The World's Most Powerful Dive Computer, Evolved — When Diving Is More Than Just a Sport: Garmin Descent Mk2 Series

Back in 2018, the Editor had the honour of joining the Garmin Descent Mk1 club, and quickly came to appreciate how it packed a wide range of outdoor sports features into a single device — taking it hiking, diving, running, and everything in between. As activity data accumulated in Garmin Connect, a steady workout habit gradually took hold. On top of that, the dive log feature lets the Editor vividly relive every highlight from an early-2019 Maldives dive trip — proof that technology truly serves humanity.

2020 was a year of misfortune for just about everyone, but a mildly exciting piece of news finally arrived toward year-end: the Garmin Descent Mk2 series was about to launch (along with the Garmin Descent T1 transmitter, coming soon). Naturally, the Editor is here to be first in line and share exactly what kind of cutting-edge technology Garmin has packed into this compact little watch.

The Case — Prestige Might As Well Be Its Middle Name

Alongside the Garmin Descent Mk2, Garmin also unveiled the Descent Mk2i, which adds Garmin's proprietary SubWave sonar technology. The key differences between the two models lie in the watch face, the standard strap, and whether they can connect to the Descent T1. Both models feature a 1.4-inch premium display that remains clearly visible in direct sunlight, and the screen is a full 36% larger than the Descent Mk1.

• Garmin Descent Mk2: black silicone strap, stainless steel bezel
• Garmin Descent Mk2i: black silicone strap, titanium bezel, SubWave sonar support, compatible with the Descent T1 transmitter

The Editor's golden rule of diving is: your skills can lag behind others, but your gear must never look shabby! The Garmin Descent Mk2 series carries on the first generation's sharp design language, and the case design this time around is equally on point — every detail puts the owner's taste (and budget) on full display.

Evolution One: Only the Strong Can Surpass Themselves — Hardware Efficiency Upgraded

The Garmin Descent Mk2 series brings several notable hardware improvements. Here are the highlights that make the biggest real-world difference.

• Haptic buttons: Press a button and the watch responds with tactile vibration feedback — a uniquely satisfying user experience.
• Enhanced battery life: Up to 80 hours in dive mode, or 32 hours when using the Descent Mk2i paired with the Descent T1 transmitter. In everyday smartwatch mode, battery life extends to approximately 16 days between charges.
• GPS and ABC sensors: Navigation is Garmin's forte — the Descent Mk2 series integrates GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO satellite positioning for fast, accurate, and reliable location tracking.
• PULSE OX pulse oximetry: Usable for everyday health monitoring, high-altitude acclimatisation, sleep tracking, and more.

Evolution Two: Only the Strong Can Surpass Themselves — Software Upgrades Make It More Than Just a Watch

Beyond the larger display, the Garmin Descent Mk2 series also brings a refined interface. Scrolling with the up and down buttons now surfaces far more information on screen than the first generation, and even the transition animations between screens show the care Garmin has put into the details.

On top of the interface refinements, the Garmin Descent Mk2 series adds two features that athletes have been calling for: a built-in EasyCard and music playback. Many smartwatches today support NFC payments via EasyCard, allowing small purchases at the MRT, on buses, and at convenience stores. While regulations currently prevent linking a credit card for automatic top-ups, it's still a handy option for runners who'd rather leave their wallet at home.

Most of us have been there: you want music while cycling or running, but carrying your phone — whether in a bag or a pocket — is awkward and annoying. With the Garmin Descent Mk2 series, you can link your Spotify or KKBOX account, download your playlists directly to the watch, grab a pair of Bluetooth earbuds, and leave your phone behind entirely. Speaking of Bluetooth earbuds: Garmin's website lists tested and compatible models, and the Editor recommends checking it before you buy — testing has shown that some off-brand earbuds fail to connect properly or can't have their volume controlled. (Official Bluetooth earphone compatibility list)

Evolution Three: Only the Strong Can Surpass Themselves — SubWave Sonar Technology, Monitor Up to 5 Tank Pressures, with a Range of Up to 10 Metres

Please note: the ultimate features described below are exclusive to the Garmin Descent Mk2i.

Most dive computers with tank pressure transmitter support — such as Suunto models — can only pair with a single transmitter, meaning you can only monitor your own scuba tank / cylinder pressure. The few computers capable of monitoring multiple tanks tend to sacrifice functionality or aesthetics. The Garmin Descent Mk2i's SubWave sonar technology changes the game: it can pair with up to 5 Descent T1 transmitters simultaneously and monitor pressure gauge (SPG) readings within a range of up to 10 metres. Even if you move out of range and return, the watch reconnects automatically. In practical terms, this means a single instructor can monitor the tank pressure of up to 4 students at once — a major leap forward for classroom and guided dive safety.

With a transmitter, you can also read your SAC (Surface Air Consumption) and ATR (Air Time Remaining) values directly and intuitively from your wrist. Both metrics are critically important for technical scuba diving, and we may take some time in the future to explore them in more depth.

While a backup pressure gauge (SPG) is still recommended even when using a transmitter, this setup is a genuine game-changer for underwater photographers. When you're locked in on a macro subject, it's easy to lose track of your tank pressure — a transmitter-equipped dive computer lets you stay on top of it without breaking your concentration. It also means you can keep tabs on your dive buddy's air at a glance, and it eliminates the heartbreak of spotting a large animal, fumbling for your SPG to check your air, and looking up just in time to watch it disappear.

Underwater Display

The Garmin Descent Mk2 series' display is 36% larger than the first generation, and it reads very clearly underwater. That said, remember to head into the settings and adjust the backlight brightness — the Editor always sets it to 100% in dive mode so that reading data during a dive requires no effort at all.

The double-tap screen interface toggle returns in this iteration, which is a welcome feature for divers who wear gloves and want to avoid fumbling with the buttons.

In 2020, Garmin also simultaneously launched a dedicated diving app — Garmin Dive. In addition to the existing dive log upload functionality, the new app lets you share dive site information with divers around the world. It's also a great research tool when planning future dive trips.

• Apple iOS version
• Google Android version

Should You Buy the Garmin Descent Mk2 or Descent Mk2i?

Garmin products are consistently positioned at the premium end of the market — and for good reason. The exquisite build quality, user-experience focus, and thoughtful software and interface design absolutely justify the price. The Garmin Descent Mk2 series also integrates more than 30 sports and health monitoring functions, which is one of Garmin's biggest selling points as a brand. If you're an outdoor or multi-sport enthusiast, the Garmin Descent Mk2 series should be your first choice without question. If you dive exclusively and nothing else, there may be more cost-effective options on the market. But if what you're after is the prestige, high-end craftsmanship, and fashionable style that Garmin products embody, a Garmin Descent Mk2 series watch is a purchase you won't regret.

Note: The Garmin Descent T1 transmitter is coming soon.

【Bonus Feature】 A Firmware Update Breathes New Life into the Garmin Descent Mk1!

If you already own a Descent Mk1 and aren't quite ready to upgrade to the Mk2 series for whatever reason, don't forget to visit Garmin's website and download the latest firmware update via a computer connection. In addition to interface improvements and stability optimisations, updates sometimes include refreshed map data as well. You've already invested in a high-value, all-around sports watch — make sure you're getting the most out of it.

Garmin EXPRESS download page

How to update:

• Download and install Garmin Express
• Connect your Garmin device to your computer using the charging/data cable
• Open Garmin Express; on first use, click "Add a Device" and follow the on-screen instructions
• Garmin Express will list all available updates — click "Install" or "Install All" and follow the prompts
• Wait until the program confirms you have the latest version