Okay am I crazy or..

SO, I really think this needs to go back.  It seems that because of the domed crystal, that as you move the watch it has a "gradient" effect to it.  It appears to get very dark on the corners fast!  Then, goes totally black.  Its as if there is window tint on the watch face compared to a Fenix 6.  I cant take a photo, because on camera you cant see what I mean.  Also, standing inside of the nice Garmin store, you can tell either.. its when you are in normal daylight, or around your house, near a window etc.. then you can really notice. 

Its so strange, this is the last thing in the world I would have expected.  But, after an hour with it.. I scratched my head and said.. wait a min.. something is off here.. and this is what it is.  It drives me nuts now.

Well, I just returned it and got the Fenix 6 Sapphire again, lol.  The difference is NIGHT AND DAY.  The problem with all the Marq's is that domed sapphire.  This IS NOT a good idea on a watch like this.  The viewing angle between that and the flat sapphire from the F6 is unreal.  The Marq looks SO dark / black tinted in comparison and make the watch face so much harder to read, not to mention all the other reflections that get introduced with a domed crystal.

If Garmin continues with the Marq line.. they need to switch this over to a flat crystal 100%.

I have both of those watches.  I do not find this on the Aviator.  Blue backlight---yes.  What you describe---no.

Have you sat down and looked at a Fenix 6 Sapphire next to your aviator?   I likely would have never noticed as well, but because I went directly from wearing the F6 to the Aviator, it was a big difference and was very clear that the visibility on the F6 was miles better.  In the store, its almost impossible to tell.  Outside, in normal life.. its unreal the difference.  

I am also a watch collector.  I have many luxury watches (is why I wanted the Aviator).  So, I also understand when you use a domed sapphire this comes at the cost of more reflections vs. a flat one.  Garmin does not use any AR coating on the crystal like a normal watch. 

Just know... that in the future if you decide to get a F6 (or any other Garmin with a flat crystal) that you will have a much better view angle compared to what you have now.  When I went to make the return here in Miami, the guy told me that I was not the first person to do this.  He explained that people who have never had any of the other Garmins.. would never really notice.. but, people who have "upgraded" are the ones who come in and question it.  Because the edge contrast on the Marq is extremely dark in many lighting situations were the flat F6 is not, all due to the different shape of the crystal reflecting light differently.

The flat surface of the F6 sapphire has it own reflection issues that the Marq avoids.  I prefer the Aviator mostly because it evokes the Rolex Submariner which was a steady companion for decades.  And 25 years in the Air Force.  Basically an emotional decision.  So for the past year, it is Aviator 365 and Fenix 6 zero.  No real reason to complain about either.