Garmin MARQ vs MARQ 2 Smartwatch: What’s the difference?

Last week, the Garmin MARQ 2 smartwatch was unveiled and as with any second generation launch, people are wanting to know exactly what has changed. To help you navigate your way through the vast list of features found on the Garmin MARQ 2, we’ve created this handy guide that details all the new traits plus a full list of specifications breaking down each of the models including the MARQ 2 Athlete, MARQ 2 Aviator, MARQ 2 Captain, MARQ 2 Adventurer and the MARQ 2 Golfer.  Let’s get into it and find out what’s new for the Garmin MARQ 2 smartwatch…

AMOLED Touchscreen Display

One of the biggest headlines for the new Garmin MARQ 2 smartwatch is the introduction of a full-colour, high-resolution AMOLED touchscreen display. Recently included on the Garmin EPIX 2, the AMOLED screen replaces the typical MIP (sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel) display offering a significantly crisper, brighter and thus readable screen. The display is still protected by domed sapphire crystal glass and promises a pixel resolution of 390 x 390 pixels.

Increased Battery Life

Typically, with an AMOLED smartwatch, you’ll find that the battery life feels pretty half-hearted purely because the brightly lit display takes up a lot of charge. So, once we learned that the Garmin MARQ 2 was boasting one of the very same, we instantly assumed the battery life was going to have taken a hit. We we’re wrong. Instead, Garmin have increased the MARQ 2’s battery life from 12 days in smartwatch mode to 16 days. You’ll also get up to 21 days in Battery Saver Watch Mode, 75 hours in Max Battery GPS and up to 14 days in Expedition GPS mode.

Jet Lag Advisor

Another notable new feature for the Garmin MARQ 2 smartwatch is the Jet Lag Advisor. This clever app provides recommendations for catching you up to your new time zone, looking at your sleep history and analysing factors like your hydration intake, caffeine intake and exercise. It will recommend a new sleep schedule around your travel and even suggest ideal levels of light exposure and recommend caffeine intakes and nutrition.

Multi-GNSS with SatIQ™ Technology

Those wondering exactly where the improved battery life has come from on the new Garmin MARQ 2 watch, much of it is justified by Garmin’s new SatIQ™ technology. It works alongside the multi-GNSS satellite systems to guarantee the best positioning accuracy in any environment. Garmin also asserts this improves the battery life of each Garmin MARQ 2 smartwatch so using GPS and other navigational tools drains the battery less than before.

Preloaded TopoActive Maps with NextFork™

Lastly, a nice addition for hikers, Garmin MARQ 2 smartwatches now come with preloaded TopoActive maps so you don’t have to manually download them over Wi-Fi – although you can download more if you should wish. The maps are also now paired with a new technology Garmin calls NextFork™. This feature aims to help you navigate hiking trails easier than before, letting you see beyond the next turn.

Garmin MARQ vs MARQ 2: A Full Breakdown

The Garmin MARQ 2 offers much of the same core features as the original device, alongside the new features above and several others. In the table below, we have outlined everything that’s different between second-generation model and its predecessor to help you see a clear difference in the upgrade. So again, please note that the features listed below are only what’s new for the Garmin MARQ 2 and there are a number of additional features included. To see these, visit the Jura Watches website here.

	Garmin MARQ	Garmin MARQ 2
Case Size & Material	46mm x 14.mm Titanium	46mm x 15mm Titanium (Grade 5)
RRP	£1,399	£1,599
Display Type	Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP	AMOLED (always-on)
Touchscreen	❌	✅
Display Resolution	240 x 240 pixels	390 x 390 pixels
Screen resolution	240×240	240×240
Weight	94g	85g
Battery Life	Smartwatch mode: 12 days GPS mode: 28 hours	Smartwatch mode: 16 days GPS mode: 42 hours
Pulse Ox Blood Oxygen Saturation	✅	✅plus spot check and optional all-day acclimation and in sleep.
Relaxation Reminders	❌	✅
Health Snapshot	❌	✅
Multi-frequency Positioning	❌	✅
SatIQ Technology	❌	✅
Ambient Light Sensor	❌	✅
Jet Lag Advisor	❌	✅
On-Device Connect IQ Store	❌	✅
Realtime settings sync with Garmin Connect™ mobile	❌	✅
Pairs with Garmin Golf app	❌	✅
Stocks	❌	✅
Incident detection alert on phone for wearables	✅	❌
Available gym activity profiles	Strength, cardio and elliptical training, stair stepping, floor climbing, indoor rowing and yoga	Strength, HIIT, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, Breathwork, Pilates, Yoga
HIIT workouts	❌	✅
On-screen workout muscle maps	❌	✅
Race glance/widget	❌	✅
Training readiness	❌	✅
Improved interval (includes open repeats, intervals data page, rest screen and auto detection)	❌	✅
HRM running pace and distance	✅	✅
Rest timer	❌	✅
VO2 Max (Trail Run)	❌	✅
Realtime stamina	❌	✅
Grade-adjusted pace	❌	✅
Touch-targeting (touch target on display to see the distance to any point)	❌	✅
Handicap scoring	❌	✅
Automatic club tracking compatible (requires accessory)	❌	✅
Wind speed and direction (requires connection to the golf app)	❌	✅
Virtual caddie	❌	✅
Tournament legal	❌	✅
Green Contours (with Garmin Golf membership)	❌	✅
Available outdoor recreation profiles	Hiking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, XC skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, kayaking, Jumpmaster, tactical	Hiking, Indoor Climbing, Climbing, Bouldering, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Snowshoeing, Horseback Riding, Jumpmaster, Tennis, Tactical
Up Ahead	❌	✅
NextFork™ navigation	❌	✅
Expedition GPS Activity	❌	✅
Available cycling profiles	Biking, indoor biking, mountain biking, triathlon	Biking, Road Biking, Indoor Biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bike Commuting, Bike Touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Cyclocross, Triathlon