Garmin announced the Descent Mk3 series and Descent G1 Solar–Ocean Edition on November 14, 2023, so these are not new 2026 releases. The choice is between the more affordable, solar-powered G1 and the premium AMOLED Mk3: the Mk3i adds air integration when paired with a separate Descent T2 transmitter.
What Garmin announced—and what the launch prices were
The announcement covered two distinct watch-style dive-computer lines, plus the Descent T2 transmitter for air integration. The prices below are original U.S. launch MSRPs, not verified current prices. Garmin’s announcements described the products as available at launch.
| Model | Key distinction | U.S. launch MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Descent G1 Solar–Ocean Edition | Monochrome display, solar charging, selected recycled ocean-bound-plastic components | $699.99 |
| Descent Mk3, 43 mm | AMOLED display; no air integration | $1,199.99 |
| Descent Mk3i, 43 mm | AMOLED display; air integration with a compatible T2 | $1,399.99 |
| Descent Mk3i, 51 mm | Larger AMOLED model; air integration with a compatible T2 | $1,599.99 with silicone band; $1,799.99 with DLC titanium band |
| Descent T2 transmitter | Accessory for Mk3i tank-pressure monitoring and related SubWave features | $499.99 |
Sources: Garmin’s G1 Solar–Ocean Edition announcement and Garmin’s Mk3-series announcement.
How the G1 Solar–Ocean Edition, Mk3 and Mk3i compare
| Feature | G1 Solar–Ocean Edition | Mk3 | Mk3i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Monochrome | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Case size | 45 mm | 43 mm | 43 mm or 51 mm |
| Dive rating | 100 m / 10 ATM | 200 m | 200 m |
| Solar charging | Yes | No solar version identified in Garmin’s launch announcement | No solar version identified in Garmin’s launch announcement |
| Air integration | No | No | Yes, with a compatible Descent T2 transmitter |
| Dive modes | Single- and multiple-gas, nitrox, trimix, gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather | Advanced dive-mode family, including gas, gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather modes | Advanced dive-mode family, plus air-integration features |
| Dive maps | Not highlighted as a G1 feature in the announcement | DiveView maps with more than 4,000 preloaded dive sites | DiveView maps with more than 4,000 preloaded dive sites |
| Manufacturer dive-mode battery estimate | Up to 25 hours | Up to 30 hours for 43 mm | Up to 15 hours for 43 mm with air integration; up to 40 hours for 51 mm with air integration |
| Manufacturer smartwatch-mode battery estimate | Up to 124 days with solar charging under Garmin’s stated light-exposure conditions | Up to 10 days for 43 mm with wrist gesture; up to 4 days with always-on display | Up to 25 days for 51 mm with wrist gesture; up to 10 days with always-on display |
Battery figures are Garmin estimates, not guaranteed runtimes. They vary with display settings, sensors, GPS, notifications and connected accessories. The G1’s 124-day estimate assumes all-day wear and about three hours per day outdoors in 50,000-lux conditions; solar charging does not mean it never needs charging. Mk3 figures vary by display mode, and the Mk3i estimates fall when air integration is active. The Mk3-series figures are from Garmin’s Mk3 Series owner’s manual.
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#1 Best Overall
- Advanced, watch-style dive computer, sized for smaller wrists, features a stunning 1.2” AMOLED display, scratch-resistant sapphire lens and 43 mm stainless steel bezel
- Dive-first design with 200-meter dive-rated case includes metal leakproof inductive buttons and multiple dive modes for recreational to technical scuba diving and freediving
- A dive readiness tool, developed by Garmin, shows how lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, stress and jet lag can affect your body’s overall preparedness for diving — offering guidance that can help you make better-informed dive plan decisions (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- DiveView maps offer bathymetric depth contours and more than 4,000 dive sites to help you find where to dive and get oriented
- Multi-band GPS technology enhances positional accuracy while you’re out on the water, and built- in ABC sensors — including an underwater compass — help navigate every part of your dive from entry to exit (GPS tracking does not work underwater)
What the Mk3 series adds
The Mk3 line pairs a bright AMOLED screen with a 200-meter dive rating. Garmin describes metal leakproof buttons designed to remain operational at depth. The 43 mm case is available as the Mk3 or Mk3i; the larger 51 mm option is an Mk3i. A 200-meter rating describes the device, not a recommended diving depth.
