While on active duty in the Marine Corps, I served 3 years on embassy duty. The ambassador that I worked for presented me with a Marathon as a gift. These days I have the updated 41mm model on a rubber strap.

Rolex got its following because they made tools professionals liked and used; they’ve somehow turned that into luxury. I prefer something still used by professionals

If I’m going for a survival mission, up to the mountains or to the Arctic I’ll choose one of these for sure! Wait a minute, I’ve just ordered one for the beach this summer…

I use and own the TSAR 41. I am a commercial lobster diver in the Bahamas 🇧🇸, my crew and myself spend 3 to 4 weeks at sea. So a tough tool watch was very important to me. My home town is Spanish Wells Bahamas, we are the fishing capital of the Bahamas.

My son gave me the GSAR anthracite two months ago for Father’s Day. It’s a great rugged watch that looks great. I changed out the rubber straps with a black NATO strap with black anodized rings. Best watch ever from the best son ever!

My first “real” watch was a Marathon GSAR I bought for myself in 2018. I was working as both a Paramedic and Firefighter at the time. Being Canadian and loving military history really excited me about the brand and I had to have one. When I resigned from being a Paramedic I bought the watch as a treat to myself for all the hard work I had to put in to get my dream career. It’s still one of my favourite watches and will always remind me of that time in my life and how hard work pays off.

I'm a retired USMC Huey pilot (UH-1N, UH'1Y 1980-2018). I flew SAR missions in these aircraft. I love my 41mm USMC logo GSAR. Unfortunately, I was never issued this watch, but a great timepiece for the money. I wore it extensively as a B-777 airline pilot.

I’m a very active police officer and I’ve had the Gsar 41mm for about 2 years now. All I can say is this watch is THE workhorse you’re looking for. Hands down, the dependability is amazing. Even when I worked midnights, you can tell the time in the middle of the night in a heartbeat and you won’t have to worry about pressing a button to “light up a screen”. I’ve bumped into walls, doors, asphalt, computer mounts, guns, flashlights, you name it. This thing just keeps on going without a single scratch. I recently bought the authentic Marathon black and tan straps and the watch looks amazing with it. Don’t think about it. Go for it.

There are multiple reasons why military watches and military style watches are still popular. There is a coolness but that's not all. They are durable. practical and versatile. In other words, great tool watches. Marathon is an awesome brand. Great video. And the history of military dive watches is fascinating.

Bought my Gsar in 2009 with the rubber band and the Canadian Maple leaf stamped on the watch clasp. It's been on my wrist almost everyday since I bought it. It worked in areas from -35C to +40C°. The steel band does have scratches on it, but considering what I did, it just add character and reminds me how well it works as a tool watch. I've serviced the watch at Marathon and after cleaning and a new bezel it looks great. I've worn it down to 35m and upto about 3600m. I've worn it many times with my tux which often becomes a conversation starter. In 2015, I took it off once while working a controlled burn. Got distracted and moved on. In 2017 I took my Garrett metal detector and found it! It's back on my wrist and still keeping great time. Love it

I was a diver in the Canadian military and worked with Search and Rescue and the SAR Techs for many years. I can attest that these watches are as advertised. They are very durable, easy to use in less then optimal conditions, almost never need servicing, and the company is easy to deal with. After I got out of the military I bought one for my personal use and have had it since 2012 with no issues.

I’ve always been a tool watch fan and currently own Marathon and Sinn. This watch, the marathon is one of the best I’ve ever owned. I have been wearing it daily for about six years it has not scratched nor dinged, the crystal remains perfect. It has not lost any of its out of the box appeal and I work rough. I could not be happier with this watch in it in all aspects, would recommend it to anyone.

Just got my GSAR yesterday and I am really enjoying it! I was a bit surprised at the size of the dial as it looks bigger in videos and photos, but I am a Seiko collector and they all have massive dials and big lume markers, so I am very used to that big look. This has a very special presence to it and I am enjoying the dial and the tritium more than all of my Seikos. Has a sense of business and no nonsense to it. Funny part, I am always careful with all my watches. I hate scratches and nicks, but this one kinda screams, "USE ME and don't worry!" HAHA!

I'm a now-retired Deputy Sheriff and a few of my coworkers had the Marathon watches. I bought the quartz movement "TSAR" model and wanted a quality diver-type watch for the elapsed time bezel and tritium markers. It's my favorite watch to this day.

