GARMIN has poured considerable effort into the diving world in recent years. From the original GARMIN Descent Mk1 and Mk2 series to the GARMIN Descent T1 transmitter featuring GARMIN's proprietary SubWave sonar technology, the brand has continually pushed wearable dive equipment toward groundbreaking new applications. Before long, the GARMIN Descent series quietly became synonymous with prestige in the diving community. In 2022, as pandemic restrictions gradually eased, GARMIN simultaneously unveiled the latest addition to the Descent lineup — the GARMIN Descent G1 Solar GPS dive computer — at DRT SHOW TAIWAN. What exactly has GARMIN packed into this seemingly retro, minimalist watch case? Let the Editor and the BlueTrend photo team take you on a closer look!
At DRT SHOW 2022, GARMIN boldly displayed every dive computer in its Descent series lineup.
GARMIN Descent G1 Solar Highlight #1: Solar Charging for a Dive Computer
The GARMIN Descent G1 Solar features solar charging capability.
In this release, the GARMIN Descent G1 series comes in two variants: the GARMIN Descent G1 Solar and the GARMIN Descent G1. As the name suggests, the Solar version adds solar charging functionality. Both models in the Descent G1 series adopt a high-contrast, dual-window MIP display with a power-saving design that dramatically extends battery life — offering up to 21 days in watch mode, more than enough for everyday life and sport use.
The Solar version's solar charging feature uses a Power Sapphire solar lens on the watch face, combining top-grade sapphire glass with a highly transparent, patented solar panel. This not only resists scratches and abrasion but also maximises the light-absorbing surface area for highly efficient conversion of solar energy into usable power. According to official figures, assuming all-day wear with more than 3 hours per day in outdoor conditions at 50,000 lux, the solar panel can provide an additional 103 days of power — meaning you can practically go three months without ever reaching for a charger.
On the way to a dive site, if you happen to forget your charger, you can simply place the Descent G1 Solar on the dashboard and let it charge via sunlight through the windshield. During surface intervals, you can also set it in the sun to top up the battery anytime, extending the watch's usable time.
The GARMIN Descent G1 Solar GPS dive computer can charge anytime to extend its battery life.
You can check solar charging efficiency directly from the watch face display.
GARMIN Descent G1 Solar Dive Computer Color Options
In terms of color choices, the GARMIN Descent G1 Solar is available in Graphite and Hurricane Blue, while the GARMIN Descent G1 comes in Reef and Slate. Both color palettes carry on the Descent series' family tradition of avoiding bright, saturated tones — making them more versatile and less prone to showing dirt, while subtly nodding to the Outdoor Style aesthetic favored by the outdoor-sports crowd.
In recent years, collaborations between streetwear brands and outdoor gear companies have brought outdoor products into the spotlight among younger consumers. The Outdoor Style look has transformed from something perceived as dated into a symbol of personality and cool. The retro dual-window design of the GARMIN Descent G1 series is clearly aimed at the outdoor-enthusiast crowd who love that aesthetic.
From left to right: GARMIN Descent G1 Solar in Hurricane Blue and Graphite, and GARMIN Descent G1 in Reef and Slate. (Official website screenshot)
Like the other Descent Mk series models, the Descent G1 series has earned the U.S. military MIL-STD 810 certification — a standard that covers a wide range of rigorous tests including extreme pressure, temperature, shock, vibration, rain, humidity, salt fog, dust, and fungus. This certification further attests to the overall reliability of the GARMIN Descent series. Both Descent G1 models feature sapphire crystal lenses, providing an even higher level of overall protection.
GARMIN Descent G1 Solar Highlight #2: Inheriting GARMIN's Multi-Sport Mode Legacy
As a professional dive computer, core diving functions are a given. Like other Descent Mk dive computers, the GARMIN Descent G1 series offers 6 dive modes, including single-gas (air/nitrox) and multi-gas modes (using one base gas plus up to 11 decompression or backup gases). In scuba mode, you can also customize your conservatism settings (for a related article, see: A Simple Guide to Three Key Dive Computer Readings: GF Values, PO2 Settings, and Tissues 1–16). Beyond scuba diving, freediving is also included among the more than 30 built-in sport activities — making it a highly recommended smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts who want to track their performance data with a wearable device.
Pair the GARMIN Descent G1 series with your smartphone and you can check local tidal conditions at any time to prepare for your next dive.
Speaking of the many built-in apps on the GARMIN Descent G1 series, what divers care about most is real-time access to ocean conditions. In the past, checking weather and tidal data meant pulling up the Central Weather Bureau or apps like Windy on your phone or computer before a dive. With the Descent G1 series, you can connect to your smartphone and pull up local tidal information (high and low tide times for the day), as well as wave height and wind direction — all highly practical data for divers.
