When you first get into watch collecting, the Marathon Search and Rescue holds an important place in the pantheon of affordable yet fancy watches. Originally founded in 1939, the company has long been known as purveyors of military watches, watches designed to withstand rough conditions with minimal styling.
Now Marathon is more of a symbol of the military watch, similar to the Blancpain 50 Fathoms and Panerai’s ouvre. At $1,500 a pop for the Marathon GSAR, for example, a member of the military might look to something more like a Seiko diver or a G-Shock to wear on maneuvers.
But that Marathon magic still holds and, despite my dislike of three-handed watches without complications, I actually put money down on the 41mm Marathon GSAR. And I’m pleased to report I made the right decision.
About Marathon
Marathon Watch Company, founded in 1904, is a Canadian watchmaking firm known for producing reliable and durable timepieces. Established by Morris Wein, the company initially began as Weinstrum Watch, focusing on creating high-quality watches.
In the 1930s, the company was rebranded as Marathon Watch Company. During World War II, Marathon supplied the Allied Forces with military-grade watches. Their timepieces were designed to withstand harsh conditions, which cemented their reputation for durability and precision.
In the 1980s, Marathon expanded its range to include a variety of timepieces for different professions. They began collaborating with the United States and Canadian governments to produce specialized watches for military and professional use. This includes the iconic Navigator and General Purpose Mechanical watches.
Marathon continues to operate as a family-owned business, with a focus on combining traditional watchmaking techniques with modern technology. Their watches are widely used by military personnel, first responders, and watch enthusiasts.
What is good about the Marathon GSAR?
The Marathon GSAR wears like a smaller watch. Even at 41mm, the watch feels like a cross between a Submariner and a Seiko sports diver. If you’re worried that 41mm is too big, don’t be. It fits perfectly on most wrists.
Further, the classic styling makes this pieces stand out in ways that Marathon clones can’t. Black on white is Marathon’s definitive style and this watch delivers that in spades. The baton hands are immediately legible, the bezel is visible and useful, and the numerals and on-dial hodge hodge isn’t overwhelming. This thing even has a little radiation symbol on it because of the tritium tubes on the hands and it still doesn’t look busy.
The watch runs a Sellita SW200-1 with Incabloc Shock Absorber, a movement that is just fine. It has a date window at 4:30, a huge screw down crown that looks more like a machine part, and holed lugs for quick strap replacement. The rear of the watch displays the usual military rigamarole that these watches used to have back in the 1960s when they were issued to soldiers as part of their kit.
One of the biggest draws to this watch are the hands and pips. These tritium infused beauties light up like an LED at night, resulting in a watch that is legible in pitch darkness and, presumably, would give away your position if you’re trying to hide in the brush. But let’s not quibble.
I bought the GSAR model which is emblazoned with US GOVERNMENT on the dial. This is akin to wearing a PROPERTY OF STATE COLLEGE sweatshirt but, again, that’s part of the charm here.
In all, this is a big, beefy, and rugged watch. It’s great to wear, the rubber strap is quite nice if a little stiff, and the whole package is built very well from machined steel. One wag told me that the bezel was deep enough to drink a shot of whiskey out of but you barely notice the sizing when it’s on the wrist. Again, this is a big watch for smaller folks.
What’s bad about the Marathon GSAR?
The only bad thing I noticed about this watch was the bezel. It doesn’t quite line up to the 12 o’clock marker, a problem that could be a trick of the literal expanse of steel between the face and the crystal. Further, this expanse of steel makes the face seem much smaller than it is, reducing legibility of some of the writing on the dial, especially the 24-hour time markings.
The case shape is comfortable and nicely designed but, again, the whole thing is unpolished and brutalist, akin to something that just came off the CNC machine. If you’re looking for high gloss finishes, this isn’t your watch.
Finally, I’m kind of upset the entire bezel isn’t lumed. Instead, they added a dollop of lume at 12 o’clock and not much else. It’s not a huge problem, but it would be nice to see the rest of the numbers around the bezel.
Finally, there’s the price. At $1,500 Marathon is brushing up against needless price gouging. I understand the value of the brand, the quality of the piece, and the history but at $1,500 for a rugged three-hander you could probably do a bit better. I know it’s comparing apples to grenades but the Tissot Seastar is about $756 and features many of the same qualities as this one. Marathon could easily throw collectors a bone here and price it at about $1,000.
Should you buy the Marathon GSAR?
Is this your first watch? Then no. Buy something that is affordable, go through an EBay watch phase, explore the market a bit. Marathon will always be there.
Have you always wanted a SAR? Then pick this one up when you’re able. It’s a great little piece and, in my case, it will stay on your wrist for a good long while. It’s expensive, sure, but it’s a definitive military watch that is instantly familiar to many in the hobby and well worth exploring. If you don’t like it you can probably sell it for nearly the same price online since, like you, everyone else is looking for a deal on this thing.
Ultimately, Marathon has made one of the most recognizable and wearable watches in the world. They don’t get much credit for that. It’s a lovely piece full of history and quality and definitely needs to be on your wrist at least once in your collecting career.