Dive tools and maps
The Mk3 series supports single- and multi-gas diving, including nitrox and trimix, as well as gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather modes. It also has a built-in dive compass and surface GPS for marking entry and exit points. DiveView maps show bathymetric depth contours and include more than 4,000 preloaded dive sites; that information can help divers examine underwater terrain and locate features such as wrecks.
Rank #2
- IN THE BOX: 1x Garmin Descent Mk3i 51 mm Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with DLC Titanium Band, 1x black silicone band, 1x black extra long adjustment strap, 1x Descent T2 transceiver, 1x USB-C to clip, 1x charging/data cable, 1x Wearable4U Power Bank, 1x USB C-type adapter
- Advanced, watch-style dive computer features a stunning 1.4” AMOLED display, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, 51 mm titanium bezel and optional titanium bracelet
- Dive-first design with 200-meter dive-rated case includes metal leakproof inductive buttons and multiple dive modes for recreational to technical scuba diving and freediving
- Enhanced SubWave sonar technology provides the ability to exchange preset diver-to-diver messages up to 30 meters (available with software v.15.70 or later) as well as monitor tank pressures and depth for up to eight divers, within a range of 10 meters when paired with the Descent T2 transceiver for group dive support
- Built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes gives you greater visibility in low- light conditions — above or below water — and provides a bright, steady beam in either red or white light
Logging and smartwatch functions
Divers can log dives, track gear and add notes, then synchronize logs with the Garmin Dive app. Other features include notifications, Garmin Pay, downloadable music, sports profiles, health tracking, incident detection and assistance. Some functions depend on a compatible smartphone or other paired equipment, so the watch’s dive functions should not be confused with phone-connected services.
What “Mk3i” means: air integration requires a T2
The “i” marks the air-integrated model. An Mk3i can monitor tank pressure when paired with a compatible Descent T2 transmitter; the watch alone does not provide tank-pressure readings. Garmin’s SubWave system also supports diver-to-diver messaging and Diver Assistance features with compatible equipment. Garmin’s product guidance describes support for monitoring up to eight tank pressures with the relevant SubWave setup.
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Rank #3
- Advanced, watch-style dive computer, sized for smaller wrists, features a stunning 1.2” AMOLED display, scratch-resistant sapphire lens and 43 mm stainless steel bezel
- Dive-first design with 200-meter dive-rated case includes metal leakproof inductive buttons and multiple dive modes for recreational to technical scuba diving and freediving
- Enhanced SubWave sonar technology provides the ability to exchange preset diver-to-diver messages up to 30 meters (available with software v.15.70 or later) as well as monitor tank pressures and depth for up to eight divers within a range of 10 meters, when paired with the Descent T2 transceiver (sold separately) for group dive support
- A dive readiness tool, developed by Garmin, shows how lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, stress and jet lag can affect your body’s overall preparedness for diving — offering guidance that can help you make better-informed dive plan decisions (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Multi-band GPS technology provides superior positional accuracy while you’re out on the water, and built-in ABC sensors — including an underwater compass — help navigate every part of your dive from entry to exit (GPS tracking does not work underwater)
The transmitter is a separate purchase unless included in a bundle. When comparing prices, include the cost of the T2 units you need, not just the Mk3i watch. Messaging and Diver Assistance require compatible receivers, the same software version and line of sight; Garmin says transmission may take up to 45 seconds. Treat these features as communications aids, not a substitute for training, dive plans, buddy procedures or emergency equipment.
What is different about the G1 Solar–Ocean Edition?
The G1 Solar–Ocean Edition is a 45 mm reinforced-polymer watch with a sapphire lens, monochrome display, solar charging and a 100-meter/10 ATM dive rating. Garmin lists a U.S. military 810 testing claim for thermal, shock and water resistance, up to 25 hours in dive mode, storage for up to 200 dives, more than 30 sports apps, a 3-axis dive compass and Garmin Dive app compatibility.
