Have you ever wondered how a smartwatch/diving watch hybrid would look like? No? Well, me neither, but Garmin clearly gave this question some serious thought before the release of its latest watch, the new Garmin Descent Mk2S, the company's smallest watch-style dive computer – ideal for women and those with smaller wrists – "designed for everyday wear and maximum functionality".
Garmin really tries to close the demographic gap between its male and female users. Many – if not all – of Garmin's recent watch releases came in two versions, a larger and a smaller one, like the excellent Garmin Venu 2, or just skipped the large version altogether and only released the watch in a smaller form, like what happened in the case of the Garmin Venu Sq.
A smaller and more fashionable alternative to what’s currently available in the dive computer market, the Mk2S features a 1.2’’ sunlight readable sapphire display, 43mm case and interchangeable QuickFit bands in silicone, leather, metal and nylon.
- Best dive watch: stylish watches to suit any budget
Garmin Descent Mk2S: price and release date
The Garmin Descent Mk2S is available in three colourways – light gold with light sand silicone band, carbon gray DLC with black silicone band and mineral blue with sea foam silicone band – all can be customised with interchangeable QuickFit bands to suit any activity or style.
Available now in Specialist Dive Shops, Premium Watch Shops and on Garmin.com, the Descent Mk2S has a suggested retail price of $999.99/£949.99/AU$1,499. To learn more, visit Garmin today.
Garmin Descent Mk2S: features
The Garmin Descent Mk2S is a full-featured dive computer with support for multiple dive modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox, trimix and 100% O2), gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather. I wish I could tell you what any of this means but I'm sure divers will understand and appreciate these features.
The Mk2S will mark entry and exit points in the water using multi-GNSS satellite support and also includes an underwater 3-axis compass. Divers can view depth, dive time, temperature, NDL/TTS, ascent/descent rates, gas mix, PO2, N2 loading, decompression/safety stop information, time-of-day and more, right on the wrist. I'm not even going to make an attempt in trying to decipher what this means.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The watch is capable of storing dive data for up to 200 dives on the watch or view them all on the companion Garmin Dive app, which apparently automatically provides a detailed analysis of each dive activity including max depth, bottom time and a map of surface entry and exit points. I'm sure people will sync the watch with the Garmin Dive app relatively often so being able to peruse 200 dives on the watch sounds a bit excessive. Nevertheless, it's available, should anyone need it.
Finally – at least in terms of diving features – when paired with a compatible Garmin inReach satellite communicator at the surface, you can send and receive messages quickly from the Descent Mk2S watch and when necessary, trigger an interactive SOS. Divers can keep the device protected by using the inReach Mini Dive Case (sold separately) and "have peace-of-mind whenever they surface".
The Descent Mk2S is also a multisport GPS smartwatch with all-day health monitoring, built-in sports apps and more. Descent Mk2S introduces Garmin’s women’s health features seen in other watches, like the aforementioned Venu 2, including menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking, as well as all-day respiration and advanced sleep monitoring, which estimates light, deep and REM stages of sleep.
You also get all the other smartwatch features you expect from a watch in this price range including smart notifications for calls, texts and calendar alerts, Garmin Pay, music storage etc. The Descent Mk2S has an 'up to' 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in dive mode.
You can find the best Garmin deals here.
Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.
-
DJI Flip leaked images make me think it might be a toy drone in the making
Just remember: this drone folds, but it’s not origami – don’t push your luck
By Matt Kollat Published
-
The folding iPhone is coming in 2026, claims expert
The folding phone market is running out of steam, but Apple could change that in 2026
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Apple Watch Series 10: everything you need to know about Apple’s sleekest, brightest, and most feature-packed wearable yet
The new wearable has a larger display than the Ultra
By Matt Kollat Published
-
GoPro launches affordable Hero action camera with 4K resolution, 100-minute runtime and HyperSmooth stabilisation
The Hero is the perfect companion to help you live out loud
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Aerial hotshots: HoverAir’s X1 PRO and PROMAX drones can lift your filmmaking to new altitudes
Introducing the world's first 8k@30fps drone
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Creepin' in style: Beats and Minecraft team up for a pixeled partnership
Hear the blocks rock with the new Minecraft-themed Solo 4 headphones from Beats
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Ultrahuman outpaces Samsung by adding AFib detection feature to its smart ring
The brand also launches PowerPlugs Store and opens up raw data streams for developers to create better apps
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Strava’s new Family Plan helps you stay fit and frugal with your workout buddies
Sweat together, save together, argue over routes together
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung's toughest wearable yet, packed with sports features
The South Korean tech giant's latest wearable is a real beast
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Ring launches with unmatched features, long battery life and no subscription fees
Samsung's new smart ring makes smartwatches jealous
By Matt Kollat Published