A review of the Marathon GSAR, a rugged tactical watch. The Monks of New Skete are famous for breeding German Shepherd‘s, writing dog books, now riding dog books with yours truly, and training dogs.
I'm a former Marine H-1 pilot (Search and Rescue) and have the GSAR USMC logo version... I love this watch! I have the original rubber strap (very high quality), the steel bracelet, also with the Marine Corps logo, however it spends most of its time in various NATO straps, it's a strap monster! Don't let the stamped clasp dissuade you, it's a quality bracelet. Marathon is a Canadian company that makes official watches for the US, and Canadian militaries, and the Israeli Defense force. As a member of the Tribe, I surprised that Mark missed this point. These are issued government watches and as such have an "NSN" (National Stock Number) and a "CAGE" code (Commercial And Government Entity). The watches are made in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland and use a 25 jewel ETA 2824-2 movement. Accuracy has been about +4 spd.
I was issued one, and have worn it for years! They are amazing watches, and are tanks. Mine looks like it has been to hell and back, and it has. Marc thank you for doing the review on this watch. This was the watch that started it all for me.
I quite like the GSAR. It’s a chunky but solid, honest timepiece that isn’t too long lug-to-lug, and gets the job done. I was once attended to by a young doctor who was wearing his GSAR that the navy issued him. Great review, Marc!
I really appreciate you doing a video on this watch. There are amazing watches in that $800-1500 range. Omega and Rolex and Tudor reviews and such are nice and you do a terrific job, but I appreciate watches like the Gsar marathon. Oris, sinn, damasko, even C.Ward. Some real great value to be had their and I absolutely will be going back to that range after purchasing my first omega (AT). Thanks for the video! You got a new subscriber. 👍
I have 3 Marathon watches, plus I was issued Marathon watches almost 40 years ago so I have known the brand a long time. Cannot beat them for rugged reliability.
The best watch video of the year.... thanks Marc! My wife (not into watches) also enjoyed it, though she was quite disappointed not to get to see the dogs! I love Marathon (proud of their Canadian pedigree) but theIr watches are generally out of my price range. I am happy to have one of their military-issue Fibershell Navigators, which I bought from Long Island Watch on sale, and the tritium is still going strong. The GSAR is definitely on my bucket list.
Great review Marc. I have a Marathon JSAR which is the ultimate monster tool watch. I call it the Humvee of watches. You could probably drive nails with the case. Rugged, bold, it has everything you need in the field or kennel and nothing you don't need. Well worth the money. There is also a large leather Nato available for Marathons as well. Wear it in good health my friend.
I like the GSAR, hope to get one soon. You had it on red rubber strap not long ago, not usually a fan for colored straps but I thought that looked very good!
Hi Marc this is one of the reasons I love this Chanel Jewish man and his best friends orthodox monks brilliant my friend and a lesson to us all.Enjoy you’re time at the monastery it looks beautiful.👍🏻
Solid review, Marc. Also, I thought you'd like to know that I got the call on my blue Sky-Dweller a couple of days ago and I picked it up today. Even more beautiful in person! I'm in love.
Definitely my favorite video of yours so far! Love that you featured the monastery. The Marathon GSAR is an excellent choice of a watch to review given the setting of the Monastery & that German Shepherds make excellent Search & Rescue Dogs (among so many other roles). I'm glad to see another watch with tritium reviewed. So many less enlightened (ok, bad pun) watch vloggers seem to look down their noses at Tritium watches...or just ignore them all together. Bravo Marc, awesome video! Hope you enjoy the rest of your visit with the Brothers.
I really wish you would do some videos about your dog life as well. We are GSD owners and would like to learn more about the breed and training. Any recommendations for channels that do cover this?
I do like the marathon gsar a lot. You didn't mention the brand of the movement (or I missed it), but as far as I can recall it's an eta 2824-2. I have several Ball watches with tritium tubes and they glow very well in the dark too. I fact I like tritium better than lume.
I don't know much about Marathon watches. For the same money, you can get an Oris diver watch. I know someone who got one for about 1000 USA dollars. which was 50% off of MSRP so I don't know hard it will be to find it for that price. I have seen on sale for 1200.00 USD. It has a proper bracelet, not that stamped clasp junk. I do like the tritium tubes for the lume. That is really nice on your watch.
@@Pler1978 I have never seen a Marathon watch in person, so I really can't say. I don't even know where you can get them besides grey market dealers. My wrist is a little bit under 7 inches so the Oris 39mm case works for me. The one I saw has great lume but it is not tritium which is very interesting in itself for night viewing the time. I know Mark wears his to sleep so he can see the time at night. As he has stated in previous videos. I am not sure what is going on in the Watch market but two years ago there was an Omega AD 2 miles from here and I have not been there in a while but recently I went to the mall and noticed it's gone and some Jewelry stores have closed too. Not sure if it is online sales or if people are not buying anymore. Could be my area.
@@scottsj4625 Windy City Watch Collector/Chronometer.net is the U.S. distributor out of Ohio. They sell on eBay. Chris Hooper is the owner and a great guy to deal with, that's who I got my JSAR from.
Great review, now a sub. I have the same model and perhaps I am a hypochondriac, but I would appreciate your opinion on the radioactive safety of the tubes. Anything to worry about over the long term?
This watch looks like you Marc. Personally I can’t believe you still have the GS but I guess rolex only makes so many of the style you like , and you have most of them so why not try out some other pieces ( that’s what she said) once and awhile.
You are one of the rare channels that don't wear their wrist watches on a NATO strap. You should try one out. They are wonderful. With a metal bracelet, you have the clasp digging into the bottom of your wrist. YUCK!! Plus, a NATO strap is a quick way to give your watch a quick facelift and, add some extra security that your watch will always be on your wrist.
@@happydogg312 nylon straps are versatile in how you can wear them. I put the watch on backwards so the buckle is on the inside of my wrist so the buckle doesn’t dig into my wrist. The durability and the security they provide at such a cheap price is outstanding! With a simple strap swap you can dress up or down any watch to match your attire or attitude.
When I see reviews of such watches, I get excited about wristwatches in general. But when I see reviews and "talks" about 10K - 80K $ wristwatches, I get so disgusted and they put me off... it's absurdity to pay such a money for someone's branding and marketing, it's like paying money to a scam... Chinese replicas gives you and idea how much approximately 10K $ wristwatch is worth...
I’ve got one and it’s the Glock17 of watches. It works and if I’m going out the door and grabbing gear because the Russians are marching down the street, this is the one I’m grabbing.
Rolex are not tool watches...No AR coating on sapphire, no case lug holes, shine dial/bezel etc... It’s a faux tool watch ...come to think of it, it’s also a faux luxury watch.
