Garmin MARQ Captain Vs. Garmin Fenix, Two Astonishing Smartwatches

When discussing the watchmaking branch of Garmin production, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the multipurpose smartwatches they produce.

Digging deeper into the matter, their smartwatch collection's highly functional blend of elegance, functionality, and advanced features takes over the scene. As a rule, such a merge of different features inspires the readers to study them in more detail.

To meet the needs of those readers and satisfy our zeal, as well, two great Garmin watches are the leading characters of our story of the day:

• Garmin MARQ Captain Smartwatch
• Garmin Fenix 6 Smartwatch

Although both are members of Garmin's extensive smartwatch collection and share some features, these two watches belong to different Garmin smartwatch families - Garmin MARQ and Garmin Fenix, which will also be mentioned in some detail throughout this overview.

Left : Garmin Fenix 6 Smartwatch elegant vibe with a Green FKM rubber strap; Right : Garmin Captain Smartwatch naval blue enhanced with a matching FKM rubber strap

The Captain is a member of the infamous Garmin MARQ family. Suppose you are one of the lucky owners of some other piece from that collection or have read anything about Garmin MARQ smartwatches. In that case, you have a pretty good idea of what awaits you in the upcoming lines. If not, no worries, you’re in for an even bigger treat!

As you can infer from its name, this Garmin watch primarily aims at sailing lovers. Since sailing is such a dynamic activity, it comes naturally to expect that a watch meant to successfully aid in numerous activities sailing captain regularly endeavors must be a genuine work of art.

And Garmin MARQ Captain truly is one. Plus, it has features that can go beyond one’s wildest dreams.

Garmin MARQ Captain sleek appearance with an FKM Khaki Sailcloth Watch Strap

Garmin MARQ Captain general specifications

Let’s start with the general description:

• a 46mm diameter 14.7 mm thick brushed titanium case
• a titanium/ceramic bezel featuring a regatta timer
• a Jacquard weave 22mm nylon watch strap
• a 30.4mm diameter 240×240 pixels always-on display with lush nautical blue dial
• a domed sapphire crystal lens
• 10 ATM water resistance
• up to 12 days of battery life when in a smartwatch mode

The Captain is, by all means, a pleasure to wear. It’s lightweight and elegant, with a clear display and design that suits both sporty and sleek dress codes.

Just as so many other watches are, right? But, with a significant difference hidden under the hood. So, let’s take a look at the gems hidden within.

MARQ Captain modern design enhanced by an FKM Straight End orange watch strap

Garmin MARQ Captain special features

Once the users scratch under the Captain’s appealing surface and start getting the gist of what this great smartwatch is capable of, they will quickly get the idea of how advanced its features are.

The list of MARQ Captain special features is simply staggering. So naturally, it would take ages to detail every single one of them, so we’ll just discuss the most prominent ones.

After all, not having all of them revealed, thus allowing you to discover some of them on your own, is a treat in itself.

Here’s a list of special features the Captain has, with just a few subcategories mentioned in each of them:

• Health monitoring – including Heart rate, Respiration rate and Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation
• Sensors – GPS, Compass, Gyroscope
• Safety and Tracking – Livetrack, Incident detection
• Boating features – Autopilot control, Boat data streaming, Tack assist mode
• Activity tracking features – Distance traveled, Calories burned
• Training, Planning, and Analysis features – HRV stress test, Daily suggested workouts, Training status
• Running features – Running dynamics, Performance condition
• Golfing features – Full vector map, Custom targets, 42 000 courses preloaded
• Outdoor recreation – Hunt/fish calendar, Sun and Moon info, Preloaded topographical, road and trail maps
• Cycling features – Advanced cycling dynamics, Race an activity
• Swimming features – Swim metrics and workouts, time and distance alerts

An overwhelming list by all means. And mind that only a few options in each category are listed here, so you can get a grasp of how advanced in features Garmin MARQ Captain truly is.

Given the numerous options it provides and considering the exquisite appearance, the list price of $1850 seems perfectly justified. This watch will provide all the data you need when on water and during numerous other activities, as well as be an attention grabber on shore.

Plus, it’s built to last. All those characteristics combined, the Garmin MARQ Captain could easily become your one-suit-fits-all watch.

Garmin MARQ Captain Smartwatch with a wide selection of FKM Quick Release Rubber Watch Straps

Garmin Fenix 6 Smartwatch

Garmin Fenix 6 is another jewel in Garmin’s rich catalog. The modern, sporty look that’s a great addition to casual clothing style is backed up by an abundance of features dedicated to making your physical activities of any kind more efficient and fun.

Garmin Fenix 6 builds on the tradition of its predecessors from the Fenix family. So, before going into details about our featured model, let’s briefly overview the Fenix family tradition.

A brief history of the Garmin Fenix Collection

The Fenix collection saw the light of day in 2012 with the release of the premier model, the original Fenix. Rather modest by today’s standards, this ABC (altitude, barometer, compass) watch was something special back then. It immediately caught the attention of the adventurous lovers of outdoor activities, and the wheel started to roll.

