 on 14 June 2026 — today's price is 118% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 23 June 2026.
Garmin Descent Mk1
Explore worlds of adventure, underwater or topside, with Descent Mk1 dive computer. It’s the first watch-style dive computer to offer surface (land or water) GPS navigation with colour mapping, multisport features and wrist-based heart rate. You can plan your dives right on the computer, then use GPS waypoints to mark your dive entry and exit points. Choose modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox and trimix), gauge and apnea. There’s also a built-in 3-axis compass for navigation above or below the waterline. The computer activates automatically underwater and uses the proven Bühlmann ZHL-16c algorithm with configurable conservatism settings. Selectable tone and vibration alerts help keep you informed and safe throughout your dive.
Explore worlds of adventure, underwater or topside, with Descent Mk1 dive computer. It’s the first watch-style dive computer to offer surface (land or water) GPS navigation with colour mapping, multisport features and wrist-based heart rate. You can plan your dives right on the computer, then use GPS waypoints to mark your dive entry and exit points. Choose modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox and trimix), gauge and apnea. There’s also a built-in 3-axis compass for navigation above or below the waterline. The computer activates automatically underwater and uses the proven Bühlmann ZHL-16c algorithm with configurable conservatism settings. Selectable tone and vibration alerts help keep you informed and safe throughout your dive.