Marathon is my favorite watch company of all. My first Marathon was a JSAR I bought 11 years ago. It was my only watch for years. I loved it so much that I eventually bought other models over time. I currently have the CSAR, JDD, JSAR, four Navigators, and three General Purpose field watches. The 46mm versions have an imposing wrist presence that is weighty and impressive. The Navigators and GP versions are equally impressive, but more of a subtle, subdued effect compared to the Jumbo's. All are very practical, useful, reliable, and beautiful in a brutalist, no-BS way. Always a good decision to go with a Marathon.👍

Military story time. On a deployment to Iraq, previous to my arrival, Everyone got the GSAR. We were spun up fast for another deployment to Iraq, and no GSAR was issued to us new guys. I spent the deployment green with envy. Upon our return, I convinced my friend, a supply sergeant, to order me one. I gave him the NSN and waited. Weeks later, I was told no dice. I have only 4 years left in the Army before I retire and I'm still chasing that GSAR.

I've been wearing dive style watches for almost 40 years, mostly Seiko, a couple of Luminox, and one mid-sized Omega Seamaster all of which I've liked in one way or the other (especially the Omega but always felt it was too 'Blingy',) but I finally feel this GSAR Arctic Marathon is the "this is it" watch. I like a watch that I can wear anywhere and not have to worry about it, camping, fishing, hiking, or out to dinner. It's not blingy, it's not too over the top outdoorsy, it's just a solid ,no frills watch. I usually wear Nato Straps and the first thing I did was put one on but eventually went back to the Marathon rubber strap and quite happy with it, at least for the moment. I can see why people love this watch and brand.

I have the msar. It does wear small but as I am a regular 40-42mm wearer the smaller watch gives it a ‘new dimension’. Not just another diver…

Weirdly, ever since that Thai soccer team got trapped deep in that cave, I couldn't help but think what comfort a tritium watch might have been when all other light sources would have died or faded away. As a Canadian, also really love the fact it's a Canadian company with legit horological and military heritage. Would be nice to see an upgrade to that clasp though.

I’ve been wearing mine for about 2 months and this has been the most functional watch I can imagine.

I’m a novice watch person and the Gsar is my grail watch. I’ve been trying to save for one but a grand for a watch is hard to stomach now a days with current conditions. Hoping to have one on my wrist sometime next year.

I’m admittedly no watch expert, but I love the Marathon look. To me, it’s the perfect manly watch. Clearly, it shows you care but also that you’re right in there doing the work (whatever that may be).

Teddy, your history overview of brands and watches deepens my appreciation for all of them. Keep it up!

I lost touch with the watch world for a while. But not too long ago I got an idea for a specific watch I wanted. Long story short, I wanted a modern mechanical field watch for my outdoors activities. I set very specific criteria for what I wanted and set out on my hunt. And through that search I found Marathon. I could be forgetting someone. But I think these GSARS are the only watch that met every single one of my criteria. Literally every one, even the small stuff. Watch people know how rare that is. They say there’s no such thing as a perfect watch, but these were for me. Really, really awesome watches. They nailed it.

Honestly speaking I've always looked past marathon as a brand. But after watching this video, they are absolutely on my radar. Cheers Teddy, keep up the amazing work my friend 💜❤

I just wanted to say that I am really enjoying your videos. I wore watches since childhood, more as a necessity than enjoying a brand, quality or movement. You're basically the reason I got my first Seiko Presage. I will work my way towards a Cartier Santos or Tank. Keep up the good work and greetings from Germany.

I have the GSAR. Best tool watch I have ever owned. Nothing like it and I wear it everyday. Will own it for life and hand it down to my son when I am gone!

I bought the MSAR. It’s the best watch ive owned in years. In the sea or pool or day-to-day bumps and knock it keeps ticking.

Really really like the intro the Lum transition was flawless. 🤌🏼🤌🏼

I have always been a fan military style watches especially those with tritium. I have some of the higher end Luminox watches as well as a Traser Super Sub. After watching this review a Marathon GSAR is now on my radar!

