Garmin has updated its MARQ luxury range with six titanium tool watches, each getting a larger AMOLED screen and built-in inReach connectivity, with prices starting at US$2,500.
How many features can a luxury tool watch carry before it becomes a wrist-mounted computer? Garmin seems happy to push that line. The company has announced the third generation of its MARQ collection, which includes six premium watches built for specific activities on land, at sea and in the air.
The range includes the Adventurer, Athlete, Aviator, Commander, Diver and Golfer. Each has its own bezel and strap or bracelet, plus an exclusive set of watch faces that owners can customise. The watches are on sale now, with suggested prices starting at US$2,500.
Titanium, Sapphire and a Bigger Screen
All six models use a Grade-5 titanium case and a sapphire lens, so they are tough without being heavy. The bezels are ceramic, and each model gets its own inlaid design.
The screen is now a 1.4-inch borderless AMOLED panel, the largest on any MARQ so far. Some watch faces borrow from well-known designs such as the World Timer, Panda and Flieger. It’s a nice nod to traditional watchmaking, even though the hands here are pixels. Garmin quotes battery life of up to 18 days in smartwatch mode.
Maps, Messaging and Health Tracking
Every model gets worldwide preloaded maps and address search. Built-in inReach connectivity lets owners send messages on the move. There are caveats, though. It needs an active plan, LTE coverage varies by region, and Garmin admits the satellite and SOS functions are more limited than on its dedicated inReach devices.
A speaker, microphone and LED torch are built in. On the health side, a new ECG app can detect signs of atrial fibrillation. It only works in some regions and is approved only for adults aged 22 and over. Morning and evening reports cover recovery, sleep needs and the next day’s plans.
Six Watches, Six Specialities
- Adventurer: Italian leather strap, leakproof buttons, a compass bezel and ClimbPro, which shows climb data without needing a planned route.
- Athlete: silicone strap, a VO2 max bezel, stamina metrics and a running economy measurement.
- Aviator: padded calfskin bracelet, a dedicated UTC hand, flight mapping and aviation weather.
- Commander: camouflage woven band, night vision compatibility, a stealth mode and an Applied Ballistics solver.
- Diver: the newest name in the line-up, rated for scuba, apnoea and snorkelling to 40 metres, with autopilot control and tack assist for sailors.
- Golfer: an 18-hole bezel, more than 43,000 preloaded courses and Virtual Caddie. Green contour data needs a Garmin Golf membership.
Luxury Money, Smartwatch Realities
The MARQ has always asked buyers for luxury-watch money for something that still needs a charger and software updates. This generation doesn’t change that. Instead, it adds enough capability to make the price easier to justify for people who would really use it.
The Diver is the key addition. With a dedicated underwater model, the collection finally covers all three areas Garmin uses to sell it: land, sea and air.