As mentioned earlier, the GARMIN Descent G1 series features a retro dual-window design. That small, circular sub-display in the upper right provides additional display options when viewing sport modes and data, giving you a clearer, at-a-glance view of metrics for every activity.
The retro dual-window design makes data readouts more intuitive. (Official website screenshot)
GARMIN Descent G1 Solar Highlight #3: Feeling Worn Out? Let Your Watch Help You Tune Your Body and Mind.
As a global leader in wearables, GARMIN wants people not only to love sport, but also to take care of their everyday wellbeing — a very real need for modern urban dwellers. The Descent series' built-in heart rate monitor lets you track your heart rate during both daily activities and workouts. On top of that, the GARMIN Descent G1 series can record and score your sleep, giving you insight into your performance across the three major sleep stages — deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep — so you can work on improving your sleep quality.
The GARMIN Descent G1 series has up to 30 common sport tracking apps built right in.
For urban professionals who spend long hours at a desk or rushing between meetings, even staying hydrated can become something that needs a reminder. The GARMIN Descent G1 series helps you log your fluid intake and can even estimate how much fluid you may have lost after each workout as a guide for rehydration. For female users, the Descent G1 series also offers menstrual cycle tracking, along with metrics like Body Battery energy levels and intensity minutes — all to give you a deeper understanding of your own body. Technology, after all, is rooted in human needs.
Of course, when using a GARMIN Descent series dive computer, the most important ecosystem is the suite of deeply integrated GARMIN apps (Garmin Dive / Garmin Connect / Garmin Connect IQ). Beyond accessing all your personalized sport data at a glance, you can customize watch faces, set your personal body metrics, and create training plans. So when you get your GARMIN Descent G1 series watch, don't forget to use the simple, intuitive interface to quickly pair your watch with the GARMIN apps!
Don't forget to download the GARMIN Dive and Garmin Connect apps to pair with your smartphone.
Once connected, you can view each dive log entry and its detailed information.
Who Is the GARMIN Descent G1 Series For? The Top Pick for Beginners + A Stylish Statement Piece
Looking at the Descent G1 series' design and hardware specs, GARMIN has significantly brought the price point down to between NT$16,000 and NT$19,000 — considerably more accessible compared to the previous Descent Mk series, which routinely commanded NT$30,000 to NT$40,000. GARMIN is clearly targeting consumers under 35 who are active across multiple sports and mindful of their fitness. Whether the watch wins over buyers will ultimately come down to individual preference.
The dive computer market has exploded in recent years, with countless brands pulling out all the stops to claim their share of the wearable dive tech space. But backed by GARMIN's brand equity, widespread service network, and an extensive suite of built-in sport features, the Descent G1 series is sure to win over plenty of trend-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
Support for 30+ sports combined with a relatively accessible price point gives consumers more choices than ever.
GARMIN Descent Series Dive Computer Comparison
The GARMIN Descent G1 series also supports GARMIN PAY, allowing you to complete credit card and transit card payments via NFC — though the supported transit card has changed from iPASS to EasyCard. Additionally, there are differences from the previous Descent Mk series in terms of built-in maps and onboard music storage capacity, so be sure to pay close attention to these details when making your choice. And if you want to enjoy the convenience of SubWave sonar technology integrated with the Descent T1 pressure transmitter, then the Descent Mk2i is the only way to go — no question about it.
At the 2022 DRT SHOW TAIWAN, GARMIN proudly displayed all of its Descent series dive computers. We placed the Descent Mk2i, Mk2S, and G1 Solar side by side to compare their sizes and case materials, and we've included an official spec comparison chart to make it easier for you to find the right GARMIN Descent dive computer for your needs.
The Descent G1 on the far left is similar in size to the Descent Mk2s, but noticeably smaller and about 30g lighter than the Descent Mk2i on the far right.
GARMIN Descent series dive computer comparison chart (please refer to official published specifications for the most accurate information).
Further Reading:
- A Simple Guide to Three Key Dive Computer Readings: GF Values, PO2 Settings, and Tissues 1–16
- The World's Most Powerful Dive Computer Evolves — When Diving Is More Than Just a Sport: Garmin Descent Mk2 Series
- 【What's This Gear?】GARMIN Descent Mk2 Series vs. Mk1 Underwater UI Unboxing
- The World's Most Powerful, Feature-Packed Dive Computer – Garmin Descent Mk1
- GARMIN Dive Science
