Garmin Descent Mk3i 43 mm - 200 m Dive Rating
Published on 09/22/2026 at 06:27 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Garmin Descent Mk3i 43 mm is a dive computer in smartwatch form, with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, GPS, and a case rated to 200 meters. The compact model weighs 68.3 g with its silicone band and supports air integration through a compatible Descent transmitter.
Dive Computer With AMOLED Display
The 43 mm watch uses a 390 x 390-pixel AMOLED display and a sapphire crystal lens. TechRadar lists the 1.2-inch display, 390 x 390 resolution, 68.3 g weight, and 43 x 43 x 14.13 mm dimensions for this configuration.
Garmin rates the case at 20 ATM and Dive EN 13319, with the depth sensor specified for readings from 0 to 200 meters. Garmin's owner manual identifies the 20 ATM rating, EN 13319 dive standard, and 200-meter depth sensor range.
Battery And Air Integration
Battery life reaches up to 10 days in smartwatch mode with Wrist Gesture and up to 30 hours in dive mode. With air integration active, Garmin lists up to 15 hours for the 43 mm model, so the operating figure depends on the selected dive configuration.
The Mk3i adds compatibility with a paired Descent transceiver for tank pressure, estimated air time, and gas consumption information. The watch can also exchange diver data with compatible devices in the dive network, while GPS records entry and exit locations rather than tracking the underwater route.
Price And Model Position
Garmin announced a US suggested retail price of $1,399.99 for the 43 mm Descent Mk3i. Garmin's US announcement places the 43 mm Mk3i at $1,399.99 and the 51 mm versions at $1,599.99 or $1,799.99.
The 51 mm model extends smartwatch battery life to up to 25 days and dive-mode battery life to up to 66 hours, while the 43 mm version remains smaller and lighter. Both sizes carry the 200-meter rating and support air integration, but the 51 mm Mk3i adds a built-in LED flashlight.
Verdict For Divers
The Garmin Descent Mk3i 43 mm fits divers who want a smaller watch with a full-color AMOLED interface, air-integration support, GPS logging, and a 200-meter-rated dive computer. Its 10-day smartwatch and 30-hour dive figures are lower than the 51 mm model's 25-day and 66-hour ratings, making size and endurance the central choice.
Garmin Descent Mk3i 43 mm At a Glance
- Product: Garmin Descent Mk3i 43 mm
- Manufacturer: Garmin International, Inc.
- Category: GPS dive computer smartwatch
- Display: 1.2 inches AMOLED, 390 x 390 pixels
- Weight: 68.3 g with silicone band
- Depth rating: 200 m, 20 ATM, EN 13319
- Smartwatch battery: Up to 10 days
- Dive battery: Up to 30 hours
- Air-integration battery: Up to 15 hours
- Price: $1,399.99 (as of 11/14/2023)
