The long-awaited MK3 finally dropped at the end of 2023! On November 24, GARMIN hosted a launch event at Taichung's Qiánlìfāng dive facility, bringing together a crowd of dive enthusiasts. Alongside the MK3 series, the event showcased the T2 transmitter and the G1 Solar Ocean Edition. GARMIN engineers were on hand to explain everything, and guests even got to jump in the water to try out the new features firsthand. There was no way BlueTrend was going to miss all the action — let's take a look at the highlights!
Three Years Later, GARMIN Launches New Products
After three years of waiting, BlueTrend finally got to see the MK3! Walking into the venue, there were plenty of familiar faces — everyone had come to get an early look at the new lineup. Word was that in addition to the MK3 series debut, GARMIN's proprietary SubWave sonar technology had received a comprehensive upgrade, enabling dives down to 200 m. Paired with a transmitter, divers can even send text messages underwater (this feature is pending a software update). GARMIN's dive watches are now firmly targeting the technical diving community's deep-dive needs, letting divers go deeper while staying safer.
Plenty of familiar faces turned up to take part in the launch event.
Everyone was drawn in by the eye-catching MK3i.
First Ever! GARMIN Takes You Underwater to Experience the New Dive Watches
True to GARMIN's signature style, just looking at the new products on the surface wasn't enough — hands-on experience was a must. The in-water session was divided into a freediving group and a scuba diving group, each led by professional instructors. The scuba group actually dove inside a sunken wreck and a cave, simulating low-visibility conditions to make the experience as realistic as possible. Meanwhile, GARMIN engineers stayed on deck to answer questions about settings and the UI.
The freediving group strapped on the watches and pushed their personal bests.
Before the scuba group descended, instructors carefully walked everyone through the watch's functions and key points to note.
GARMIN MK3i Has a Built-in Flash Light? Let's Head Into a Cave
One of BlueTrend's absolute favourite new features is the incredibly handy built-in LED Flash Light. Just double-press the button and the light switches on instantly, making you the brightest thing underwater in seconds. The organisers even placed an MK3i inside the wreck for this event — the moment divers entered the cabin, they spotted the glowing watch and immediately felt just how powerful this feature is.
Even inside the dim wreck, the MK3i lit up the cabin.
Tech blogger Mona also attended to try things out, and was blown away by how impactful this upgrade is!
Descent T2 Transmitter Paired with a Dive Watch — Safer Dives
The Descent T2 transmitter was another star of the show. Powered by GARMIN's proprietary SubWave sonar technology, it uses an enhanced sonar transceiver module. Within a 10 m range underwater, the watch can connect to up to 8 Descent T2 transmitters simultaneously, allowing real-time monitoring of each dive buddy's pressure gauge (SPG) reading, depth, and distance. During the in-water session, the instructor played a little game — asking BlueTrend about the dive buddy's tank pressure. All 8 divers' pressure gauge (SPG) readings were clearly displayed on the watch, and BlueTrend took one look and thought: "Oh no — I'm burning through air the fastest. Time to start breathing more conservatively!"
T2 paired with the MK3 — pressure gauge (SPG) readings and depth at a glance.
Once underwater, divers could see each buddy's pressure gauge (SPG) reading, depth, and distance.
GARMIN's proprietary SubWave technology has also received a comprehensive upgrade. In addition to transmitting tank pressure information, the transmitter now supports an innovative two-way underwater text messaging feature. Divers no longer need to rely on traditional hand signals or underwater slates to communicate — making every dive more precise and safer. (This feature will be supported via a future software update.)
G1 Solar Dive Watch Ocean Edition — 100% Recycled Abandoned Fishing Nets
The moment BlueTrend walked into the venue, this watch's gorgeous colour scheme was impossible to ignore. The new Ocean Edition comes in a fresh sky-blue hue that's not just eye-catching — it carries a deeper meaning. Beyond retaining the original sapphire solar-charging lens, the watch case, bezel, and buttons have been manufactured entirely from 100% recycled abandoned fishing nets, replacing conventional plastic materials. Ghost nets that once threatened the ocean are given new life, repurposed into a dive watch that every ocean-lover needs.
The fresh sky-blue colour suits everyone, regardless of gender.
Even the packaging box is made from recyclable paper — a plastic-free, eco-friendly design.
A Walk Down Memory Lane — GARMIN's Underwater History Wall
Something else truly special at the event: GARMIN set up a dedicated "History Wall" underwater, displaying the G1, MK1, and MK2 series dive watches side by side beneath the surface. While wearing the very latest dive watch on their wrist, guests could look back at the classic models from years past and compare the differences. BlueTrend couldn't help but feel a little emotional — this was a genuine walk down memory lane!
Lined up underwater all at once — BlueTrend thought it looked absolutely stunning!
Dive watches through the generations — which one have you owned?
GARMIN Dive Watches — New Releases
After reading BlueTrend's recap of the GARMIN new product experience event, are you just as blown away as we are? If any of these products have caught your eye, head over to the GARMIN official website to find out more!
The venue had some cute little snacks on offer — BlueTrend accidentally ate 3 and had to dive on a full stomach.
Engineers unveiled the new features on the spot and let everyone get hands-on time in the water.
YouTuber 陳臻 is wearing the MK3i — and it looks great even on smaller wrists!
Blogger 拉麵 is sporting the MK3 in its new colourway — definitely a favourite among female divers!
GARMIN Dive Watch - Descent Mk3i 51mm NT$53,990
GARMIN Dive Watch - Descent Mk3i 43mm NT$46,990
GARMIN Dive Watch - Descent Mk3 43mm NT$39,990
GARMIN Transmitter - Descent T2 NT$16,990
GARMIN Dive Watch - Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition NT$19,990
Further Reading:
