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Is the Upgrade Worth It?

AdamTKincaid
over 1 year ago

This question is specifically for owners of MARQ Gen 1 who upgraded to Gen 2.

I've had my Gen 1 Expedition (Adventurer) since it's release in May 2019 - it's hardly left my wrist. No major bugs, issues, or problems that weren't resolved quickly. Hardware is in great condition with a few scratches on the titanium that IMO adds some character. Everything works great, except the battery is getting worse. It's old and starting to go. I used to get 4-5 days on one charge with an activity or two every day. I've turned off SpO2 as it has never done anything and that has saved some battery life. However, nowadays, I am having to charge it every 1.5 days and think it's slipping more quickly. I know it will just get worse.

Garmin support is offering a battery replacement option for $600. Expensive, but it's also not something that a typical watch repair shop is willing to do so I don't have another choice.

Considering that the cost of a Gen 2 (i'm not downgrading) being $2100 USD for the Adventurer and the cost of replacing the battery for the Gen 1 ($600) I see it as a difference of $1500. Adding in some extra chargers and taxes, probably ~$1750.

So my question is: Is the Gen 2 $1750 better than the Gen 1?

Or is it better to spend $600 now (gambling this extends the life of my watch 3 years) and wait another 3 years for the possibility of a Gen 3 with more features, at which point the price difference might be $2000, but haven gotten 6 years of my Gen 1.

Thanks for your opinions.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    A friend of mine has the original Adventurer and I have the second generation and I think the second generation is worth it - generally.

    I say this because I much prefer the screen on mine. However, while my screen is better overall, the original is better in sunlight but poorer in darker scenarios. The second gen also seems to have extra apps on it - tides is one that I know he'd find useful living by an estuary. Battery life on the second gen is good at 6-7 days with no exercise and always on. The charger on the second gen, which is magnetic, is easier to apply too - but it's only a charger after all is said and done. And of the straps, I prefer the look of the leather on the original, but the second gen has a rubber backing to make it a little more sweat resistant.

    So - would I spend on the battery or buy a Gen 2? My character is to always have the latest (mad, I know). However, for anyone with a more level head, the battery swap to get a six year life span is the better and wiser move.

  • 0 over 1 year ago
    AdamTKincaid said:
    Or is it better to spend $600 now (gambling this extends the life of my watch 3 years) and wait another 3 years for the possibility of a Gen 3 with more features, at which point the price difference might be $2000, but haven gotten 6 years of my Gen 1.

    If you're happy with your current Marq and its features are enough for you I'd spend $600 on the battery and wait for Gen3.

    I currently have a Fenix 3 from 2016, a Fenix 5, 6, 7 and a Marq Aviator Gen 2. I seem to be fortunate as all still have good batteries. I bought the Marq as a smart alternative to my Fenix 7, if I'd been replacing it I'd have waited a couple of years to see if the Gen3 turned up.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    I would say, do the repair if the watch still fits your needs. They are still adding new features to these watches, so the 3th generation will likely have other improvements to offer as well, and will probably be released in 2 years from now.