ANT Forum

does any heart rate measurement device that implements the Heart Rate profile can be received by a Garmin watch?      

The answer is: "yes, all of them".
The Garmins conform to the profile as displays so of course they receive and display data from all conformant sensors. Of course they display data from the ANT sensor simulator as well.

The answer is however so obvious that I'm not sure if I possibly misunderstood the question.      

Yes, All ANT+ heart rate devices can communicate with all Garmin watches that support ANT+ heart rate.

if you are interested in specific products. Refer to the ANT+ product directory

http://www.thisisant.com/modules/mod_product-directory.php