Garmin Marries Satellite Messaging with D2 Mach 2 Pro

Garmin has unveiled the D2 Mach 2 Pro, a watch that combines satellite and cellular connectivity with the aviation maps, flight planning, weather, health monitoring, and fitness features of previous D2 models. The price of the new watch, announced at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo on Tuesday, is $1,549.99.

The D2 Mach 2 Pro’s 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display is housed in a 51-mm case surrounded by a carbon gray DLC titanium bezel. The watch includes both a Chestnut leather and silicone QuickFit watchbands. Battery life is up to 24 days.

Adding Garmin’s inReach Iridium satellite technology to the watch allows users to send and receive text messages, trigger an SOS request, send location check-in messages, and monitor weather forecasts without a cellphone. The watch has its own LTE cellular connectivity.

Like its predecessors, the D2 Mach 2 Pro includes on-device navigation, aviation maps, connection with the Garmin Pilot app, display of PlaneSync information, on-device voice commands, variable-intensity LED flashlight, and red shift mode for night flying.

“From the hangar to the great outdoors, D2 Mach 2 Pro helps aviators stay connected, even without their smartphone,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin v-p of aviation sales, marketing, programs, and support. “Satellite and LTE connectivity allows aviators to keep in touch with family or get help if needed, adding extra peace of mind right on their wrist.”