At the end of 2023, GARMIN launched a series of new products — and beyond the highly anticipated MK3 dive computer lineup, there was also the G1 Solar Ocean Edition. The name says it all: GARMIN has given this watch a second life! After 24 months of research and development, GARMIN successfully replaced 100% of the plastic used in the Descent G1 Solar's case, bezel, and buttons with recycled plastic recovered from ocean debris. On top of that, it comes in an adorable new color — sky blue — that's impossible to resist in person. the Editor picked one up right away, so let's get into the unboxing!
GARMIN delivers on its commitment to marine conservation with the Descent G1 Solar, crafted from reclaimed ocean debris.
Three Highlights of the GARMIN Dive Computer Ocean Edition
According to statistics, approximately 12.7 million tonnes of waste enters the ocean every year, and more than 90% of marine debris is plastic — material that takes an extraordinarily long time to break down, with some pieces never decomposing at all, destined to remain in the sea forever. Of the marine mammals listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 45% are threatened or harmed by ghost nets, which can be fatal. Whether it's ghost nets or other forms of marine debris, the threat to our oceans is immense. But did you know that fishing nets are actually tough, durable, and recyclable? Beyond beach cleanups and ocean cleanups carried out by volunteers and the public, these materials can be channeled through specialized processes to be recycled and repurposed — giving them new life and value. Let's take a look at what makes this Ocean Edition stand out!
The original plastic materials have been replaced with recycled plastic made from ocean debris.
Descent G1 Solar — Crafted from Ocean-Recovered Recycled Plastic
Marine debris is still a relatively rare and difficult-to-source material on the market. Compared to conventional plastics, the success rate for processing ocean-recovered material is 30–50% lower, and it takes nearly twice as long — meaning significantly more effort, time, and cost must be invested in refining the manufacturing process. Despite this, after 24 months of R&D, GARMIN successfully made the watch case, bezel, and buttons from 100% ocean-recovered fishing nets and discarded plastic, giving ocean-loving divers a meaningful way to contribute to marine conservation.
GARMIN's commitment to environmental responsibility is at the heart of the Ocean Edition's design philosophy.
Descent G1 Solar — A Stunning New Color
The original Descent G1 Solar came in graphite black and hurricane blue — colors that are both refined and timeless, easy to keep clean, and resistant to staining, clearly marking it as a watch built for the outdoor adventurer. But the new color launching alongside the Ocean Edition? It's the kind of color that'll make every girl squeal — sky blue, or what the Editor would call "baby blue." It's guaranteed to be a showstopper on your wrist!
The new color is eye-catching yet elegant — every woman who sees it will fall in love!
Descent G1 Solar — Solar Charging with Up to 124 Days of Battery Life
This feature isn't new, but solar charging is still what excites the Editor most. As someone who's always out in the mountains or underwater, being able to charge while cycling, hiking, or even diving is incredibly convenient. The Descent G1 Solar's face uses a Power Sapphire solar lens — don't underestimate the G1, as it features a top-grade sapphire crystal paired with a high-transparency proprietary solar panel. According to official figures, battery life can reach up to 124 days, and with more than 3 hours of outdoor exposure per day at 50,000 lux, it can provide an additional 103 days of usage. Say goodbye to your charger!
For more details >> GARMIN Product Manual
The screen can display the intensity of solar exposure, reflecting the current battery level.
The GARMIN Dive Computer for Every Adventure
While the Descent G1 Solar is, at its core, a dive computer, it goes far beyond the basic 6 dive modes — supporting over 30 sport modes, including running, cycling, golf, and more. The Editor took the Descent G1 Solar on a real-world test to Jiaming Lake during the holidays. For hiking, the key metrics are elevation gain and distance, and throughout the trek, the altitude readings were extremely close to the official trail elevations (with a difference of only about 50 m). Along the way, custom alerts could be set for walking time, distance, heart rate, and more — like having a personal assistant by your side at all times. The moment your heart rate climbs too high, it's there to remind you to slow down and stay safe.
Having GARMIN by my side the whole way made me feel much more at ease.
Using Google Maps to record my route — incredibly convenient.
The Editor's go-to everyday ride is a Ubike — just hop on and switch modes instantly.
Beyond tracking your route, it also keeps an eye on your speed for each segment of the ride.
Who Is the Descent G1 Solar For?
The Editor has used quite a few dive computers, but they often tend to be single-purpose — supporting dive modes and perhaps a handful of sports, with limited additional functionality. GARMIN, however, has built the Descent G1 Solar into an all-in-one powerhouse: a watch that accompanies you on every adventure, monitors your health, and handles the details of daily life — all through a clear, intuitive interface. Not only can it keep up with every sport and activity, but during downtime it monitors your body, telling you how long you need to recover your energy, how much water you need to hit your daily hydration goal, and keeping tabs on your sleep quality. This is the dive computer the Editor would confidently recommend to anyone who lives for the outdoors.
Sleep quality monitoring (top) · Body energy monitoring (bottom)
Fully customizable settings for safety stop, deco depth, and more.
Join the GARMIN Ocean Reborn Initiative
The BlueTrend team was also invited by GARMIN to take part in the Ocean Reborn Initiative. As a publication that's constantly out shooting on location, BlueTrend is a true "eat-out crew" — but beyond carrying reusable cutlery, cups, and bags everywhere we go, we make a point of seeking out restaurants where we can dine in and use our own eco-friendly utensils, minimizing single-use waste wherever possible. BlueTrend supports eco-conscious businesses through action, and we hope more businesses will join the movement — bringing zero-waste dining to more corners of the world.
Further Reading:
