While Garmin has been known to be the king of fitness when it comes to multisport models like the Fenix and the Forerunner, it seems it's time to tone it down with the bulk and bring on the bling (said for dramatic effect. Don’t worry, it’s the subdued kind). The new Garmin Marq was already a joy to the eyes, but the second-gen model has amped up the finesse to the next level. With premium materials promising to survive the elements, the uprated display tech will be even more glorious than its predecessors.
The collection brings 5 watches namely– the Athlete, Adventurer, Golfer, Captain and Aviator models, each with 46mm (a pretty obvious presence on your wrist). The Golfer is an all-new addition, replacing the Driver model that topped the original Marq range.
Each watch has a blend of grade-5 titanium and uses scratch-resistant domed sapphire glass to protect the face (because that’s the moneymaker of course). The designs have subtle variations on Garmin’s rugged theme, with bespoke straps, bezels and finishes setting them apart. A bezel guard on the action button also prevents those frustrating accidental presses.
Unlike the OG models that used reflective LCD display tech, the second generation has high-quality AMOLED panels. They’re brighter, much more colourful and a whole lot sharper, with interesting watch faces for each model to show you the relevant info, like a regatta timer for the Captain and wind speed for the Aviator.
Feature-wise everything of the past has returned with the inclusion of extensive fitness tracking via an optical heart rate sensor, contactless payments and smartwatch notifications. What has been added is a jet lag advisor, which suggests how to adjust your sleep schedule while in another time zone (perfect for the travel bug) and support for both multi-band GNSS tracking and multi-frequency GPS.
All these features are no match for the improved battery life that gives you up to 42 hours with constant GPS tracking, or about six days away from the mains in smartwatch mode. While battery capacity has increased, the charger size has seen a decrease and clips on magnetically, this time around.
The Garmin Marq second-gen is likely to be available towards the end of October, but you’ll definitely have to be a golfing businessman to afford this one, with prices starting at £1600 (₹1.4 lakh approx) for the Athlete going all the way to £2100 (₹2 lakh approx.) for the Aviator.