Garmin - MARQ Captain (Gen 2)

Well I have two Garmin Marq Get 2 (Aviator & Captain) and I have two Tag Heuer Connected Watches (41mm & 45mm) and would say stick with these watches if PREMIUM is what you are after. With regards to Smart(ness) features, the Garmin is good at actioning the notifications but don't think you'll be typing on it or sending short messages/emails like an Apple Watch or Samsung watch would. The Tag Heuer Connected series do not have speakers (neither do the Garmin) but I honestly use a watch to action notifications quickly (Smart replies, Mark as Read/Delete/Dismiss, etc...) and the Garmin Marq Get 2 just look and feel so solid and stunning watches. I get more compliments on them than I do on the Tag Heuer even. With regards to battery, I charge the Garmin every 6-7 days (depending on how active I am) but I always have AOD turned on. It's not a watch if it's not always showing the time. The Tag Heuer lasts like others (day to a day and a Half). If you rock an iPhone (like I do most of the time) then it really makes no sense to rock anything other than an Apple Watch Series 10 Hermes (Stainless Steel) as that's what I use most the time I'm on my iPhone. I rock the Apple Watch Ultra when I know I'll be gone for a weekend or fishing/swimming, etc... Hope this has helped.

I got the Aviator and Captain (both special in their own way) but I'd say the Aviator goes with more clothing options of it makes a difference for you.

Amen.....I have a marq captain that lasts a month and a galaxy watch ultra that lasts 1.75 days.

Garmin has to be one of the most stubborn refuse to change companies out there. I mean has anyone looked at their executive team lately. Bunch of clueless old guys that don’t appear to have any athletic ability anymore & never had any fashion sense. We ask for a whoop competitor & we get an index sleep monitor. However don’t worry we’ve released a screenless tracker for your horse. I’ve had a ton of Garmins over the years. Including multiple Marqs. Now because Garmin won’t listen to their customers I’ve moved over to Amazfit & Whoop(have had one for like 7 years) I’d gladly go back to Garmin if they would release what we’ve asked for, a proper screenless Whoop competitor. Garmin wake up already. Of course I’ll be checking out Polar’s offering next week. Hope they nail their band.

it was all about battery life for me. And in that case it's the garmin and not even close. I had a 1st gen Ultra and switched to the Marq with zero regrets.

Marq gen 2.. It is a good looking watch (I got it at a discount at REI with other credits).

Forerunner 970 and call it a day. It's specifically designed for a cost no object triathlete. You can get a Fenix or MARQ if you like but they're heavier. Might be better at golf, scuba and flying if any of those are relevant to you.

I use both. AWU hr data, garmin marq with garmin he strap. Cadence, hr, pace are virtually the same, AWU a bit more conservative

I use the default workout app. Lately i use Watchletic, as it downloads trainings from the training app Trenara, the latter is insanely good. I use both watches as I have both. Awu for music, lte and afib, during exercice i prefer garmin (workout page is very readable). Music on garmin is a pain

They are paid apps, but your TCO is less than a Garmin if you want something that gives you Siri/voice commands etc (by which I mean cost over 3/4 years inc purchase, apps and resale value). Yes to HRV/VO2 etc. And much more. WorkOutDoors is the other app you’ll need if navigating outdoors matters to you. No argument from me - this is less seamless than Garmin’s all in one solution. I also won’t argue that the Ultra doesn’t go far enough to bridging the gap with Garmin in this regard. Battery life is also a major factor. Hardcore adventurists need multi-day battery. 95% of users do not. Upsides with AWU is of course, cell/data, seamless Apple integration, voice commands etc. Your choice is determined by how much Garmin’s inbuilt solution matter to you vs how much you use /will lament Apple functionality. FYI, I’m wearing my beloved Marq2 as I write this. I’m a total Garmin fanboy, but I’m also realistic about the AWU being a perfect solution for most people.

No information about budget. But if you can afford it, the Garmin Marq is awesome....

Look at the Garmin Marq editions. Garmin has options. Apple has “one or the other”

Take a look at the MARQ versions of garmin watches. They’re 3,000 dollar plus.