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Bought a Marq Aviator and WOW!

I know I have posted a bunch of questions lately in this forum, lol.. but I did want to give an update and tell you about my experience..

I am really impressed with this watch, now that I have spent more time with it. Let me explain..

I can tell you that I live in Miami, FL (the only place with actual Garmin stores)

Here's the thing tho. A new Marq will likely have the new "elevate 4" sensor found on the current 945LTE and Venue 2 etc. It may also offer a different GPS set, LTE and other small changes like that. I dont think the size is going to change, I dont think the screen is going to change (much) this is because the Marq's follow the form factor of that of an actual luxury watch vs. a "tool" fitness tracker such as the others. So, while I know I was thinking "a new one will have a larger screen", I dont think that will be the case, nor makes sense on this watch now that I have worn it and compared the size to my Omega Seamaster. The Marq is as large as I think you want to go, while still emulating a luxury watch. The current screen size I think works the best as it offers a nice balance etc. This was the only thing I would have cared about in an "upgrade". I will never use LTE, better GPS I dont care about, and I use a chest strap for my runs, rides and weight lifting. The *most* important thing was to have a super nice looking watch that motivates me to wear daily and look great, while still being in the Garmin eco system with great battery life. So, the current Marq checks all the boxes for me in that regard. As long as it lasts and keeps working, for say 5 years.. I think I should be really happy with that.

The battery will be the weakest link in getting the longest life possible from the device. From day one, I only charge to 80 - 85% at most and then re-charge at apx 30%. This way I am always in the "good" range of the battery. I think if I follow that (as I have done on all my other devices in the past) I should stand a chance to get the most from it.

Assuming there is zero support for the watch after about 5 years.. I also think I maybe able to manually open up the watch myself and replace the battery. I have seen videos on this for the Fenix, and I think this is even easier on the Marq watches. Obviously not recommended.. and not intended, but just saying that I do think this is possible.

Now, the watch is breathtaking...

I LOVED my Fenix 6 Sapphire. This was my daily since they came out. But I did find that after about 4 months, I would wonder back and want to wear my "real watches" again. (I have a few). This meant that I was never that consistent (or fully satisfied) with just the F6. I think people who love watches can understand what I mean. This is (I think) the real point of the Marq.

I made another post talking about the darker look at the Marq (due to the domed Sapphire) vs. the flat Sapphire on the F6. This was the thing that I thought was going to keep me with the F6. However.. I bought another Aviator and this time compared side by side to my F6.. and yes, there are some positions where the Marq's coating, or domed crystal can appear darker vs. the exact same situation for the F6 Sapphire. But, I also noticed there are other positions where the Marq looks FAR better with more contrast and colors pop. I even found some situations where the F6 looked darker vs. the Marq. So, in summery "it depends". But one thing was for sure... the Marq's colors on screen are far more vibrant vs. the F6. Orange is a good example of this. On the F6, it kinda has a washed out look. On the Marq, it really pops and goes well with the orange band. So, while the updated backlight maybe better on the F6, the regular use (non backlight) of the Marq is far better for colors.

So, in short.. unless there is a MAJOR, MAJOR departure from the current design / functions of the Marq in the next update.. I really could not care any less (for my daily use). I got a good deal on my Marq as well, and I do think there maybe a chance future updates of this line will increase in price. So, I am super happy to have paid a little more vs. the F6 and get this one now :-)

So just wanted to share in case others are on the fence or think there is going to be some big update soon. Because I dont think its going to matter for most people unless there is a specific feature (like LTE) that you need etc.

Top Replies

clonetrooper over 3 years ago +1

Thanks for your detailed review with which I agree wholeheartedly. I owned the Golfer for a few weeks and I thought the the screen looked a bit crisper than the one of my F6xPro Solar. The one think I…

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0 clonetrooper over 3 years ago

Thanks for your detailed review with which I agree wholeheartedly. I owned the Golfer for a few weeks and I thought the the screen looked a bit crisper than the one of my F6xPro Solar. The one think I realised was, that the Marq connected much quicker with GarminConnect. I returned the Golfer mainly because I was hoping to get a better deal down the road and now I have a pre-loved Aviator coming in this weekend, which was much cheaper. Another reason was, that it was clear I would move from the US to Europe and I thought that the maps would be an issue. I know that you can buy additional maps, but I think I read somewhere that these maps will not get any updates. I think that Garmin should have added all their maps to the Marq series or at least allow Marq users to download new maps for free. But it is what it is!! The feel and looks of the Marq are truely superior to the Fenix, Enduro or the Venu2. The Ti case is just great and the Aviator comes with the Ti bracelet too. That was another reasopn why I gave the Golfer back to the dealer. For the price every Marq should get a Ti bracelet. The Jacquard bands are not my cup of tea and I think they can't hold a candle to the elegance or the longevity of the Ti bracelet. I don't think their price is justified, but again that depends on your personnel tase after all. The green bezel of the Golfer on the other hand was a piece of beauty. The green was very much like the Rolex green. The Aviator should be nice too, since it is black and actually the 24hrs engraving on it is more useful in daily life than the 18 hole ones on the Golfer, especially when you don't play golf.

0 7828711 over 3 years ago in reply to clonetrooper

Thanks! Yeah,, the screens are the same for sure. I have had both in front of me to compare.

I will say, that I ended up returning the Marq all together and going back to "normal" watches that I love. I realized, that I just dont need the "all day tracking" of the Garmin eco system, and so the whole idea of the Marq (for me) was to have a "nice enough" watch so that I would wear it 24/7 for all the nice metrics. BUT, as it turns out.. I really don't care, nor use any of it.. SO.. it makes WAY more sense (to me) to just get a cheap one (245 Music) and use DURING the run, workout etc.. and then remove and wear what I want for the rest of the day and not get too "hooked" into the eco system. Unless of you have a heath reason for doing so. Which, for me.. is not the case.

It's just too much to spend on something, that truly is outdated the second you buy it. I loved it, I think its great and if I were either "starting out" with fitness I think it would have been a great daily motivator, OR.. if I were HARD CORE training for something and yet wanted a nice watch, this would be great.. but, for me I do more weight lifting than anything, and already have a bike Garmin, and only run once a week to balance things out. So.. its a harder "sell" when I really sat down and looked in the mirror of spending so much, AND also knowing I am not wearing any of my nice automatic watches anymore, which.. lets face it.. sucks.

Since returning I feel "free" and a big stress and weight has been lifted from me. No regrets. Used the money for a new automatic and am in love all over again, lol.