In this article, we’re comparing the Garmin D2 Mach 1 vs Garmin Marq 2 to see who comes out on top. We’ll dig into how the features compare, and look at which base models of Garmin smartwatch each of these pieces is based on.
New Garmin models for 2023
D2 Mach 1
The Garmin D2 Mach 1 is the company’s latest smartwatch for aviation fanatics. The Epix’s already excellent collection of health and fitness functions now includes aviation features (2nd gen).
The Garmin watch has a slew of features for pilots in and out of the cockpit, including weather alerts and an HSI (horizontal situation indicator). The Garmin D2 Mach 1 also features a touch-capable AMOLED display, an integrated heart rate monitor, and support for multiple frequency bands and GNSS systems.
The smartwatch is currently available in the United States, but other regions have yet to get pricing and availability details.
Marq Gen 2
Additionally, Garmin has just unveiled the Garmin Marq Collection, which includes five new smartwatches geared toward certain activities.
In addition to pre-loaded maps and airport details, as well as a Garmin cockpit interface with the Nexrad Weather Radar and other pilot-focused capabilities, the Marq Aviator has the ability to display three different time zones. That’s in addition to a titanium and ceramic construction, as well as a multi-link bracelet strap inspired by aviation.
Over 250 race tracks are pre-loaded on the Marq Driver, as well as software that enables automatic lap splits, a track timer, and automated time tracking of a driver’s lap performance. A red and charcoal grey color scheme is used on this model.
The Marq Captain has software capabilities such as tack help, time to burn, and a virtual starting line, while the face displays tidal information, wind speed, and temperature in nautical colors. This is a sailing simulator.
Comparing the Garmin D2 Mach 1 Vs. Garmin Marq
Price comparison
Now it’s time to pit the Garmin D2 Mach 1 vs Garmin Marq. The Garmin D2 Mach 1 version with an Oxford Brown leather strap costs less than $1,200.
At $1,300, the Vented Titanium Bracelet is the more expensive option. This is a device best suited for serious investors who have a lot of money to put toward an heirloom-quality watch.
Similarly, the Marq’s feature-rich and sporty high-end models are pricey, too, and cost between $1,500 and $2,249.
Design
The Garmin D2 Mach 1 resembles the Garmin Epix in appearance (Gen 2). The sapphire crystal lens, titanium bezel, and exposed screws on the lugs give it an industrial look. Oxford leather straps cost around $100 less than vented titanium straps, yet both look great.
There are also seven customizable data fields on the 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a pointer and 24-hour clock around the bezel. The watch has classic button controls on the side that you may use to browse the controls. Accessing menu options and map functions is a snap thanks to the intuitive new touchscreen interface.
The Marq Athlete has been meticulously constructed to meet the highest standards of aesthetic appeal. Although it’s a bit large (14.1mm thick), this is the kind of watch that’s meant to stand out. Yes, it’s loud, but it’s not as weighty as you might expect for a watch of this size.
It weighs just 94g because of the titanium. This, combined with the watch’s soft silicone band, makes it extremely pleasant to wear for extended periods of time.
Specifications
D2 Mach 1
The D2 Mach 1’s sapphire or titanium-alloy design includes an AMOLED display with a 1.3-inch (416×416 pixel) resolution.
Internal storage on the smartwatch can be used to store music files for offline playback.
This tool lets you visualize MOS predictions for specific airport locations, like temperature trends and wind and dewpoint data. It also shows cloud cover and precipitation probability in a graphical format. Takeoff data can be sent to a flyGarmin.com logbook using the D2 Mach 1’s built-in flight data recorder.
The Garmin D2 Mach 1 has a fuel timer and many aviation alerts, including time, distance, and altitude. These notifications can vibrate.
Before a pilot leaves the airport, he or she can receive weather information on the watch, such as METARs and TAFs.
Upon takeoff, the Garmin D2 Mach 1 can track flights and upload data to flyGarmin.com’s logbook, including the date, duration, and total flight time.
In the event of an emergency, Garmin claims it can provide the optimal glide speed, anticipated glide distance, and glide time. Pilots who want an alert if the weather conditions at their destination airport change or if the crosswind component exceeds a certain level would appreciate this feature most.
This Garmin GPS watch features direct-to-navigation functionality, multi-band frequency, and multi-GNSS compatibility. Pilots can travel directly to a certain airport or waypoint using preloaded worldwide aeronautical information. To begin a direct flight to a nearby airport, select the Nearest option.
In Fly mode, incorporating GPS and Pulse Ox, the Garmin D2 Mach 1 could last up to 24 hours on a single battery. One single charge can last up to 11 days, even with regular wear.
Marq Gen 2
The Marq offers the best of Garmin. You’ll get:
- Quality designs and build
- Maps
- Garmin Pay contactless payment support (load credit cards, etc.)
- Offline music playback/storage, including Spotify support
- A full global database of ski resort runs/maps and golf courses
- SpO2 measurement
- Incident detection and safety alerts
GPS
In addition to GPS, the Marq provides access to GLONASS and Galileo, as well as other worldwide navigation satellite systems.
