Marathon Watches

[Landman]

I recently saw a Marathon TSAR watch and it looked like a very nice, sturdy watch. Apparently they are made for the US government and other governments. I was wondering if anybody has any experience or opinions about these watches? Below is a link to a website that sells them. I have no affiliation with this site and just posted the link so that you can see the different models and pricing. Thanks for your help.

http://www.topspecus.com/shop/category/marathon-watches/

 

[RJR]

I've owned several different versions and been impressed by all of them.Visit www.broadarrow.net for more info.

 

[Landman]

Thanks RJR. The medium size TSAR was the one that caught my eye.

 

[ingineer]

Mike;
I own a TSAR, this one is a few years old.
Lots of watch geeks belittle the quartz , but one does not have to pay any attention to it.
Its built like a cross between a hockey puck and a watch.
This and my Tawatec are my favorite everyday watches.
If only it had a GMT bezel
It's on a Gasgasbones strap. The drilled through lugs, H3 markers and hands are very useful.



Richard

 

[ingineer]

Mike ;
Better price of the NASA:
http://www.amazon.com/MARATHON-WW194007-Divers-Quartz-Tritium/dp/B004U3NZLY
better pic of mine:

Richard

 

[Landman]

Thanks Richard. Great looking watch. The size was the only concern I had so that is why I was looking at the smaller version.

Here is a good video comparing the sizes.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G-OyRUL11BI

 

[Macbeth]

I had the SAR since it was smaller. I really liked that watch!
One thing for sure; you could "pistol whip" someone with it because it was a heavy sturdy watch built like a tank.
Bought the bracelet for it later and a couple of NATO nylon straps along with a custom leather strap made in England.
I worked in law enforcement at the time and needed a very sturdy watch. I remember back handing a drug dealer with it while we were scuffling. Later he commented that he was going to have to get one for himself.
Traded it later on an Omega Speedmaster since the SAR was so damned heavy.
It definitely was a "Man's Man" watch. Rugged through and through.
I believe it is a nice touch worn with a leather A-2 and a nice wide brim fedora!

 

[Landman]

You should have sold it to the drug dealer

 

[Macbeth]

Afraid that would come under: CONFLICT OF INTEREST stature!!

 

[Landman]

I had a feeling that might be against department policy. Sounds like the drug dealer at least had a sense of humor. I can just see him rubbing his head and saying that

By the way, the Omega Speedmaster you traded it for is a very cool watch. I've always wanted one mainly because of its connection to the early astronauts. I'd love to have one of the early mechanical wind Speedmasters like the Gemini and Apollo astronauts wore.

 

[Macbeth]

I really wanted the mechanical one also but ended up with the reduced size auto. Actually since I have a small wrist it probably fits better than the larger Speedmaster.

I have 2 watch cases of watches now and probably finished. Budget constrictions.

I have a Bond Seamaster in quartz (I'm one of the snotty ones who prefers mechanicals) that I was given for years of service. They wouldn't spring for the mechanical one. About a thousand dollars more

It IS nice to be able to just pick up the Bond quickly and head out without having to set it.

I suppose I'm one of those rare birds that like to wind my watches. Once in awhile my wife catches me just winding about 10 of the watches. She just shakes her head.

As to the Marathon I think I paid about $450 for it. "Industrial Strength" was an apt description of its build.
Just sat too high and was too small in diameter and too heavy for me. And my wrist was too small for the bigger models.