The Editor says: After reading our previous unboxing article on the World's Most Powerful, Feature-Packed Dive Computer – Garmin Descent Mk1, quite a few of you have probably already taken the plunge and bought one. But the Garmin Descent Mk1 has a number of hidden features that truly need to be put to use before it can rightfully be called a smartwatch — and before you can get the absolute most out of your investment. Garmin Product Page
Garmin Descent Mk1 Band Styles — Express Your Personality:
Garmin has released a full lineup of interchangeable bands for the Descent Mk1, including sporty multi-color silicone straps and a more upscale titanium band. That means even when you're not in the water, you can match the watch to your outfit. If a dive computer can be worn every single day, the value-for-money proposition becomes seriously compelling.
On top of that, the patented QuickFit® quick-release band system lets you swap straps in seconds without any tools — a genuine first in the dive watch world!
The Editor picked up the titanium band along with two silicone bands
The titanium band pairs perfectly with formal office attire, and switching to an analog watch face means you're also ready for a night dive straight after work
The colorful silicone band is perfect for casual everyday looks
Switch to a digital watch face to display all kinds of activity data at a glance
Sports tracking is Garmin's forte — it would be a real shame not to take advantage of all those activity features
Basic Feature Setup:
If you haven't fully gotten to grips with the Descent Mk1's basic settings yet — and that manual isn't exactly the easiest read — check out the official tutorial videos below.
Descent Mk1: Gauge Dive Mode
Descent Mk1: Multi-Gas Dive Mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi2BKl_J3iU
Descent Mk1: Single Gas Dive Mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bGDFY-LyXI
Custom Watch Faces:
As a smartwatch, customizable watch faces are a given. Simply use the Connect app to set up your watch face and stand out from the crowd!
Step 1: Open the Connect app and confirm your watch is connected via Bluetooth > Tap the watch icon at the top
Step 2: Go to Activity & App Management > Watch Faces > Select an installed watch face
Step 3: Tap Settings to enter the configuration screen
Step 4: From the settings screen, you can adjust a range of parameters including colors, date display, and data fields. Once you're done, tap Save and wait for your phone and watch to sync automatically — your custom watch face will be ready to go. Some watch faces even support moon phase display, so you can check whether it's high or low tide at a glance (the circle in the upper-right corner of the watch face above indicates a full tide today) — super handy for planning your dive trips!
Download the Tides App:
With the Garmin Descent Mk1 on your wrist, not being able to check tides on the watch feels like missing the final piece of the puzzle. When you're resting on the shore, you naturally want to know the current conditions and tidal state for your next dive. This is especially true at dive sites like those along the Northeast Coast, where the difference between slack water and peak tidal movement can be dramatic. Being able to check sea conditions in real time is a real game-changer.
To get this working, use the Connect app on your phone.
Step 1: Tap More > Connect IQ Store
Step 2: Log in to your Connect account
Step 3: Search for Tides
Step 4: After syncing, remember to install and add it to your app widgets — you'll then be able to check tidal information anytime!
Download the Weather Widget — Wind & Wave Info on the Go:
The Descent Mk1 also supports an official wind and wave widget. Using GPS to pinpoint your location, it pulls in local wind direction, wind speed, wave height, and a half-day forecast — an incredibly practical tool for dive planning and outdoor adventures.
Step 1: Tap More > Connect IQ Store
Step 2: Log in to your Connect account
Step 3: Search for Wave
Step 4: After syncing, remember to install and add it to your widgets — you'll then be able to check wind and wave conditions anytime!
Join a Group or Connect with Friends:
This is another standout feature. Beyond creating a group for a few dive buddies to share and follow each other's dive logs, you can also launch challenges for everyone to join. For diving clubs and regular dive buddy crews, it's an incredibly useful social layer — it builds camaraderie and brings a whole new community dimension to diving!
Step 1: Tap More > Groups
Step 2: Search for a group and join to see group members and their public activities
Step 1: Tap More > Connections
Step 2: Choose to connect via Facebook or Google — once connected, you'll be able to see friends in your contacts who also use Garmin products
Step 3: Send an invite and wait for your friends to accept — you'll then be able to see their public activities
One word of warning about this feature though: use it carefully, because before you know it, your friends will be constantly giving you grief for sneaking off on dives without inviting them 😄
Now that you've seen all these advanced features and settings for the Garmin Descent Mk1, you're probably itching to try them out. Word has it that Garmin is also quietly developing a mysterious secret weapon — so let's keep our eyes peeled for whatever big announcement they have in store!
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