Garmin Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition Dive 45mm GPS Smartwatch, Azure

2024-06-07T20:00:00

Good all around multi-function watch. That being said, the monitors for steps, heart rate, temperature, and Ox Sat are not super accurate. I haven't used for diving yet so cannot report on that until after my next dive trip.

Multisport

Originally posted at

2024-05-30T20:00:00

I purchased the Descent G1 as it would fulfill a wide variety of uses plus had the diving features I was looking for. I am not in the market for a full blown dive computer, rather the Apnea or Freediving metrics available on the G1. I was not able to see it in person prior to purchasing so I took a few things on faith and gambled, significant as I purchased at a discount with no returns accepted. Here goes, with the good and bad so far. The size is perfect for daily wear, not too big or too small. Weight is ideal, and the watch does not feel bulky in any way. The HR feature appears to be darn accurate, not as good as a dedicated HR chest strap, but quite good overall. I am mixed on the Pulse Ox values, they are tracking low compared to other devices so if that is important to you maybe just use it for trends. GPS performance is solid. In bright, outdoor light the display is crisp and legible, for the most part. That final comment is perhaps my only real complaint with the watch. As a person whose reading vision is failing to a degree, some of the data fields are really small, as are the value headings on the watch face. In particular, the dive values I'm most concerned with are difficult for me to read if not in bright sunlight. Now, I use reading glasses but nothing extreme, a 1.0 or 1.5 magnification when needed so use those values for reference. I'm finding I need to use the magnifying property of water to read the values with uncorrected vision. Another thing is that I cannot reverse the display when in a workout or activity mode. The watch defaults to a dark background with white or bright data values, and I prefer the opposite, light background with dark data values. The standard watch face can be configured the way I prefer for day to day, but not the pre-configured activity fields- the watch reverts to the light data on dark background. Maybe I'm not versed enough in the menus to find that option, but so far it seems the watch will not accept the display change I want, which is strange to me given the ability to adjust the standard watch face in that manner. Overall, great watch, I'm mostly happy. In order to have data fields more highly legible I may purchase a standalone apnea watch someday, but for now as a jack of all trades watch it definitely does the job.

Jason P.

Originally posted at

2024-04-29T20:00:00

Upgraded from a gen 1 Instinct. Every function is better. Really like having the tide and sunrise, sunset on the face.

Mike

Originally posted at

2024-04-16T20:00:00

Still working on figuring out all the features. I have made two dives on it so far and so far as advertised

Bills

Originally posted at

2024-04-10T20:00:00

I purchased my Garmin Descent as a backup computer for a recent dive trip to Bonaire. 30 minutes into my first dive on island, the depth sensor on my integrated computer quit, rendering it useless. Thank goodness I was wearing the Descent as a backup. Logged 2 dives in a week. Really cool to see the data graphs and what a great way to automate the logbook. Data even includes the GPS location of where the dive started. Switched to Nitrox 2 days into our trip. It took about 30 seconds to switch the Descent and update the O2 values. Very intuitive interface. To top it all off. Charged the Descent prior to the trip. Charge lasted the entire week.

tocreemer

Originally posted at

2024-04-07T20:00:00

I do love the features of the watch but it could be much more user-friendly. I am sure I can learn the functions better also. The GPS is good but uses a ton of battery and the compass seems tricky to calibrate and needs calibrations too often

diveruvi

Originally posted at

2024-04-06T20:00:00

Bought mine about 1 year ago and still loving it, especially with the connected apps.

Sjon

Originally posted at

2024-03-26T20:00:00

Always wanted this dive watch. I was afraid it's gonna be light and plastic-feeling. We were both very surprised when received this watch. It is heavy and the material feels really sturdy. Can't wait to start diving with this computer.

Haoxi

Originally posted at

2024-03-20T20:00:00

I like the watch except when I go diving I can hardly see the display because it is only in black display. It would be nice if it is in white display and much easier to read it.

Bentoy

Originally posted at

2024-03-11T20:00:00

The Descent G1 Solar is awesome! It automates dive logging and managing your dives with an easy to use interface and integration into you smartphone. I bought one for my daughter and she loves it too!

Lewisr650

Originally posted at

2024-03-08T19:00:00

I'm an active +60 year old who was looking for a sport watch that would track my walks, hikes, swims, bike rides, and diving. I purchased a Garmin Instinct Solar 3 years ago. In three years I had to replace my instinct twice most likely due to being in the water, pool and salt. Customer support recommended I upgrade to the G1 solar. They honored my previous purchase and only charged me an additional $100 for the upgrade. So far, I'm very pleased with my new G1. It's definitely an upgrade from the instinct and I can't wait to use this for my backup dive computer. Everything I had heard about Garmin standing by their products is accurate. Keep up the great work!! Thank you.

Valistar

Originally posted at

2024-02-01T19:00:00

I did five dives over the Christmas holiday, and it worked flawlessly for all of them. I hesitated to buy this watch after being burned several years by a much more expensive air integrated watch that just stopped logging dives and ate my logbook. SO I was overjoyed that the G1 not only worked automatically, but also gave me the dive in stunning detail. It was way to cloudy the whole time so I didn't get to see the Solar feature charging, but I couldn't be happier. (Wish I had air integration, but I was just hoping to have the holiday dives logged! If you are looking for an entry level (no air integration) capable dive watch, check this one out! I don't think you will be disappointed.

