Left: D2 Mach 2 HSI with Course | Right: D2 Mach 2 Map overlay
Calling Garmin’s latest wearable device, the D2 Mach 2, a smartwatch is like describing a tourbillon as a wristwatch. The Garmin D2 Mach 2 is much more advanced than any smartwatch and probably deserves a new category for this wearable computing device. Garmin has integrated several aviation features that go far beyond simply using a smartwatch version of a mobile app. These features are in addition to the inclusion of Garmin’s well-known health, fitness, connectivity, diving, and mobile app integration on the watch.
We decided to test this advanced watch on land, mountain biking, in the air, flying over the Caribbean, leading an Air Journey adventure, under the water, and then around the US and Mexico. Our testing program for the 51 mm version of this instrument was extensive and a lot of fun.
The 51 mm size is rather large; however, at only 4.8 oz (titanium band) in comparison with my 44 mm Apple Ultra at 4.3 oz, it wasn’t a significant difference. A 47 mm version is also available for those who desire a smaller device, and I expect most pilots to opt for that size.
The watch arrives in a premium presentation box with titanium and silicone bands, a charging cable, and an adjustment screwdriver.
This is not the watch you simply unwrap, install the wrist band, and instantly use all its features. I spent considerable time reading the manual and watching Garmin’s YouTube videos on the watch, which helped but didn’t answer all of my questions. It was as if I were studying systems for a new aircraft.
The D2 Mach 2 is a computer with 32 GB of storage, featuring advanced accelerometers, a magnetometer, a multi-band GPS receiver, barometric sensors (above and below the water), WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers. The display is amazingly bright due to its AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology. All of this is contained within a polymer case with a titanium bezel, protected by a durable sapphire crystal.
Power for Days
With all this capability, it is surprising that the battery will power the watch 41 days in low power mode and 56 hours when the aviation activity is selected. If you just use it as a beautiful watch, with occasional app use, it should last at least 2 weeks on a charge. If you are checking out all the features or using some of the more intensive apps as I do, the battery still lasts an amazing 4 to 7 days. This is surprisingly longer than the 2 to 3 days I usually get on my Apple Ultra watch.
Connectivity
The D2 Mach 2 uses both WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers to communicate and share data between the watch and multiple devices, including a plethora of external sensors for health and fitness. Through Bluetooth, it communicates with your phone (Android or iPhone) and utilizes WiFi for some specific data downloads, such as map layers, directly to the watch.
Software Connections
The D2 Mach 2 is dependent upon seven smartphone applications, including Garmin Pilot, if you want to use all the features. At a minimum, you need the free Garmin Connect, which supports several watch-management services, while upgrading to the subscription-based Connect+ provides additional map layers and services.
Activity-specific apps for golf, diving, messaging, and exploration are also available, including an app to determine the optimal elevation and windage for long-range shooting. If you can think of an activity, there is probably an app that can be activated on the D2 Mach 2.
Bluetooth connections for mobile devices are through the Phone setting, and only one connection can be active, i.e., if you want to switch between an app on your phone or your iPad, you will need to manually change that connection.
Aviation Features – Connected Cockpit
The aviation features are independent of connection to a mobile device, which enables full control of the watch itself. In fact, that is how I used the watch most of the time while flying. At first, I thought it would be difficult to use these capabilities on a small watch face since it does require considerable data entry. The watch keyboard was actually very effective in entering ICAO airport codes. The smaller 47 mm version of the D2 Mach 2 might make entering data more challenging; however, the more compact size may be more useful for most people.
The integral GPS sensors are very accurate and work well while flying the Cessna T206 or the Cessna Citations. When flying in the Cirrus Vision Jet through the Caribbean, the metallic reflective layer in the SF50 windows interfered with the GPS acquisition. In these situations, the only solution would be to connect the watch to the iPad and utilize Garmin Pilot and its connection to your Garmin panel. Garmin has aptly named their avionics and mobile device connectivity as a Connected Cockpit, and the D2 simply is an extension of that concept when using Garmin Pilot.
The watch has an amazingly accurate compass, which I used frequently while flying and exploring on land. This compass, coupled with an HSI feature complete with a course needle, was perhaps one of my favorite features.
As pilots, even in pressurized aircraft, it is useful to know your SpO2 (blood oxygen level), and this watch has not only a current level, but also a bar graph, which is very useful to measure over a specific time period.
The weather features, both METARs and TAFs, and current and forecast local weather were easily accessed. Coupled with various map overlays, including aviation, it provides effective situational awareness for aviation and other activities.
At Sea Level and Below
Outside of using the aviation features while on land, the D2 Mach 2 has more activity apps than even an Ironman Triathlete would use. The health and fitness tracking capabilities are comprehensive, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation, stress tracking, and sleep analysis. For outdoor enthusiasts, the watch offers dedicated modes for mountain biking, trail running, skiing, and dozens of other activities.
The diving features are particularly impressive, with dive computer functionality that tracks depth, time, water temperature, and decompression limits. The barometric sensors accurately measure both altitude for aviation and depth underwater. I didn’t get a chance to dive during my trips, but snorkeling and free diving in the Caribbean was a brief test, during which the watch performed flawlessly without the Apple Watch requirement to actively place it in dive mode, and provided clear visibility even in challenging underwater conditions. Underwater, some functions would work, and I would prefer if the water temperature were more easily accessible.
Lifestyle Computer
The Garmin D2 Mach 2 represents a significant leap forward in aviation wearables. While it requires a learning investment comparable to mastering a new aircraft system, the payoff is substantial. The independent aviation features, exceptional battery life, and comprehensive activity tracking make it a versatile tool for pilots who live active lifestyles beyond the cockpit.
The watch shines brightest when used independently in the cockpit, where the on-watch keyboard and intuitive interface allow for quick airport lookups and navigation without reaching for your iPad. The Connected Cockpit integration with Garmin Pilot is valuable when needed, but many pilots will find the standalone capabilities more than sufficient for most flights.
For the pilot seeking a true aviation computer on their wrist rather than just another smartwatch, the D2 Mach 2 delivers. Its premium price point is justified by the depth of features, build quality, and the seamless integration of aviation-specific capabilities with comprehensive health and fitness tracking. After extensive testing across multiple environments and exploring its capabilities, the D2 Mach 2 would more appropriately be defined as a Lifestyle Computer that simply resides on your wrist.
