Garmin’s expertise in GPS navigation translates well into outdoor focused smartwatches, specially so in the latest of the brand’s Marq collection of activity-specific tool watches, which is called the Commander. It combines the maps, various smart features, and rugged build found across the collection, with a military “tactical” focus. With premium materials and a range of features, it’s billed and priced as a luxury tool watch.
The Garmin Marq Commander has a nearly blacked-out style (with a DLC coating) but shares the same 46mm-wide by 14.4mm-thick dimensions of the rest of the collection. So, stealthy as it may be, it’ll wear boldly on the wrist, though a titanium case will help keep it light and comfortable. Scratch-proof sapphire crystal is another premium material more associated with luxury watches than tech-focused, connected watches. It comes with a charging cable and a battery that lasts up to 12 days when in smartwatch mode (different modes naturally consume more or less power).
A lot of the tech across the Marq range of watches is similar but tailored in each watch for specific uses. In addition to the Commander, these are sports (like running), mountaineering, boating, aviation, and motorsports. The commander seems designed for some kind of covert military activity (or fantasy) with features like a screen “optimized for night vision goggle compatibility.” There’s also a “Jumpmaster” function related to skydiving, a “stealth mode” which disables GPS and wireless connectivity, and a “kill switch” that clears the user memory — you know, in case you’re captured.
The Garmin Marq Commander comes on a nylon strap (with a Jacquard weave), is available directly from Garmin, and has a price of $1,950.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Casio G-Shock GW7900-1 ($150)
Apple Watch Nike+ ($399)
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