The Dual-Life Dive Watch

The Garmin Descent G1 occupies a unique spot in the dive computer market — a fully-featured dive computer in a rugged outdoor watch body. Unlike the Mk2/Mk3 series that scream 'dive computer' with their size and color screens, the G1 is subtle enough for daily wear but serious enough for advanced diving. I've worn mine 24/7 for six months — tracking dives, runs, sleep, and everything in between.

Dive Performance

The G1 runs Bühlmann ZHL-16c with adjustable gradient factors — the same algorithm used by Shearwater and widely considered the gold standard for decompression modeling. You can set conservatism exactly how you want it, from liberal GF settings for max bottom time to conservative for extra safety margins. Dive modes cover single-gas, multi-gas (up to 12 gases including trimix), gauge, apnea, and even CCR. That's an insane range for a ~$600 watch.

For recreational diving, the single-gas mode is intuitive — depth, time, no-deco limits, and ascent rate displayed clearly on the monochrome MIP display. It's high-contrast and readable at any angle, actually preferable to color screens in dark water or bright sunlight. The inductive buttons (no physical holes in the case) work reliably underwater and eliminate the most common failure point for dive computers.

Battery Life That Changes Everything

25 hours of actual dive time. Most dive computers give you 8-15 hours before needing a charge. On a liveaboard, every other diver was hunting for charging cables while my G1 just kept going. In smartwatch mode it lasts 21 days — I charge once every two weeks with moderate activity tracking. The Solar version extends to 'months.'

Smartwatch Features

GPS, heart rate, Pulse Ox, Body Battery, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, 30+ sports modes — everything the Instinct 2 has. GPS acquisition is fast and tracking is accurate. Heart rate sensor is reliable for steady-state activities. Sleep tracking identifies trends well.

Phone notifications come through clearly. Garmin Pay works at contactless terminals. The monochrome display has good backlighting for night use.

What You Give Up

No air integration — you can't pair with tank pressure transmitters. Monochrome display is excellent but basic compared to Mk3's gorgeous color. No onboard maps (breadcrumb only). The 45mm case looks slightly large on smaller wrists. For most recreational divers, these tradeoffs are well worth the $400-500 savings over the Mk3.