I live in rural Alaska where it gets very dark, especially during Fall when there's no snow on the ground for contrast. These things with Tritium are awesome. I consider a watch without it almost as useless as a pistol without a lamp. If you can see the watch, you can read the watch. I was just out with the dog at -20 F before bed enjoying the stars in the dark and no pulling the hand out of the glove to push a recessed pusher on the G-Shock to light the lamp, or blinding myself with the flashlight...

great video... i like the visuals of seeing it on your wrist... gives me a much better context of the watch and how it wears... now to decide if i want to add one of these to the collection

I love military watches! Such an informative video. ❤️✨

I've had the GSAR on my radar for a while. Definitely going to get one this year.

An amazing video! I love the history aspect of so many brands. Maybe it because I’m a history fanatic, but the history of watch brands is important in telling the story and what/ why they do what they do. I’m originally from Waterbury, Connecticut. We still have the old factories from the radium girls.

I have owned several Marathon watches (and clocks) since the 90s. The GSAR on bracelet is my favorite of all my watches. Truly unique. And very, very tough; I fell several feet onto a rock hard embankment and actually dented the side of the bezel. The watch is fine otherwise. I don't think it even needs re-regulating. Can't decide if I should replace the bezel or admire the battle scar. Recommended!

Wearing my Quartz marathon watch as I watch this :)

Currently wearing a 2002 SAR and its easily one of watches that gets the most wrist time in my collection. Fantastic value for the money.

I just got mine for Christmas today from Teddy's store its a beautiful watch!

You put me on these watches today I think they are so cool. I love the radioactive symbol and I have always wanted a tritium tubed watch.

I have the GSAR and CSAR, and love them both. The bracelets are great quality despite the pressed clasps. Marathon also regulates their watches to a high standard. Both of mine run within 1 second per day accuracy.

You really stepped up the intro. Nice work and great video as always!

My favorite watch! I wear mine too everywhere and do everything with it. It’s a beast.

I was looking for a tough, small, automatic watch with good water resistance for my son. He liked the look of G-Shock but with a wrist size below 6" there was no way he was going to sport a watch that had "Baby-G" on it. I ended up finding a great deal on an Arctic MSAR w/bracelet and got him that. It immediately replaced his Casio calculator watch and I don't think he ever takes his MSAR off now. With school starting back up the calculator watch may be needed again but for playing outside and general purpose use the Marathon is the clear winner for him. I like it so much that I almost thought about keeping it for myself since my wrist is 6.5"/16.5cm! The watch looks fantastic and we both love the tritium glow. The GSAR Arctic would fit me so that's on my radar, however, the MSAR would equally work perfectly if I wanted to be a teeny-tiny bit subtler, LOL.

That was a well edited intro, love it!

I don't own a marathon watch, but I've been eyeballing them up for a while.

Owned my arctic tsar for a couple months now and absolutely love it.

I plan on picking up the jumbo version very soon. I just love the look of these watches!

I've been looking at an anthracite black GSAR for a few months now. I didn't know much about the brand but did some digging and learned a lot. This video has made my mind up for me. Now to go check to see if it's still available. 🤞🏾

It’s been on my radar for quite some time and I’ll definitely own one in the future!

Another great review, Teddy. Enthusiasm and passion go hand-in-hand. We watch geeks are passionate for the watch styles, watch brands, watch models of some brands, watch colors, anyway we are nuts. Sellita 200-1 is a great movement in my experience, as tough as it's older brother eta 2824-2. One issue about both these movements is overwinding. There are some complaints about a failure if you wind them fully in a regular basis. I wind them just to the point the second hand is brought to life and the wrist will do the job just fine.

the GSAR is a true adventure watch. made for what SAR techs put a watch through and the need for reliability, it also proves admirably going on adventures. all seasons, all weather, day and night, wet and dry, my 41mm has served me like no other.

