Garmin launched the second-generation MARQ luxury smartwatches on October 11, 2022. It offered five specialized variants: Adventurer, Athlete, Golfer, Captain, and Aviator.

These devices offer specialized functions, depending on the variant you choose. They're also Garmin's top-end offering, beating the Apple Watch Ultra's price.

But how do they compare to Apple's premium smartwatch? Let's compare the two smartwatch models below.

Specifications: Garmin MARQ vs. Apple Watch Ultra

While the Garmin MARQ has five variants, each having specialized sensors, all five MARQ models have the same base specs. We'll compare this with Apple Watch Ultra and see how the numbers compare.

On paper, the Apple Watch Ultra has a lot going for it compared to the Garmin MARQ smartwatch. The former has a larger, brighter display, better satellite navigation options, and more built-in sensors.

However, these are just specifications. What's more important is how these smartwatches would hold up in specific conditions. After all, these aren't you're everyday smartwatches. That's why the Garmin MARQ and Apple Watch Ultra aren't great choices for most users.

Special Features of Each Smartwatch Model

When Apple launched the Apple Watch Ultra, it advertised the smartwatch as a rugged device for use in scuba diving, long-distance running, and exploration. On the other hand, the 2nd-generation Garmin MARQ line of smartwatches is made for specific activities.

For example, if you're a pilot, you would want the Garmin MARQ Aviator, which includes aviation-specific sensors. But if you're into sailing, you should get the Garmin MARQ Captain instead. There are also three other second-generation Garmin MARQ smartwatches: the Adventurer, the Athlete, and the Golfer.

All these have specific apps and sensors unique to their model line. But if you're into two different activities—like golfing and aviation—you'll have to buy two smartwatches.

Apple Watch Ultra Capabilities

An Apple Watch Ultra-specific feature is its design for use during scuba diving. It has EN13319 certification, making it suitable for prolonged diving use up to 40m deep. It also has a depth gauge and water temperature, allowing it to act as a dive computer.

Its impressively large screen also makes it easy to use in any situation. It's also up to 2,000 nits bright, ensuring you can see it no matter the situation. And, even if you're wearing gloves, you can use the Apple Watch Ultra with its crown, button, and large action button.

Beyond that, the Apple Watch Ultra is a cellular device, so you don't need to have your phone nearby to use it for communication. It even has dual speakers and a three-microphone array, allowing you to communicate clearly, even in adverse weather conditions.

Because of its cellular connection, the Apple Watch Ultra has fall detection and crash detection and will call emergency services, even if you're away from your phone.

Garmin MARQ Tool Watch Capabilities

While the Apple Watch Ultra has a lot going for it, the Garmin MARQ also has unique features you won't find on the former. For example, the Garmin MARQ Aviator has several pilot-centric features, including aircraft navigation tools, built-in global airport databases, and wireless connectivity to compatible aircraft instruments.

While you can download apps for the Apple Smartwatch Ultra that offer some of these tools, they're not as comprehensive as what Garmin offers, as Garmin is also one of the biggest aircraft instrument manufacturers worldwide.

You'll find a similar situation with the Garmin MARQ Captain. While you can find nautical apps for the Apple Smartwatch Ultra, these apps cannot connect to Garmin Marine devices already on many boats.

This is a similar situation across the line of Garmin MARQ smartwatches. While the Apple Watch Ultra excels at doing many things, the Garmin MARQ is far better if it's doing a specific task.

Garmin MARQ vs. Apple Watch Ultra Prices

The Apple Watch Ultra is already an expensive smartwatch. It has a $799 starting price—double that of the $399 GPS-only Apple Watch Series 8. It also beats the other premium smartwatches from other brands, like Samsung's Galaxy Watch5 Pro, which starts at $209.99, and the Google Pixel Watch, which starts at $349.99.

However, its price starts to make sense if you compare the Apple Watch Ultra against other rugged smartwatches. For example, Garmin's Fenix 7 smartwatch starts at $899.99, and the Suunto 9 Peak Pro goes for around $699.00.

However, the Garmin MARQ smartwatches aren't ordinary rugged smartwatches. Instead, Garmin calls them Modern Tool Watches, designed as "expressions of your ambition and passions in life." The Garmin MARQ is a luxury smartwatch, and it's reflected in its prices.

The Garmin MARQ starts at $1,900 for the Athlete variant—but it could go up as high as $2,400 for the Aviator model. At these prices, you can buy two to three Apple Smart Watch Ultras for every Garmin MARQ smartwatch you get.

Can the Apple Watch Ultra Hold Its Ground?

For most people, the Apple Watch Ultra is the pinnacle of smartwatches. It has many capabilities, a premium price, and is supported by one of the best smartphone ecosystems. It will certainly hold its ground as a jack-of-all-trades kind of smartwatch.

But if you're into a specific lifestyle, need the specialized features for unique activities, or want a watch that can also act as a showpiece, the Garmin MARQ will satisfy your needs.