3 Class Leading Military Dive Watches Under $1,500 - CWC SBS, Tornek-Rayville, & Marathon GSAR

[@RathOX]

The GSAR is one of my fav for tough watches

[@Not-a-bot222]

I have an MSAR and loooove it

[@REEE_Larson]

I have a JDD. It’s a tank

[@TommyRibs]

The CWC is a badass, legit watch.

[@joekelly9369]

Sbs dont use them ! Mickey mouse £10 quartz ronda movement 😆😆😆😆🤣🤣 , never seen

[@TheZanshen]

There still issues along with the Elliot brown holton quartz with a ronda 715 .

[@feartheellipsis6608]

The history of the CWC RN Navy Divers is fascinating. That watch is why they don't issue MilSubs any more. Plus, that NATO you weren't impressed by is The Issue NATO. CWC still provides them to the UK forces, and has done for decades. The CWC is what the military watch was before it got replaced with the G-Shock. High quality, affordable, easy to source and no frills. If you just want a way of telling the time in the office doing admin and on the firing range, while still getting decades of history, you're not getting better.

[@JS97278]

The CWC hasn’t been replaced… they’re still in use as well as Elliot brown.

[@rip.tear.]

@@JS97278 I think he's talking about special forces

[@JS97278]

@@rip.tear. yes I’m fully aware of that.

[@mookrage]

I've got a 1983/84 issue......its still an awesome watch. If you're in the UK, big shout out to Swiss Time Services for servicing

[@ARlELATOM]

It infuriates me how KZbinrs don’t seem to get how amazing everything about CWC is, for a fraction of the price of other brands with similar history such as Rolex and omega.

[@nickchavez4037]

My wife told me I had a problem when I bought my third CWC in year, the SBS. Personally, I think three is far too few.

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

YOU are 100% right 😉👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@dannyfree1120]

You do have a problem. It's wearing a wedding ring in bed next to you

[@nickbrooker1411]

My CWC SBS is my goto dive watch…the actual one i dive, teach, tech dive with. Its bullet proof! Real military pedigree and not just issued to the SBS but other elite Royal Marine units.

[@anandmorris]

You've sold it to me now! 🇬🇧

[@nickbrooker1411]

@@anandmorris solid choice!

[@joekelly9369]

Sbs should be renamed milk man watch , or paper boy , theyre junk no sbs diver would touch them , dont believe the internet tripe here

[@kramdog3000]

I just bought a Marathon TSAR and I’m so excited to wear it.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Marathon has been on my list for a while. The simplicity and durability is all there.

[@F.haique]

and also 1m shock resistant was important

[@verykeen2please]

CWC is the real deal

[@Tetlee]

The CWC SBS would be my pick, well I already own one so I'm biased. Love the history but more than that I absolutely love the design!

[@victormelendez1074]

The CWC SBS means Special BoaT Service which are the British Navy SEALs. Fun Fact: James Bond was an SBS operator before he joined Military Intelligence Section 6 (MI6)/Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) and became a 00....

[@danielbruton2691]

Don’t ever comment on videos, but thought I would on this one. Great video mate! I’m from the UK and ex-mil, therefore CWC will always have a special place in my watch collection, and so I really like my CWC SBS. I wear it to almost every occasion. Paired with a NDC/Erikas parachute strap (black) and it looks great. Plus it’s true to the military heritage, as it’s still issued to the SBS boys (our Tier 1 operators) over here today. Check out the Elliot Brown Holton though if you want a proper UKSF/mil tool watch, I think that one trumps them all. 😉

[@garypollard1821]

I still have my issued CWC as discussed by this video. I sawpped it for own issued G10 when I was on a joint training exercise. Anyone who actually served will understand that happened with kit a lot. It's ok, but was a pointless tool when deployed. The luminosity quickly faded, and wasn't visible underwater at any significant depth or at night. The day/date function can't be read and why have it anyway? I was an HSE 1 diver after I left Her Majesty's Army, and worked in the Brirish sector of the North Sea, and around the world. I wouldn't have considered using my CWC for all the reasons given above, but each to their own. I think it might appeal to office dwellers hoping to appear less of a desk pilot etc. My CWC is in a drawer and it'll stay there.

[@leandrorondeli]

I love this marathon gsar, and I will have one of these in my collection eventually

[@jerryzhang3686]

I have been an owner of the gsar for about 4 months now. Its a nice watch with nice build and runs very accurately.

[@donarmstrong4166]

I have the same Marathon with the solid end link bracelet! My all time favorite everyday watch!

[@rajdixit1605]

GSAR for the win! Love that watch. Will need to save up, though - I want the Anthracite Steel version. Great video as always, Teddy!

[@Grggeorge]

Nope that one is so ugly

[@suttonmatthew]

The CWC is hands down the best choice.

[@davidr2802]

if you are into quartz

[@ARlELATOM]

@@davidr2802 And if you don’t like quartz, they offer many automatic variations 🤓

[@elfo1799]

@@davidr2802 we are talking about the best tool watch. Automatic is for poser here.

[@gerrytemple5044]

Definitely the CWC is my favourite. Maybe a Sinn could be on this list too. Thanks for this ince again very nice review!

[@Zero-mr9hp]

I'd say the CWC is closest to the ideal of the military diver because it's quartz. When accuracy, durability and reliability are life and death matters, you want quartz. Especially in a diver, because unlike a mechanical, quartz will continue to work and keep accurate time even if the case is breached and it fills with water.