Fantastic review of one of my favorite watches in my collection. I've been a watch Enthusiast for a long time, and own several automatic watches (divers, dressy, vintage and new, all price ranges). I started a career in Law Enforcement a few years back, and was looking for an automatic watch that could stand up to the challenges that this career dishes out on a daily basis. I was wearing a G-Shock for a while, which was great, but I simply prefer Automatic watches. I researced different watches, before settling on the 41mm GSAR, and I can tell you that I have not been disappointed. The GSAR ticks all the boxes for me: Reliable, accurate and study work horse movement, no nonsense brushed case, superb legibility at all times. (Better than any other watch I own). Even though the bezel is tall, it still slips under a shirt cuff, and never gets in the way. The fact that I am Canadian and that Marathon is an established Canadian company, with a long, proven watch making pedigree and history who supports Military, Law Enforcement and other front line personnel, was also a big factor for me. The watch is very well made, I love the utilitarian simplicity and ruggedness. I won't go into all the details, as they have been explained and presented very well in the video. But I can tell you this. This is the only watch I wear at work. It has never been babied, stood up to years of abuse, and has never skipped a beat. It has been banged around HARD during arrests, and a few times I was worried, expecting that something in the movement would've been knocked loose, or the crystal to be scratched/shattered - but as we speak, it still keeps perfect time (- 1.2 seconds per day), and the crystal is spotless. The case has a few scratches now, and even a small dent, and some of the white paint on the numerals of the bezel has worn off (I believe that is relatively common on the GSAR's). But to me, that was expected and the patina only adds to the character of my watch. But most importantly, it just keeps on ticking. I have not have it serviced yet, as there is no need. Keeps perfect time, and no issues with waterproofing. (I wear it in the shower, swimming, snorkeling as well). I mostly wear it on the OEM rubber strap, which is of great quality and which is very comfortable to wear. (No bad smell, not sticky like cheap rubber or silicone straps). I also own and wear it on the Marathon bracelet, which I can highly recommend. It's very well made, and in my opinion is worth the money. It also makes the watch look a bit more sophisticated, and changes the overall look of the watch, to make it appear more substantial. The only "downside", sizing can be a bit tricky, and should probably be done by a professional. Overall, it is a fantastic time piece, and a true tool watch. I can truly and whole heartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a no nonsense automatic watch, that will take on anything you throw at it, and then some.

I swear I bought a used 41mm Marathon GSAR from an army surplus vendor at a fleamarket for $20 back before I got into researching and appreciating watches. It was sweet and had a black rubber strap but I later traded it for a vintage 1965 Omega 560 cal. I still like my Omega but sometimes I wish I still had that Marathon lol. Great review!

I have the Red Maple Gsar that I’ve used for years. The Tritium lume comes in handy when stargazing.

Love can’t wait definitely my next watch I’m buying soon.

I went nuts over this and bought one.. I love love love it. Wow the thickness weight and design and that white deep seated dial is unbelievable.. Not a dress watch but an amazing dress watch..

I have a 41 mm on the way. Thanks for a great video!

I love my JDD and SAR Contract 2002. I had the Navigator but was a bit too light for me. Great watches and lineage

Great review! I have a JDD. Excellent watch. One of the main reasons I will keep this watch is, Marathon’s customer service. They actually called me to instruct me on ‘how to’s’..amazing. 👍🤠

I wear my GSAR on every night mission, love it!

Love my JSAR and being A Canadian company is a bonus 🍁

✨ I love military watch ! Such an informative video.

MSAR always tempting me. I simply adore the chunky design. If it came in no date version I would order it immediately!

I have an MSAR currently. It rarely leaves my wrist. I will buy a GSAR soon.

I own 2 of the Marathon five watches, the medium and the GSAR. The medium is a bit small but the GSAR is perfect. I have worn it non stop for six years and it still looks new. I did install a ceramic bezel insert because the aluminum does get scratches. I have owned and worn many watches of this price range and this is a hard one to beet at any price. It’s a very well made watch with lots of attention to detail for what it was designed for. Tuff no frills timepiece

I absolutely love my marathon! I like it’s tool like demeanor yet I’ve seen them on with a suit and with the ss bracelet in it it looks right at home!

These are great looking watches!

Great tool watch! Has the military bona fides, the durability, and fundamental look of a solid timepiece.

Great and informative review. Thank you.

Have a GSAR and love it! Definitely go with the 41mm.

I was issued a Marathon Navigator in 1990 in pilot training, Reese AFB, TX. I wore the watch for several years. I just bought a new navigator in black and an Artic TSAR. One for show, one for Go! Cheers. fly safe.

It is the watch I always apply for in your giveaways. I quite like it! :)

I enjoyed watching this video. If I could afford one, I'd buy a Marathon watch in a second. I like to see numbers on watch faces instead of just hour indicators, and so many good watches do not have numbered faces. I bought a Vostok 650546 because the watch has a white face with numbers and it fit my budget.