It also offers different frequencies given by navigation satellites in locations where GNSS signals cannot work adequately. This allows for improved position accuracy in these situations.
The app will also allow you to view your location’s coordinates in two different formats, as well as TopoActive maps, letting you see elevations and terrain contours. Activating Stealth mode prevents the device from saving or broadcasting your GPS location and disables wifi access. In the meantime, the device’s kill switch can erase all user memory. In addition, it can be used with an inReach device to send an SOS signal, turn on tracking, and send pre-programmed messages to your friends and family.
The Marq has GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo built in.
Health tracking
With the watch’s array of sensors, Garmin has added an accelerometer and a gyroscope to the D2. Also included are pulse oximetry (SpO2) and the ability to monitor heart rate and battery life. No health conditions can be diagnosed or monitored using this non-medical equipment.
Using the app, you can keep track of your aerobic exercise, cycling, swimming, and yoga sessions.
Similarly, the Marq offers a lot of the advanced Garmin metrics:
- Wrist-based heart rate monitor
- Resting heart rate
- Abnormally high or low pulse rate
- Rate of respiration
- Oxygen saturation
- Fitness Age
- Body Battery
- Stress monitoring
- Reminders to relax
- Breathing guide
- Sleep tracking
- Hydration tracking
- Menstruation tracking
Battery life
The D2 is essentially a Garmin Epix 2 for aviators. Because of all the additions, the battery life is affected. For example, the Epix 2 has a battery life of 16 days, whereas the aviator version has a battery life of just 11 days (4 days always-on). Up to 42 hours, there is no difference.
The battery life of the Marq Athlete is comparable to that of the the Epix. It has up to 6 days in smartwatch mode with always on display, up to 30 hours of continuous GPS use aand up to nine continuous hours of continuous GPS and music use.
The battery life appears to be accurate based on our experience with the device, although there are some features that might seriously deplete the battery. Garmin warns that some sensors will drain your battery life. Music may also drain the battery quickly, as we discovered with the Forerunner 245 Music.
The Marq’s battery life will be enough if you’re only utilizing the sports tracking capabilities. Just keep in mind that certain elements, such as those we’ve just discussed, may have an effect.
Take a look at our favorite merchants currently selling the Garmin Fenix 7
| Model | Merchant | |
| Garmin Fenix 7X Solar | Amazon | View Offer |
| Garmin Fenix 7 Silver | eBay | View Offer |
| Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire | Best Buy | View Offer |
| Garmin Epix Gen 2 | Amazon | View Offer |
Smart features
Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems are compatible with the Garmin D2 Mach 1. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built-in.
For the time being, both models are available for purchase in the United States with the Garmin Pilot app loaded.
Garmin’s Descent G1 might be a good fit for you if you like to explore the depths of the ocean rather than the sky.
As for the Marq 2, you’re getting the most of what Garmin has to offer in terms of smartwatch technology. If you have a Bluetooth, ANT+, or Wi-Fi-enabled phone, you can still use this. It is possible to attach external devices such as heart rate monitors and Garmin’s Running Dynamics Pod for more advanced running metrics.
Garmin Pay for contactless payments, smart notifications, and onboard music storage – including the ability to store offline playlists from music streaming services like Spotify – are all included.
The Marq does an excellent job as a smartwatch. To make displays and widgets easier to see, Garmin has implemented the same enhancements to the UI found on its Epix and Fenix range and then some.
You can easily read a notification, see a calendar appointment, and check the weather forecast all at once on this device. It was simple to set up Garmin Pay and we love using it as much as payment support on rival watches. For music functionality, there is nothing new to report; it’s a similar experience to Garmin’s previous music-supporting watches.
The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Vs. Garmin Marq 2: Which Should You Buy?
So, when it comes to the Garmin D2 Mach 1 vs Garmin Marq 2, which should you buy?
Garmin’s most comprehensive health and fitness watch is available to you on the ground. On this count, the D2 Mach 1 can accomplish anything the Fenix 7 or Epix 2 can. The new Garmin Marq 2 can also do that just as well…
In addition to a wide range of activity monitoring, cycling, running, golfing and swimming features, there is a multi-frequency location. Garmin Pay, offline storage for up to 650 songs (including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer), as well as notifications for calls, texts, and applications, are some of the most notable features of the smart functions of the device.
Or do you go for the Marq? While the Marq range has all of the capabilities that make Garmin watches the most comprehensive fitness tracking device available, its high price tag will be too much for most people to swallow.
We can’t deny that this is a beautiful, high-quality watch, but it’s up to you if you think it’s worth the price compared to other options on the market–especially considering a Fenix 7 can be had for significantly less.
We think most people’s thoughts on this watch will fall into one of two categories: either they believe it’s a complete waste of money or they think it’s a stunning piece of art that everyone should acquire.
Let us know what you think!
Check out our comparison of the two cheaper versions of these watches: The Fenix 7 versus the Epix 2.
Last Updated on December 11, 2022
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