Bubbles-UP

Originally posted at

2024-01-22T19:00:00

Bout this a month ago. Works perfect for what I want. Has more features than my brain can handle but has an easy to use system. Taken it diving many times now and wear at work. Not too big and bulky. Great product would buy again.

Ak90731

Originally posted at

2024-01-19T19:00:00

A Christmas present from my wife, this is turned out to be an amazing watch with all the features and more to help measure my health and well-being. I wanted to watch for scuba diving, but I monitor it daily for the stress readings and sleep monitoring. And I'm amazed by how long the charge lasts. I think I've only charged it twice in the last month.

Gator V.

Originally posted at

2024-01-15T19:00:00

Interface is easy to learn and use. It could use a better manual though, many features I've had to Google or accidentally figure out. But once I know them, its easy. Good size for quick glances to get all the information I need. I do with the battery life while tracking an activity was more efficient.

Taylor2

Originally posted at

2023-12-30T19:00:00

I bought many month ago, I when diving to El Salvador at the Ilopango volcano, was my first experience with dive watch, since I bought it haven't take it of of my hand. To do the solar charging is a bit difficult

Gerardo F.

Originally posted at

2023-12-25T19:00:00

My wife and I purchased these as gifts to each other before a Christmas dive trip. We are both very happy with our decisions. The basic functions are easy to set-up and use. We are still learning the more advanced features, which are abundant. We love the thorough dive reports and charts/graphs it generates on the phone app.

Photofan66

Originally posted at

2023-12-22T19:00:00

I've had my G1 solar for several weeks and I've used it to track my hikes and on two dives. It has a lot of good features and it worked very well as a dive computer. I wish it could be programmed from the phone app like my old G-shock though. Having to push buttons and scroll through options on the watch is tedious.

FWbanger

Originally posted at

2023-12-20T19:00:00

One dive in single gas and I was locked out. It said 24 hours but kept resetting and locking out. The rest of my trip I could only dive in gauge mode. Customer service was crap. Held for representative and he couldn't help. He forwarded me to a dive specialist and call dropped. Have epic that I love. Regret getting this piece of junk

Pedigas428

Originally posted at

2023-12-17T19:00:00

I wax told i could have service on this watch also you have to do way too much doing workouts with it, def not worth the money. Haven't used it for apnea or hunt yet if it sucks there too ill be writing another review?.

F*ck

Originally posted at

2023-12-13T19:00:00

I really love this watch. I use it for everything - swimming, cycling, hiking walking, diving, sleep monitoring, etc. Solid battery life, great features, and durable. It's really nice as a HRM broadcasting to my Garmin cycling computer too - much more comfortable than my old chest strap. Integration across the Garmin ecosystem is fantastic...really love this watch and every other Garmin product I've owned. Garmin, you really know how to do it right!

JDTI

Originally posted at

2023-12-10T19:00:00

I just needed a computer for the freediving class as I was taking, instead I got the best assistant ever. It connects to my smartphone and gives me message updates and allows generic responses. The battery life and the depth tolerance are superb for this computer. I will probably also use it for recreational diving and spearfishing as well. Garmin, you rock!

Mike F.

Originally posted at

2023-11-11T19:00:00

Have had it for a year now, bought it as a dive computer. Excellent battery life and have had no issues. I have used it for cycling and lately for running, and it is the best option if you want an exercise watch that you can also use as a dive computer. Can be used with nitrox, have compared to order other more expensive computers and the calculations are pretty similar. Very happy with my purchase.

ferschoo

Originally posted at

2023-11-06T19:00:00

I just had it for a couple week in two weeks I am going to scuba diving I will see how good it is

Geraldo

Originally posted at

2023-10-19T20:00:00

I used it for my first two salt water dives today and it performed flawlessly. It automatically went into dive mode at 4 feet like it's supposed to and warned me when it was supposed to. It automatically switches on your safety stop and counts down for. Very happy with the watch and the Garmin dive app.

Happy d.

Originally posted at

2023-09-08T20:00:00

Had an Apple Watch ultra. Dive subscription software was buggy and customer service needed some work. Got the G1 Solar and didn't think I would like it since I'm quite heavily an Apple fanboy. Boy was I wrong. Garmin dive software completely blows the Ultra out of the water! Could not be happier. Have worn it 24x7 for 3 weeks and I think I charged it once. The nylon band add on makes it that much more comfortable. In and out of the water. Garmin, well done!!!

Carl111

Originally posted at

2023-06-21T20:00:00

I'm happy that I got this. Once I got ideas how to set up, it's easy to use. I can see screen clearly underwater (It's important during diving). I still need to play around to get some more futures. But, it's a nice buddy for me and I can't leave this now!

Tak2023

Originally posted at

2023-05-31T20:00:00

Great overall single device that does it all! Love it.

Mermaid

Originally posted at

2023-04-11T20:00:00

Perfect combination between a dive computer and a smart watch. Wasn't planning to wear my dive computer everywhere but G1 does so much that I end up using it for my daily exercises as well. One of the best feature is that G1 can last longer than most dive computer or smart watch. If I were to pick a disadvantage of G1, it would be the small watch surface. However, big number mode makes it easier to read and access essential data during dive. G1 is perfect for those seeking a smart watch for frequent active use and a dive computer for 3-7 day liveaboard trips.

sc111abt

Originally posted at

2023-04-08T20:00:00

It was a birthday present. I love the info it gives me on surfing and freediving.

MariusSurf

Originally posted at