The Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) is a luxury smartwatch designed for serious athletes who crave both performance and style. Priced at a steep $1,900, this second-generation model builds on the foundation of its predecessor, blending Garmin’s renowned fitness tracking technology with high-end materials and a refined aesthetic. Launched in 2022, it targets fitness enthusiasts who want a durable, feature rich device that doubles as a sophisticated timepiece. This review dives into its design, performance, battery life, and overall value to determine if it lives up to its premium price tag.
Design and Build Quality
The MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) stands out with its 46mm Grade 5 titanium case, offering a lighter yet tougher build compared to the original. The domed sapphire crystal lens enhances scratch resistance, giving it a luxurious feel reminiscent of traditional Swiss watches. The black DLC-coated bezel adds a sporty edge, while the AMOLED touchscreen display measuring 1.2 inches delivers vibrant colors and sharp clarity, a significant upgrade from the MIP displays of earlier models. At 15mm thick and 85g, it’s a substantial watch, best suited for larger wrists, though the weight is well distributed for comfort during extended wear.
It comes with two straps: a premium green nylon weave and a black silicone rubber option. The nylon strap exudes elegance, though it lacks the suppleness of cheaper alternatives, while the silicone strap is ideal for sweaty workouts. The proprietary quick-release mechanism allows strap swaps, but the limited availability of third party options can be a drawback. With a 100-meter water resistance rating, it handles swimming and rainy conditions effortlessly, and its rugged construction ensures it withstands outdoor adventures without losing its polished look.
Display and Interface
The shift to an AMOLED display is a game-changer, offering a bright, rich viewing experience even in direct sunlight. The 1.2-inch screen, while slightly smaller than the Epix 2’s 1.3-inch display, boasts excellent pixel density, making menu navigation and data visualization a pleasure. The touchscreen is responsive, complementing the five physical buttons that provide tactile control during activities. The rotating bezel, a signature MARQ feature, allows quick access to metrics like running time or waypoints, adding a practical yet stylish touch.
The interface is intuitive, drawing from the Epix platform with customizable widgets and animated workout guides for cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates. However, the learning curve can be steep for new users due to the depth of features, requiring time to explore Garmin Connect for full customization.
Performance and Features
The MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) is a powerhouse for athletes, leveraging Garmin’s multi-band GPS and SATIQ technology for pinpoint accuracy, even in urban canyons or dense forests. It supports a wide range of activities running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, golfing, and more each with tailored metrics. The wrist-based running power, a recent addition, eliminates the need for external sensors, though it’s still in beta for this model. Stamina tracking, available for running and cycling, estimates remaining effort capacity, a useful tool for race planning.
Health monitoring is comprehensive, with the Elevate V4 heart rate sensor delivering reliable readings for runs and intervals, though indoor cycling accuracy remains average. VO2 Max, recovery time, and Training Readiness (using HRV data) provide deep insights into fitness levels. The Jet Lag Adviser, exclusive to MARQ, helps manage training around travel, though it’s currently a basic timeline feature awaiting integration with Training Readiness.
The watch lacks LTE calling, a notable omission at this price, and its everyday smartwatch features (e.g., notifications, weather) are functional but less polished than competitors like the Apple Watch. For athletes, however, the focus remains on performance, where it excels.
Battery Life
Battery life is a standout feature, offering up to 16 days in smartwatch mode with gesture control and 6 days in always on mode. During GPS use, it lasts around 30 hours with multi-band enabled, extending to 90 hours with solar charging (though solar contribution is minimal indoors). Compared to the Fenix 7 or Epix 2, it’s competitive, but the AMOLED display slightly reduces longevity versus MIP-based models. The USB-C magnetic charger is a welcome upgrade, providing faster charging than previous Garmin watches.
Software and Connectivity
The MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) runs the same software as the Epix 2, delivering robust training analysis via Garmin Connect. Morning Reports summarize sleep, weather, and workout suggestions, while the community offers downloadable workout plans. Syncing with smartphones is seamless via Bluetooth, though occasional lag in data updates can frustrate users. The absence of major software updates since its 2022 release raises questions about long-term support, a common concern with Garmin’s premium line.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality with titanium and sapphire crystal.
- Vibrant AMOLED display enhances usability.
- Accurate multi-band GPS for precise tracking.
- Extensive activity profiles and health metrics.
- Solid battery life for a premium smartwatch.
Cons:
- High price may not justify features for casual users.
- Limited third-party strap compatibility.
- No LTE calling or advanced smart features.
- Potential for software stagnation over time.
Value and Comparison
At $1,900, the MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) competes with luxury smartwatches like the Tag Heuer Calibre E4 and Montblanc Summit 3, but its value hinges on athletic use. Compared to the Epix 2 ($1,100), it offers similar features with a more refined design, though the price premium reflects materials and branding. The Fenix 7 ($700-$900) provides comparable performance at a lower cost, lacking only the luxury aesthetic. For athletes prioritizing style alongside functionality, it’s a justifiable splurge; for others, the Epix or Fenix may suffice.
Real-World Usage
Over weeks of testing, the watch proved reliable during marathons, swim sessions, and hikes. The GPS locked on quickly, and heart rate data aligned with chest straps during intense efforts. The AMOLED screen’s readability in sunlight was a highlight, though the weight felt noticeable during long runs. The nylon strap held up well in formal settings, while the silicone strap excelled in workouts. However, the lack of call functionality and occasional app sync delays were minor annoyances.
Verdict
The Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) is a premium tool watch that blends athletic prowess with luxury design. Its titanium build, AMOLED display, and advanced tracking make it a top choice for dedicated athletes who value durability and style. However, the steep price and limited smart features may deter casual users or those seeking broader connectivity. If you’re an athlete willing to invest in a long-lasting, high-end device—and don’t mind the learning curve it’s a worthy addition to your wrist. For those on a budget, the Epix 2 offers a compelling alternative with similar capabilities.
