The latest from Garmin: a practical review of the D2™ Mach 1 Pro

Garmin, a name that has long resonated in the fitness world thanks to its high-end smartwatches, deploying technology to track a multitude of activities such as cycling, hiking, swimming, running, gym sessions, and much more. However, what many don't know is that Garmin is also expanding its expertise to pilots, offering a range of smartwatches specifically designed for aviation.

In this article, I will share my experience with the latest addition to the lineup, the Garmin D2™ Mach 1 Pro, highlighting the 10 features that particularly caught my attention. I will also provide a comparison table of its features with the D2™ Mach 1 and the D2™ Air X10, so you can learn about the differences between the Mach 1 Pro, the Mach 1, and the Air X10 from Garmin.
Before diving into the impressive features of this watch, it is important to note that the Garmin D2™ Mach 1 Pro also stands out for its aesthetics. Unlike many smartwatches designed for lightness and compactness, this watch has a robust and elegant look. It features a titanium front and back case as well as scratch-resistant sapphire glass. Additionally, it comes with two straps, one in titanium for a more refined look and the other in silicone, perfect for sports activities.

Here are the 10 features that caught my attention

1. AMOLED Screen Readable in Full Sunlight

Whether you’re flying, running, hiking, or walking, the AMOLED color screen remains readable even in full sunlight.

2. Weather Data

You can check METAR data for your home airport directly from the home screen, as well as the current active runway.

3. Impressive Battery Life

You won’t need to recharge the watch every day. According to Garmin, it offers up to 25 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 10 days in always-on mode, although in practice, you can expect 5 to 7 days.

4. Smart Shortcuts

Designed with pilots in mind, the menu and button shortcuts are intuitive and practical. For example, NEXRAD can be displayed with a simple gesture.

5. Built-in Flashlight

A handy tool for hands-free preflight checks, with red light and adjustable brightness levels.

6. Automatic Night Mode

The watch automatically switches to night mode to preserve your night vision, displaying text in red while remaining readable.

7. Garmin Connect App

The companion app is user-friendly, with detailed graphs to track your progress. Additionally, it allows you to customize the watch settings.

8. Activity Tracking

This watch offers top-notch activity tracking, with over 30 different exercises to choose from. You can easily select your favorite activities using the dedicated button.

9. Additional Health Data

The watch includes a heart rate monitor, an oximeter, a stress indicator, and a body battery feature, which can be useful.

10. Easy-to-Change Straps

Changing straps is a breeze, allowing you to personalize your watch for different occasions.

As you can see, the Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro is a watch that attracts with both its elegance and advanced features. Garmin has taken a big step forward to become a key player in the high-end smartwatch market while continuing to offer user-friendly devices for pilots. This watch could very well become your new favorite accessory.

Feature Differences between the D2™ Mach 1 Pro, D2™ Mach 1, and D2™ Air X10