Why These Military Style Watches Have a Passionate Following - Marathon GSAR Review 

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

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.

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…

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.

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.

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

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!

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 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’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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.👍

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!

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 love military watches! Such an informative video. ❤️✨

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!

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

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 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…

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 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'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’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).

I've been wanting to pull the trigger on one of these for a year or 2 now but just can't justify *another* diver/field watch. ... This video isn't helping damnit🤣

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’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.

Teddy Baldassarre one of the best in the game to ever do it. 💯

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.

I just took delivery of the black MSAR on bracelet. Why doesn’t anyone warn us about how difficult it is to size it? You need 3 hands. Having said that, it’s a very cool piece. Love the cool tough look. The size is great for women.

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

Can we just say Teddy’s intro game is untouchable?!

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.

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!

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

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.

I'd say contemporary substitute of Olech&Wajs from 60s. Here in EU they ask maximum tagged price for this GSAR what makes it a bit less competitive although it is true military panzer tool and dive watch. BTW, Sellita's movements are still the choice even of Rolex, everything depends on a specification which is demanded by the watch company as their customer, they deliver from very standard to the top grade or even improved top grade calibers, also cosc.

The 41mm Gsar on bracelet is top of my list to get

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.

As a Canadian I'd love to add a GSAR to my collection one day. Just a shame they are so expensive.

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!

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. 🤞🏾

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...

Love marathon...no nonsense brand that backs up their bullshit. I bought a Luminox after wearing marathon watches for several years and it seems like a cheap toy in comparison.

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.

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

I wish they would offer a White Dial TSAR, I happen to think a Quality Quartz movement is desirable

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

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

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.

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

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!

Had 2 of 36mm quartz and auto both brilliant, if I had known about them, if they were around at the time I may not have got my rolex sub no date at £370 ish now worth thousands of pounds ha ha. Diff from 1979 to 2021, groovy.

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

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.

This is no doubt a great tool watch, great video btw, BUT I must admit....it's too chunky for my taste....now an automatic Navigator that basically was a modern Benrus MkII would be phenomenal.

I have the all black anthracite GSAR and worn it everyday for 4 months! Just can’t seem to wear anything else no matter how hard I try!! It’s just reliable and very durable. 4 months and ZERO scratches and scuffs. It cost a bit more, but if you want one to look brand new longer, the anthracite coating with the black bracelet is the best way to go. Check out my RU-vid video 😉

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.

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

I wonder if they’ll release the new bracelet in reg brushed ss?

How quickly will the tritium fade and can the tubes be replaced?

While I would normally prefer the variant with the black face and stainless steel bracelet, the white face with the black rubber bracelet does look beautiful.

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

Had mine for a year, bought it from someone who used it in Afghanistan. Already put a bunch of wear on it and it's still kicking. Thing is a tank and I'd trust it over most Gshocks. Aside from master of G series but those are huge watches, the GSAR is perfectly sized.

Is there any working advantage of the Arctic vs. the standard blackface, e.g. can you see one better at night than the other? Or, is it just personal choice?

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.

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 think your camera work (for watches) might be the best in all of RU-vid.

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

One of my dream watches! too bad we don't have a Marathon AD here in the Philippines. Thanks, Teddy! Well done as usual!

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.

If I didn’t own a Sinn this would be the one I would purchase.

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

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.

Really favour the Artic version. Looks great on the black strap, less so on the bracelet. I'm a strap guy. Maybe next year.

Love this brand Miss my MSAR since I sold it, worst decision by far...

I bought my GSAR in 2008 from a greek engine driver in need of cash. According to Teddy, the GSAR was introduced in 2006, but mine - with a non-governmental dial - has OCT 2005 and serial number 0189 engraved on the case back. The tritium tubes have completely run out of oomph, so I need to find out how to get that fixed.

So I have a question that I cant seem to get an answer to: I have 41 GSAR that is sold as a 26 jewel watch yet the one I have says it has 25 jewels on the case-back. Has Marathon changed to 25 jewels from 26 or is this watch an earlier model? Just curious. Otherwise the watch is brilliant it’s simple, solid and reliable.

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

I know this video is a couple years old now, but could you please do a video about watches utilizing tritium? I work in the film industry, and constantly find myself on a dark sound stage for hours on end. Luminescent material just doesn’t cut it, so I’d like to know my options. Thank you!

Wearing my Quartz marathon watch as I watch this :)

My GSAR was issued to me while serving in the Corps. It's definitely my favorite watch, and I will never part with it. Had to get the crown fixed, but that has been my only issue.

Channels doing GIVEAWAYS like your channel, has never did and NEVER will make anyone from the MIDDLE EAST and Africa win it. I don't know why is the reason you are keep ignoring these regions!!

Marathon watches always look like they should come with a free Tonka truck to me

If I didn't already have a Kobold Arctic Diver, I would definitely consider buying this. I very well might get the Marathon Steel Navigator this year though.

I absolutely love the GSAR because of the statement it makes which is, "fuck around and you WILL find out." Seriously, Marathon should make men take a testosterone test before allowing them to purchase one of their watches to make sure they're worthy.

I've been in the military over 20 years... NEVER have I seen or heard anyone that's serving wear a Marathon. People in the field wear cheap Casios. However, these are cool watches made by a Jewish family in Canada. I do wish the bezel had a ceramic insert and not aluminum.

On a NATO strap this watch finds its cruising speed. The rubber and steel bracelet are great, but the GSAR and NATO seem made for eachother.

How long will the trizium be alive? Will this glow in years? Or is it naccesary to change the tubes in view years? They looks very cool but i dont loke the High Rehaut this looks cheap leak an Chinese homage watch.

The actual reason for the military following: they have an NSN, and really cool supply sgts will make sure you get one when the deployment cash is flush.

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

Marathon vs Ball? As far as brightness, durability, & build.

I met Laurent Journe (Francois' brother) in Aspen this weekend and we had a wonderful conversation about watches. None of my friends or coworkers have any idea why that would be so special to me, but maybe you guys in the comments section can appreciate it lol - I can't wait till I can fly to the FP Journe boutique in L.A. and pick up a piece!

36mm is actually 39mm with bezel.