In the world of high-end GPS sports watches, Garmin’s latest offering, the MARQ Gen 2 Damascus Steel Edition, is a statement of craftsmanship and the similar advanced functionality in the Fenix Series. Retailing at an almost unbelievable $3,100, this is Garmin’s most expensive timepiece. The MARQ Gen 2 is built for explorers and endurance athletes who demand performance from their gear, combining premium materials, a wealth of features, and Garmin’s many technologies.
This watch doesn’t just perform—it is marketed, focussing on a sense of history and luxury, supposedly blending ancient techniques with modern innovation. From its handcrafted Damascus steel case to its comprehensive range of GPS and training tools, the MARQ Gen 2 is designed for those who undertake true adventures.
Craftsmanship
The first thing you’ll notice about the MARQ Gen 2 is its case, crafted from Damascus steel. This metalworking technique involves folding layers of steel together multiple times to create a uniquely durable and patterned material. This process enhances the watch’s strength and gives it a distinctive look that differentiates it from typical sports watches. Each MARQ Gen 2 Damascus Steel Edition has a unique finish, making it both a durable tool and a statement piece for adventurers who appreciate high-end craftsmanship.
The details are well thought through and extend to its domed sapphire crystal lens, which protects the vibrant AMOLED display. Sapphire is renowned for its scratch resistance and clarity, ensuring the watch’s readability remains uncompromised even in the harshest environments. The bezel, also made from Damascus steel, features engraved 360-degree compass markings, adding further practical value.
Performance-Driven
MARQ Gen 2 is designed for serious adventurers and endurance athletes. With up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode, the watch lasts for the longest of expeditions. In environments with scarce power sources, the Max Battery GPS mode offers up to 75 hours of tracking, while the Expedition GPS mode extends the battery life to 14 days.
The MARQ Gen 2 provides preloaded TopoActive maps, a built-in barometric altimeter, and a 3-axis compass for explorers navigating challenging terrain. Features like TracBack routing, ClimbPro ascent planner, and real-time stamina tracking add practicality through advanced features not widely available in competitor watches.
Advanced Training and Wellness Features
The MARQ Gen 2 adds performance metrics and a training tools suite. Garmin has included its latest Training Status and Training Readiness features to explore insights into your recovery and readiness for your next workout. VO2 Max, race predictors, and daily suggested workouts help athletes fine-tune their training regimens.
The MARQ Gen 2 also monitors key health metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (Pulse Ox), respiration rate, and stress levels, with features like Body Battery energy monitoring and sleep tracking providing a holistic view of your physical readiness. The Pulse Ox feature offers acclimation guidance for high-altitude explorers, while the Jet Lag Adviser assists with recovery during long-haul travel.
But it lacks ECG. Indeed, it lacks the latest generation optical HR sensor and the increased accuracy that would come with it.
Connectivity and Convenience
The MARQ Gen 2 is equipped with the conveniences of a modern smartwatch. With built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ connectivity, the watch allows for data syncing, smart notifications, and music storage. Garmin Pay lets you make contactless payments (here’s how to make most banks work with it), while the on-device Connect IQ Store allows you to download additional apps, watch faces, and widgets, filling any niche gaps in its functionality.
This watch is also compatible with Garmin’s suite of fitness apps and devices, including the Garmin Connect mobile app, where users can track their activity, receive training insights, and share data with the Garmin community.
Built for Serious Adventurers or Collectors?
MARQ Gen 2 Damascus Steel Edition is a luxury item; its robust construction and comprehensive feature set make it far more than just a collector’s piece. Serious adventurers and endurance athletes will find that this watch offers the tools necessary to support them in the field, with durability and functionality at the forefront of its design.
Its ability to handle extreme environments and advanced health and training metrics ensures that the MARQ Gen 2 is built for the most demanding of customers. For those familiar with Garmin Fenix 8—a popular and similarly featured model—the MARQ Gen 2 offers an elevated look and feel.
What’s New?
The strap and steel materials are new.
Interestingly, the official Garmin comparison tool shows this watch is 22g heavier than the other MARQ Adventurer model. Your chosen strap will also likely add 20g or more, putting the total weight over 100g.
That tool also highlights connected GPS – a rarely mentioned feature these days. Connected GPS is where your watch battery life can be extended by taking GPS positioning from your connected phone. Without checking, I’d imagine that’s a typo from Garmin, as the comparison tool also implies that the latest HRM-PRO Plus chest strap isn’t supported when it obviously will be.
Take Out
At $3,100, this impressive-looking watch represents Garmin’s commitment to maintaining the luxury MARQ brand’s position in its range. Despite having the best materials, it still lacks some technical innovations we saw in the latest Fenix 8 – notably the Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor, next-gen buttons and certified dive capabilities.
It does look VERY nice, though!
If the battery lasts 5 years and you’re willing to wear it that long, that’s $620 per year to wear it or nearly $2 a day. Wow! More expensive than my Tag Heuer that is automatic and will likely last a lifetime.
The fact that’s it’s an AMOLED makes it totally useless for collectors. In ten years this watch will be worth a couple of bucks.
The MARQ Commander in carbon fiber is even more dear at $3200 for the discerning international mercenary.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/815582/pn/010-02722-00
Ha ha ha, this is a good one. As Tom says, AMOLED means this will die in a few (5?) years. Now, if this would be MicroLED, maybe maybe, but even then, it’s money for looks.
I dont understand, why does AMOLED die in 5 years ?
Read about the tech, basically each pixel in an AMOLED display is made of organic compounds that emit light when an electric current passes through. These compounds degrade with use, leading to a gradual reduction in brightness and efficiency.
Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) displays use carbon. My understanding is that higher voltage (brightness) degrades the carbon structures but that more recent technologies is significantly improved.
Interesting, I wasn’t aware of AMOLED degrading over time.
I assume MIPS is not effect by this same lifetime limitation?
sinn u50+fr165 price range
If I can blow 3k for this I better have the powers of a pro athlete
“it still lacks some technical innovations we saw for the first time in the Fenix 8 – notable the Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor”
Nope. That sensor is in the 7 Pro.
Look at all these people complaining because they can’t afford it LOL. NEWSFLASH: This watch ain’t for you so can it.
i’d be intrigued to know how many of these the company sells.
It is a really Nice Watch to look at 🥰
agreed!