Garmin Descent Mk3 series

A whole package of innovations in the new Garmin smartwatch

Within the Descent series, Garmin has created a range of sports watches aimed primarily at divers and water sports enthusiasts. The current MK2 and MK2i models saw the light of day in 2020 and were joined shortly afterwards by a smaller version, the Descent MK2s. The Descent Mk3 was unveiled yesterday.

Similar to the previous generation, the new Garmin Descent Mk3 series consists of the standard Descent Mk3 and the Descent Mk3i, with the latter being the one that supports air integration with the updated T2 accessory. While the standard Descent Mk3 is available in a 43mm format, the Garmin Descent Mk3i is offered in both 43mm and 51mm case sizes, with a choice of either a carbon grey or bronze titanium bezel for the 43mm variant, or a carbon grey DLC titanium bezel for the larger 51mm version.

Anyone opting for the 51mm model will also receive a built-in LED torch with strobe settings and the option of a matching DLC-coated titanium bracelet instead of the standard silicone rubber strap from the Garmin Descent series.

A really nice new feature is the QuickFit wristbands for easy changing of wristbands or attachment with bungees.

Various new features for Mk3I

The housings of the new Garmin Descent Mk3 dive computers are equipped with particularly bright AMOLED touchscreens, which are protected by scratch-resistant sapphire lenses and DLC-coated titanium bezels. In addition, the new models in the Descent Mk3 series have special metal buttons that are still fully functional and sealed against the ingress of moisture even at a maximum water depth of 200 metres. This increased water resistance is double that of the previous Descent Mk2 series.

The integrated dive applications include modes for all types of diving, from freediving to technical diving with mixed gases (including nitrox and trimix) and even settings for use with a closed circuit rebreather. In addition, despite its bright AMOLED colour touchscreen, the Descent Mk3 offers a battery life of up to 48 hours when in dive mode.

SubWave sonar technology

Another key difference between the standard Garmin Descent Mk3 and Descent Mk3i dive computers is that the more advanced Descent Mk3i models are equipped with SubWave sonar technology, which enables diver-to-diver messaging and tank pressure monitoring through Diver Assistance, which will be added to Garmin Descent Mk3i watches as part of an upcoming update (in 2024).

The SubWave technology used in the new Descent Mk3i and Descent T2 transceiver devices works with other connected divers at a distance of up to 30 metres. It not only enables the exchange of pre-set messages, but is also ideal for divemasters who need to keep an eye on several other divers for safety reasons. The functions that will be made available here with the update in 2024 are Display of dive depth, distance and tank pressure of up to 8 dive buddies.

Customisable displays and sensors

As with other modern smartwatches from Garmin, the displays on the new Descent Mk3 series are customisable by the user, and the DiveView maps provide a topographical representation of the seabed for more than 4,000 pre-installed dive sites to make it easier to find specific locations such as shipwrecks.

Integrated sensors include an altimeter, barometer, compass and even an underwater compass. The satellite-based surface GPS helps the diver to track the entry and exit points for their dives and also enables the Descent's various other modes, which are designed for sports such as running or cycling. In addition, the Variometer tool allows freedivers to monitor their ascent and descent rates using sound and vibration feedback. After completing a dive, users can track data, make notes and share details via the Garmin Dive smartphone application with the integrated dive log.

What else is in the Mk3 series?

The "Dive Readiness" is based on wellness and health data measured around the clock and gives you an assessment of potential risk factors for decompression sickness (DCS). This includes health metrics that impact decision-making, cognitive ability and composure. In addition, the influence of environmental factors is taken into account.

The individual exertion level during the dive can be tracked via the optical heart rate sensor on the wrist. Alternatively, you can use a chest strap and load the heart rate data into the Garmin Dive app for further analysis after the dive.

Preset or user-defined gradient factors can be used to adjust the desired conservatism. The conservatism can be adapted to your own physiology, diving conditions and dive profile to optimise your own safety.

In addition to the usual no-fly display, there are now also activity and altitude alarms: after a dive, the dive computer indicates physical exertion that is too early or issues warnings if you go to too high an altitude - think of mountain roads for the journey home from the dive site, for example.

Prices and scope of delivery

010-02752-14 DESCENT Mk3i Black/Titanium €1,849.99
010-02752-11 DESCENT Mk3i Black € 1,649.99
010-02753-11 DESCENT Mk3Si Black € 1,449.99
010-02753-14 DESCENT Mk3Si Gold/French Grey € 1,449.99
010-02753-04 DESCENT Mk3S Silver/Fog Grey 1.249,99 €

Scope of delivery:
DESCENT Mk3
Extra long adjustment strap
USB charging cable (type C)
documentation
Titanium version with additional 26 silicone wristband

More information:
Smarte Tauchcomputer | Garmin