Marathon GSAR Review 

1 year in, and I still love my 36mm gsar. The look doesn't grow old, the design is something special. Love how it looks, love how it provides great functionality, love the tactile bezel.

Very good review Dave. Two things: First that May 2013 Edition was a limited experimental issue by Marathon using the red triangle second hand with the ETA 2824 movement. Very rare. Second, regarding the bezel protruding significantly from the case, mentioned at 07':38" of your review; that is due to Military GS-02F-Y0089 contract specification requiring the bezel to be rotated easily with the thick gloves used by the armed forces. I hope you still have yours, I surely still have mine. Same, May 2013 Experimental issue.

Thanks for the thoughts, considering this as my next (and last) piece til I get a luxury piece!

I used to hate dive watches until I got one now they are my favourite watch

Pip, Pip, I love the depth too. Awesome watch!!!

The watch was (like you said) designed for gloved hands of a real diver ,it just so happens to appeal to desk divers as well. I am glad it is designed this way, as I use my bezel many times a day. I am somewhat OCD with timing

I have the little 36mm version, tough as nails, looks cool and the tritium is brilliant. I have a few watches but will never sell this one!

Excellent review!! Class act.

I like the Arctic version. I'm about to acquire one. Thanks for the vid.

I have the same watch. It’s a awesome timepiece .

the bezel over hang is part of the military spec.

Well I broke down and ordered the Midsize GSAR and bracelet. Waiting on it in the mail now.

Dave, if you like the deep/tall bezel (like I do), then you will also like the Seiko Marinemaster 300 (MM300). It too has drilled lugs for easy strap change.

GMT function and black calendar wheel would clinch it for me. Chronometer movement would be desirable. Also, non reflective coating. Maybe this could be an aftermarket mod. Dave, tend to agree with your comment on watch case size.Good review.

Nice review of a nice watch

damn you got a big wrist. I just got the black version yesterday. SUPER excited/

I enjoyed this review, thanks Dave. There are many out there with more likes that are not nearly as good as this one.

I got this same watch back in July 2020, for $1,152.00 at a reputable seller in NY. Now le me make this clear: I am not a diver, so my only complaint about the watch is purely cosmetic. I love the watch, it is a freaking tank, but mine came with a misaligned bezel insert. If I line up the 12 o’clock marker, the 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 bezel markers are all one second past the dial markers, and the rest of them, past the 6 dial marker, are one second before the dial markers. This does not affect me in the least, functionally speaking, but it is disappointing that a thousand dollar watch gets past QC with such a defect. Other than that it is a wonderful piece.

I have the quartz version with the Marin corps bracelet, it has April 2011 on mine. I love it

Are the newest contract models supposed to have the manufacturer date on the back?

Are you still liking that GSAR? I'm considering that tall profile vs. the Sinn 104.

I have a theory about the bezel overhanging the case. I have a GSAR, too, and it gets some beating on my wrist. It's about +/- 1 second per week in spite of being batted around. I have noticed that sometimes the bezel is turned from "home" (12 o'clock). I believe that the bezel takes the hits to protect the side of the case, and I also agree with your observation that the overhang makes the bezel easier to use in less than ideal conditions. I bought mine used from eBay for about $500 (Jun 2010 date of manufacture), and the previous owner included the invoice for a watch service from Marathon. Also, curiously, the invoice showed a replacement winding stem and mainspring were installed, and I have been told that ETA 2824s don't like handwinding. As I understand it, the 2824 is infamous for having weak winding stems. the Total cost from Marathon for a full service (incl. replacing all gaskets dis/reassembly, and replacement of parts, pressure testing, accurizing) was around $400. As accurate as it is, I have no complaints whatever, and in about 5 years, I will have them service it, seems like money in the bank! Utterly stout, functional, and great all around watch!

These watches are built like tanks! I got to handle one and had to have one myself.

Hi I’m waiting on my tsar to be delivered and I had a question? I saw the pins holding the bracelet or rubber strap in my case that hold the band on has no rim to place a tool on the pin as to push it in to release the pin from the watch?

I Have this watch. Got it for a trade for a knife from I guys that retired from the Army. Probably the best watch I'll ever own.

Informative video.... you stated that this is that the 41mm size, what size wrist do you have?

Would it look terrible on a jubilee?

Did you ever buy this back? I think I liked your collection best man when you had the Speedy, Marathon, and Christopher Ward.

What is the material of bezel ?

Bezel over hangs to enhance the access of the bezel in my opinion.

Marathons have the best longest lasting vanilla smelling rubber straps on the market. I have one Marathon Rubber Strap that is going on two years old and it still has a nice vanilla sent. However, come next payday, I will be ordering and installing a Strapcode Engineer l SS Bracelet on my 41mm GSAR Automatic. And Yes, mine easily wears under the cuff of a long sleeved shirt. I too would prefer a 22mm lug width....but no other changes!

The bezel ring stands proud of the case so that it can be wound with gloves on, you know, gloves like infantrymen wear, helicopter pilots wear, tank drivers wear.....

This is the full size Gsar? Mine does not have the Orange tip second hand like yours.

Wait, were you the guy who wrote the wife chart?

Who makes the mesh strap that fits your watch ?

Your GSAR looks different than other watches. You don’t have a tritium vial on the second hand.

What size are your wrists?

If only the Marathon had a ceramic bezel...

Would you like to sell this watch? I am interested. Thanks😊

I want to buy a GSAR, but the price is now $1000, more than I'm willing to spend for a "better watch," which is what I would use it for. I bought the Medium when it was on sale for $600, but was way too small even for my 6.75" wrist. A co-worker owns the TSAR; it's a scratch magnet, but still the scratches seem to add character - unlike most watches.

Bro how big is your wrist?!

Very nice diver.. This could be in a "two watch" collection... Use this as a beater, sports.. and then pick up one dress watch.. and You're done... I've always liked the marathons, just dont have room for them in my collection atm.. too many sports watches and divers tbh.. ALTHOUGH, they are overpriced... many microbrands offer better deals for 2824s in great cases

" I'll Always Love 'me' Neal Patrick Fry " I like the Stainless Steel bracelet that Matches my Stainless Steel Stent in my Heart. "EYE" have a Stainless Steel Horse Shoe Earing on my left ear, with 34 Tattoos "SEW" my Surgent doesn't say " Oops. " " You're Really Cool my Buddy " " Take Good Care Always, " Neal Patrick Fry from a Glorious Ghetto, getting ready to move to Downtown Detroit.

Man you have huge wrists, It looks good don't get me wrong but on your wrists a Jsar / JDD / Csar would look the part.

Hello, would you like to sell your GSAR?🙏🏻

Looks tiny... Have the jsar and thoght it was going to be huge... Not so at all.

It is very functional and utilitarian because it is meant to be a tough piece that you can rely on in _any_ situation. AFAIK Marathon only delivers to governments and militaries.

Too small. I have the JDD 46 and even that wears small. How the heck are grown men wearing a 36?!?!?

if you wear it in the shower, the paint comes off the bezel. kinda shitty to be a dive watch.

I felt on sleep.. Sorry. It is informativ... But boring.. Have a good day!