The Fenix 2 that came out in 2014 was the first turning point. It introduced additional features, such as swimming, snowboarding, and ski tracking, making it applicable to a broader range of outdoor activities and essentially expanding the user group. Plus, it introduced notifications, making it more suitable for everyday activities.

The Fenix 3, launched in 2015, introduced the Connect IQ platform, a groundbreaking approach that made the Fenix 3 an outdoor watch with smartwatch features. That was just what the fan base was looking for and another turning point for the collection.

The Fenix Chronos came next, in 2016. The goal, which Garmin successfully reached with this model, was to enter the high-end smartwatch market. The titanium body and strap, a sapphire crystal glass, and myriad multisport features of the Fenix Chronos will become an inspiration and a trademark of the MARQ collection that soon followed.

The Fenix 5 and Fenix 5 Plus, launched in 2017 and 2018, further expanded on the multisport features and more. The former came in three models and a range of sizes, expanding the user group even further. In addition, the latter introduced the music feature, contactless payment, and a Pulse Oximeter sensor.

Garmin Fenix 6 Smartwatch specifications

When versatility, multisport application, and advanced features are discussed, Fenix 6 is always at the top of the list. It comes in versions bound to fit every wrist and taste, 6S, 6X, 6PRO, and 6X Solar Pro. All of these come with special individual features. Still, Fenix 6 has kept the recognizable combination of robustness and elegance characteristic of the Fenix family, with a multitude of specifications common for each Fenix 6 iteration:

• Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover case, 42-51mm diameter, 14.7-15.8 thick
• Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX or Sapphire Crystal glass
• Stainless steel, titanium, or Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated steel bezel
• 33.02mm diameter 260x260 pixels display
• 10 ATM water resistance
• 32GB memory
• up to 14 days of battery life in a smartwatch mode

Garmin Fenix 6 fiery appearance driven by an FKM Crisscross orange watch strap

Garmin Fenix 6 Smartwatch special features

Almost each of the multisport sections available in its predecessors was improved. The list of available multisport features with just some of the improvements made is as follows:

• Health monitoring – abnormal heart rate alerts and sleep score insights
• Sensors – Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor
• Daily smart features – battery saver, doubled music storage capacity
• Safety and tracking features – live event sharing
• Gym and fitness equipment – Yoga and Pilates workouts
• Training, planning and analysis features – HRV status, Garmin live segments
• Running features – pacing strategies, run/walk/stand detection
• Golfing features – custom targets, full vector map
• Outdoor recreation – reference point, expedition GPS activity
• Cycling features – MTB grit & flow, advanced cycling dynamics
• Swimming features – underwater wrist-based heart rate, critical swim speed

Garmin Fenix 6 comes with FAT spring bars;  Right : when comparing with general spring bars, SHOP generic Garmin Fenix "FAT" spring bars HERE

Overall, Garmin Fenix 6 has substantial improvements compared to older family members and stands as a reliable multisport outdoor activities’ smartwatch. The one capable of meeting the needs of the vast majority of outdoor activities enthusiasts who like tracking their activities.

The list price of $550 puts it in the category of higher-priced multisport smartwatches. Still, since it’s one of the top-line Garmin watches and a leading sports watch in general, reliable, durable, and filled with features, it is well worth considering.

There is yet another great feature of Garmin MARQ Captain and Fenix 6. They feature a quick-release option for easy watch strap replacement, which is a great feature, if not necessary.

Outdoor and multisport activities in all weather conditions mean you and your beloved tracker will get wet. Replacing your wet strap with a dry one in a matter of seconds without having to use any tools is a great thing.

When the replacement watch strap is at the same time fashionable and highly comfortable, you get a double win. And that’s precisely where quick-release FKM rubber watch straps make a difference and what they are famous for.

Combining style, function, and comfort in your everyday fashion, changing your Garmin watch bands into quick-release FKM rubber watch straps

Fenix 7 Series Sapphire Solar’s Touchscreen you can Swipes and Taps

Being a very satisfied daily user of Garmin Fenix 6, I am now looking forward to the arrival of the latest Garmin Fenix 7.

The new Fenix 7 model looks like a refinement rather than a revolution away from previous Fenix designs. The 7S is the smallest, sleekest version with a 42mm case and 1.2in screen. On the other hand, the standard Fenix 7 with a 47mm case and 1.3in screen, and the large one also is a supersized 7X with a 51mm case and 1.4in screen, all are light and comfortable to be worn.

Fenix 7 Series Sapphire Solar is a multisport GPS watch with a new flashlight, scratch-resistant DLC titanium bezel, and sapphire solar’s new touchscreen interface for quick access to selections and functions. The new Fenix 7 Series has a touch screen that supports swipes and taps, breaking the long waiting of this premium multisport watch button-only. In addition, the solar charging crystal is built to stay performance-ready every day of the week.

A watch review of the new Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar will come more soon.

The Garmin Fenix 7 supports all the Fenix 6 functions, and crucially the Fenix 7 adds a touchscreen.

Written by S.K. , images by Toni and others as noted