Garmin debuts its first dive computer, the Descent Mk1, featuring surface GPS in a sleek, everyday wearable design

UK/October 31, 2017 – Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the Descent™ Mk1, a dive computer offering surface GPS positioning with rich colour mapping. Designed for recreational, technical and free divers, the Descent Mk1 allows divers to plan their underwater adventure right on the watch and use GPS waypoints to automatically mark dive entry and exit points to upload their dive log via the Garmin Connect Mobile app to Garmin’s online dive community. The Descent Mk1 also offers multiple dive modes, 3-axis compass, in-dive data, as well as multi-sport functions like wrist-based heart rate and activity profiles.

“No matter what kind of diver you are, the Descent Mk1 is the intuitive dive computer you won’t want to take off.” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “The Descent Mk1 was built by divers, for divers and we are so excited that our passion for engineering purpose-built devices, now supports the passion of underwater explorers.”

New Descent™ Mk1 series – Dive Computer with Surface GPS1

The Descent Mk1 supports up to six gases including air, nitrox and trimix. When the diver submerges, the device will automatically start the dive, and when the diver surfaces from the water, the dive automatically ends. While enjoying their dive under the water, users can review useful information such as depth, dive time, temperature, NDL/TTS, ascent/descent rates, gas mix, PO2, N2 loading, decompression/safety stop information, time-of-day, and more on a crisp 1.2-inch colour display. The Descent Mk1 also includes an Apnea mode for recreational and competitive free divers, and Apnea Hunt mode for spear fishers. The diver can switch to the dive compass and additional data pages with the push of a button, or with a quick double tap on the screen.

The dive computer utilises the Bühlmann ZHL-16c algorithm with configurable conservatism settings. Choose from three pre-set conservatism settings, or enter custom Gradient Factors.
Selectable tone and vibration alerts help keep divers informed throughout their dive. When worn over a diver’s bare wrist, the Garmin Elevate™ wrist-based heart rate technology2 will monitor pulse and track exertion levels. The Descent Mk1 will automatically upload dive logs to Garmin Connect™ for post-dive analysis. Divers can name their dive, and go back in the app to review dive data such as type of dive, temperature, entry and exit points and more.

Topside, the Descent Mk1 features a high-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking for map-based surface navigation including ABC (altimeter, barometer and compass) sensors. Beyond the full range of diving functions, the Descent Mk1 offers a complete feature set of sports/training, fitness and outdoor navigation tools. It comes preloaded with activity profiles for swimming, running, biking, hiking, skiing, rowing, paddle boarding and more. When paired with a compatible smartphone3, the Descent Mk1 allows a user to receive and view text messages, emails and smart notifications right on the watch. Users can customise the watch display with free watch faces, apps and data fields from our Connect IQ™ store.

Crafted with premium materials, the Descent Mk1 dive computer will be available in two styles. A stainless-steel bezel with silicone watch band or a premium version with titanium bezel and brushed DLC titanium bracelet. Using QuickFit™ bands, the diver can easily change between regular and longer bands, for use over thick wetsuits or dry suits. QuickFit bands also allow the diver to tailor their wrist-worn style for any daily activity or special occasion — no tools required. Both models feature a domed sapphire lens for scratch resistance, and a bright, high-resolution full colour 1.2-inch display with LED backlighting, assuring readability in all lighting conditions, above or below the water. The Descent Mk1 is rated for dives of up to 100 meters4 at EN13319 standard. Divers can enjoy a battery life of up to 40 hours in dive mode, 21 days in watch mode, 12 days in smartwatch mode, 20 hours in GPS/HR activity mode, and up to 30 hours in UltraTrac™ mode.

The Descent Mk1 is expected to be available in Q4 2017 for a suggested retail price of £999.99 for the stainless-steel and £1299.99 for the premium version. To learn more, visit www.garmin.com/descent

The Descent Mk1 is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether hiking, hunting, geocaching, golfing or using satellite communication, Garmin outdoor devices are becoming essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to www.garmin.com/outdoors.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.

1  GPS tracking does not work underwater
2 See Garmin.com/ataccuracy
3 When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble
4 See Garmin.com/waterrating

About Garmin International, Inc.
 Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and Decent are registered trademarks, and Garmin Connect, Connect IQ, and QuickFit are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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For further information, please contact Alizee Paquis at:
[email protected] +44 (0)23 8052 4063