You might be thinking why are we covering fitness watches here on Worn & Wound? Normally, we wouldn’t, but these new offerings from Garmin break the mold of your typical clunky, plastic fitness watch. They’re designed for those who prefer the on-the-wrist feel of an analog watch but want some “smart” features. The MARQ line is an interesting take on what Garmin calls the “modern tool watch”— blending computer-powered data, analog watch aesthetics, and premium construction throughout.
Each of the models share the same 46-millimeter brushed titanium case and some core features, like an always-on screen behind a sapphire crystal. But things split off from there. Each watch is built for a specific task with different looks and design cues depending on their theme. Even though the display is fully digital, the MARQs display the time with graphics of analog hands, and they use several traditional watch features like pushers and purpose-driven bezels. Here’s a quick look at these five new watches from Garmin.
MARQ Athlete
The Athlete is packed with training apps to help you get the best out of your workout. It’ll calculate distance and route with with the on-board GPS. It can also display more advanced stats such as stride length, vertical oscillation, and elevation profiles, with recovery time and VO2 max around the bezel. It’s much more than a plain old GPS watch, however, as it’s capable of finding the best running and cycling routes based on the level of workout you’re looking for. The Athlete comes on a pliable silicone band. It’ll remain comfortable while resisting sweat and splashes you’re bound to encounter during your workout.