Rank #4
- Rugged, watch-style dive computer with a 1.2” AMOLED display, sapphire lens and leakproof buttons — plus a 10 ATM dive rating
- Support for all types of diving, including recreational, advanced, technical, freediving and pool apnea
- 100% of the plastic used to make the watch’s housing, bezel and buttons comes from recycled ocean-bound plastics
- Multi-GNSS support allows divers to mark surface entry and exit points so you can see exactly where you started and ended the dive
- Track your activities with built-in sports apps and advanced training features such as VO2 max, so you can see how your body is adapting to training (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
The recycled-material claim applies to selected parts
Garmin says the housing, bezel and buttons use recycled ocean-bound plastic. The company defines ocean-bound plastic as plastic waste found within 50 km of an ocean coastline, including rivers, where no municipal or alternative diversion pathway is available within 100 km. Garmin says the molded resin in those parts contains 48% ocean-bound plastic, 50% glass fiber and 2% additives. The claim does not mean the entire watch is made from recycled material: the silicone band and other components are not covered, and the optical heart-rate sensor lens uses a different material for optical clarity.
Garmin says the recycled material does not change the G1’s dive rating and that the Ocean Edition launched at the same price as the standard G1 Solar. The company describes the standard G1 Solar and Ocean Edition as functionally identical apart from the materials used for the housing, bezel and buttons. See Garmin’s explanation of the Ocean Edition materials and differences.
Best Value
- Advanced, watch-style dive computer with a sunlight-readable 1.2” color display in a small, elegant design that you can customize with your QuickFit bands
- Battery life: up to 30 hours in dive mode, 7 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS mode with music
- Surface GPS for estimated entry and exit points and so you know where you are above water
- Enhanced estimated wrist-based heart rate and Pulse Ox (not a medical device and not intended for diagnosis or monitoring of medical conditions) sensing of blood oxygen saturation for advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation at high elevations
- Built-in support for multiple sports apps, advanced training features, Garmin Pay payment service (not all countries and payment networks are eligible), music storage with streaming service support (subscription may be required) and more
Which Garmin dive watch fits your diving?
Choose the G1 Solar–Ocean Edition for endurance and value
- You value long battery life, a lightweight polymer build and a lower launch price more than a color AMOLED screen.
- You do not need tank-pressure monitoring or Mk3 DiveView maps.
- Your diving fits its supported recreational, technical or freediving modes.
- You want the Ocean Edition’s selected recycled-material components and understand that the claim does not cover the whole watch.
Choose the 43 mm Mk3 for premium features without air integration
- You want AMOLED, DiveView maps and the Mk3 feature set in a smaller case.
- You do not need tank-pressure monitoring or SubWave functions.
- You are willing to pay a $1,199.99 U.S. launch MSRP rather than the G1 Ocean Edition’s $699.99 launch MSRP.
Choose the Mk3i if you will use air integration
- You want tank-pressure data and plan to buy a compatible T2 transmitter.
- Your dive partner or team can use compatible SubWave equipment, and the communication limits suit your needs.
- You want the larger 51 mm screen and greater manufacturer battery estimates, accepting the bulk and higher launch price.
Account for size and battery trade-offs
The 51 mm Mk3i offers more display area and higher stated battery estimates than the 43 mm version, but its size may not suit smaller wrists, wetsuit cuffs or divers who dislike bulky watches. The 43 mm model is more compact, with shorter battery estimates—especially when air integration is active. The G1’s monochrome screen and solar charging suit different priorities from the Mk3’s color display; their maximum battery claims use different modes and conditions, so they are not direct like-for-like measures.
Before relying on connected dive features
- Use the Garmin Dive app for dive-log synchronization; Garmin lists the G1, G1 Solar, G1 Solar–Ocean Edition, Mk3 and Mk3i as compatible devices.
- Check whether a feature requires a compatible smartphone, a T2 transmitter, or other compatible receivers; not every feature works from the watch alone.
- Use a dive-rated Garmin product for diving. Garmin warns that using a non-dive-rated product may void the warranty.
- Do not treat a watch rating, messaging function or Diver Assistance feature as a diving-depth recommendation or a replacement for standard safety practices.
See Garmin’s Garmin Dive compatibility and dive-rating guidance and its Mk3 launch notes on SubWave messaging and Diver Assistance.
Checking current availability and price
The figures in this article are launch MSRPs; they are not confirmed August 2026 checkout prices. Prices, stock, bundles, delivery, warranty and returns can change. Check Garmin’s U.S. pages before buying: G1 Solar–Ocean Edition, Mk3, Mk3i 43 mm and Mk3i 51 mm.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
