Hmm, I don't think you've paid enough attention to battery life. The Apple Watch needs to be charged practically every day, whereas the D2 Mach Pro only needs to be charged once a week at most. And yes, I understand your point about Fly Mode, but the overall battery life is a real USP for the Garmin. If you are out and about and forget your Apple charging cable, you have a problem. I find the METAR's and SR/SS time on the display very useful. Above that, it has a database onboard (so you do not need to be online) with all global airports and navaids, plus, a lifetime subscription to update this database. This alone cost a fortune. Also, the powerful flashlight of the D2 Mach Pro is really handy, also a clear USP. And I have the impression that the Garmin is mechanically more robust than the Apple, although I'm not 100% sure about that, but my Apple Watch has already had a broken display and the repair cost a fortune. And I like the feel of operating via multiple buttons, rather than menu structures. And yes, the Apple Watch is seamlessly integrated into Apple's ecosystem, just as seamlessly as Garmin is integrated into the whole avionics ecosystem in the cockpit. My conclusion, both manufacturers deliver excellent products, it's more a matter of taste. I just think it's cool that Garmin offers a watch for pilots.
In case of emergency I would take Garmin. Because maps work without internet connection. And battery can last 2-3 times longer. And it has good flashlight. I think the tactical version can also send/inform gps location.
I love my Ultra watch in the cockpit and for preflight. I have 7 apps easily accessible, (Top row: E6B calculator, UTC digital clock, ForeFlight w/ local windspeed and direction. In the middle is a huge stopwatch which I start with a tap as part of my engine start procedure. Bottom row: Spotify, Watch Battery, 30min timer for switching low wing tanks in a Piper Archer.). Is also great as a backup cellular and GPS device as well as onboard barometer and blood oxygen measurement app. I would recommend this watch in a heartbeat to any pilot.
While flying, the Garmin Mach1 tactile buzzer coupled with timer is not strong enough to give a perceived alarm to manage fuel tank. So, I use the Apple Ultra, which is excellent for this purpose . Foreflight and Aeroweather Pro are great apps for the Ultra .
Agree on the apple watch in terms of its available apps/features and usability. Other watches re prettier but that doesnt matter to me. Also agree that its not really needed and has some features that can be helpful/useful/add some elements of safelty. Would be interesting to see a test with total failure of aircraft instruments and avionics to see if the watch could help a pilot get out of a jamb.
I found my Ultra watch shows me wrong directions where my iPhone shows correct directions. They were absolutely opposite. So I returned my Apple watch. Will never buy Apple Watch for this purpose.