I love the polar dial variant so much

I'm prior active service like many others who have chimed in here. Tool watches are where it's at for me. I have a few dress ones for obvious reasons, but they have no utility after the black tie is over and done with. Marathon makes daily driving, ride or die watches for any practically minded person. Thanks again for all you do here Teddy.

Yes Teddy! A good one i can't stop looking on these watches online since for some months now Really great watches well build too at at 36 D-meters n alittle bigger too both in automatic/ not in white & black dail as well. Although i can't choose between those along with Longines Hydroconquest Automatic with the ceramic bezel with the 41 Dm and the boldr ODYSSEY FREEDIVER 288 although the Marathon have been bless with the tritium illumination on the dial and hand just like the Luminox Men's Atacama Field Automatic as well as Ball watches are gas tubes etc. that last for up to 25yrs. Keep up the great job bro!✌✌✌👌👌👌

As a watch collector (all of them under 2K always, as I cant justify paying anything with a higher price tag, even if I had the money :P ), I do love simplicity and elegance but also ruggedness. A watch needs to be made and bought to last. Only after watching this video is when I realized the existence of Marathon watches and I felt in love with them. Finally I was able to search and rescue one, and I adopted a gray Maple GSAR piece and bring it home (I'm Canadian of course) and I couldn't be happier with this watch. Thanks Teddy for sharing the info. From all your recommendations now I have now 2 of them: A GSAR and a fabulous Mido GMT. Both are weird but fantastic pearls in a sea plenty of diving watches.

My big problem when I started with watches was that I never wanted to wear any of them in fear of scratching or breaking. Then I went to G shock. Then Luminox after that, and now Marathon. All of those have taken abuse out the ass and aside from some surface scratches they are in excellent condition. Tool watches can also be dress watches:) best of both worlds imo.

I'm a big fan of the GSAR, one day I will need to pick one up.

Thank you for such a great review. I love this watch. I like how unpretentious it is

Wow that Arctic dial❄️❄️

Wow, amazing piece of art! I can't wait to own one... one day.

I need to add one of these to my collection

Good one, thank you.

I was digging through my military stuff and found my old issued marathon navigator. Forgot I even had this watch. I'm gonna add it to the rotation.

Great video!

Another one well done Teddy ! Former service here and love mine !!!!

I got a marathon mil issue from gulf war. NOS. super nice watch!

I think your camera work (for watches) might be the best in all of KZfaq.

Very cool video and watch Teddy! I like Marathon a lot. The Arctic would be my choice here, as I need more dial colors.

Hey Teddy, I just want to say thank you for your great vids. Please go on like this. It's always very informative about brands like marathon cause they are not really on the german market and that's the only way to find somthing out about it. I'm always looking for a real toolwatch witch is an underdog in germany/europe and it's not so common as for example sinn. But mararhon is hard to get in germany. I hope marathon is tough like everybody said. Thanks and go on! Greets from the bavarian forest, Phil

I own the Marathon JDD and the Marathon CSAR and I love them both. They both keep excellent time, even better than my Omega PO Chrono. You didn’t mention the CSAR. The CSAR Iis the flagship and most expensive of their lineup. Everyone I wear mine I feel a certain way and it’s a good way.

I don't own one but I wish I did, reasons why - looks great, a unique look with the deep case. Price is reasonable, still expensive but in reach with some saving. The tridium, although I'm not sold on how bright it actual is, I still think its interesting and would defiantly like to add a watch with it to my collection. Good reputation, seems like an awesome tool watch!

i started going down the watch rabbit hole about a year ago... I am super surprised there aren't more field diver hybrid watches

Marathon, zen of pure function. I have a bead blasted GSAR with a black date disk, the AGSAR and I’m wearing my grail CSAR as I watch this while getting my pack ready for a off trail overnight in the Colorado back country. Essential gear.

Great Video I love military watches

The white GSAR is on my list. Going to expand my SCUBA business and I think it is just the watch to commemorate the expansion. I think this is the third time to watch this video, I’m obsessed with this watch.

I have been close to picking up one of these a few times but my collection is pretty large at the moment and includes a Sinn U1 and U2 so I'm not sure there is room unless a sales comes along that pushes me over the edge. I'm a bracelet guy and that's a negative like Sinn's clasps design.

Had tritium vial quartz watches for 40 years. Why? They were perfectly on time and readable always in any light.