[@basedpatriotLT]

so electronics is not affected by water? And mechanics is? It would seem otherwise

[@Zero-mr9hp]

@@basedpatriotLT it's not that quartz movements are okay with getting soaked, it just won't kill them right away, it takes days or weeks for corrosion to cause a failure. The problem with a mechanical movement getting soaked is the balance wheel needs to move freely in air to maintain the correct beat, so as soon as water gets on it, it no longer moves freely and thus cannot keep time.

[@6crowns]

The GSAR has a quartz movement also. Just looking at the video, Marathon does a better job with hand to marker alignment. GSAR for the win here. The other two just look like everything else out here. I got a Tudor Pelagos and an M Force Beast an either of the other two would be a redundancy of the two with the markers and that look is over used in divers to date imo.

[@borion7775]

Saw this comment and thats why I went with the quartz officers general purpose. Definitely interesting in the gsar someday as well, i just love that dial!

[@officialMainspring]

the GSAR is built like a tank. had mine since... I think 2013? still going strong though at this point it's probably due for a service. CWC has great history, probably the best design out of the three imho, deep military connection, and is still made by the same company. speaking of which, Tornek Rayvill is very interesting watch. I think it looks great. might pick me up one of those. certainly cheaper then Blancpain fifty fathoms isn't it? Bill Yao puts out great products.

[@RichKovars]

An often overlooked watch in this category would be the Elliot Brown Holton. Great watch. Tough as nails. The quartz version actually has the MOD broad arrow. It also comes in an automatic version. The quartz comes in a little below the CWC.

[@djdc81]

I have a Holton Professional; love it. I have a special projects version coming this summer

[@submariner6789]

I had two unfortunately both had the most bezel play you could ever imagine!!! Felt like a toy! Compared to a CWC or Marathon

[@beggs8836]

@@submariner6789 So cwc is better than holton ye?

[@stefanobio7045]

​@@beggs8836 I own both the Cabot CWC SBS quartz diver, and the Elliot Brown Holton professional quartz, both are brilliant watches. The cost of the Elliot Brown was less than HALF the price of the SBS diver. Personally speaking I would say the Elliot Brown Holton has a far stronger construction and is far more impact resistant, and more legible, personally I do not know a stronger constructed watch? The Holton has a recessed crown, also the bezel markings have super luminova so it's very easy to see in dark conditions. The Elliot Brown Holton has removable solid strap bars so different types of straps can be fitted, with the SBS diver the strap bars are welded into the watch case, and you are limited to a NATO type strap. The strap bars on the Holton are very substantial and larger than those on the SBS diver. Personally I believe the Elliot Brown has far more shock resistance. The black PVD coating on the Elliot Brown Holton is far thicker than applied to the CWC diver. The Elliot Brown Holton is water resistant to 200 metres, and that includes if the crown is accidentally left unscrewed from the watch case. The Holton's crystal is synthetic sapphire crystal coated underside to prevent reflections, because I have an older SBS diver and that has a hardened glass crystal, it's probably more impact resistant, but does scratch far easier, to this date the crystal on the Holton remains totally unmarked despite suffering many impacts against metal! The bezel on the CWC SBS diver is manufactured from aluminium I believe, but the Elliot Brown Holton bezel is made from 316 stainless steel which is then hardened so it's far harder and does not damage so easily. Elliot Brown Holton's crystal is below the surface of the bezel so it's more protected if it's dropped or impacted against an object. I'm very impressed with the service of Elliot Brown, I have contacted them on several occasions by phone and Email and nothing has been too much trouble, they were extremely helpful, offering me advice etc. Elliot Brown replaced the battery and re-pressure tested the watch and it was returned in 4 days, CWC took 8 weeks to change the battery in my SBS diver as Silverman's return their watches to the factory in Switzerland, however their battery replacement and pressure testing is free. The Elliot Brown offices are located in Poole harbour and can be personally visited. I would say that the Elliot Brown Holton is a more superior watch than the CWC SBS diver.

[@haping1]

The GSAR is my favorit. Also available with quartz whereby the second hand hits the minute markers way better than the CWC in the video... Maybe a 2nd video of non US divers under $1.500? Great video Teddy. Thanks.

[@williamthegunnut3839]

I’ve been looking for a vintage military diving watch for 2 years now. Could you please do another video with more watches in it?

[@GaryGiffin]

Love my CWC watches and I have a issued 1985 CWC G10 that is a smaller case size but a great looking Military watch. The CWC RN 300 diver is a great looking "Doxa" like case that fits flat on my wrist and I love this case type!

[@CRosa-tt6tl]

I own the marathon JDD love the look comfortable to wear definitely a watch that stands out awesome video thank you...

[@johnfarel3152]

I just ordered the marathon gsar in 36 mm arctic white. I love the look of the white dial.

[@anamisidro8453]

Love the marathon. I cannot decide between the white and the black dial. Opinions??? Thanks for the video

[@whodeycinbengals]

I just bought the black dial. For me, the white doesn’t look as good

[@Patrick_B687-3]

I’ve got an old MK2 Vantage, (3916) serviced in 2009 under warranty but still going at -2/day, and it’s been worn very hard. Bill Yao puts together great watches, and takes damn good care of his customers.

[@GPAC78]

Love the content. The CWC watch looks badass, especially with its actual military history. Definitely looking at getting one.

[@TheGcbailey]

Man, I really want one of those arctic dial marathon GSAR watches.

[@desertsoldier41]

The GSAR is still listed in the US military FEDLOG/GSA catalog. It is a currently issued watch.

[@Not-a-bot222]

Tried ordering them a few times lol even with letters of justification…I was told no

[@deejay1534]

They are not issued lol. Im in the Army doing secret squirrel stuff and Ive never met guys, whether they're SOF or 12D Army Divers who've ever been issued Marathons. At most, they get a G-Shock. Navy Divers and SEALs get issued G-Shocks but no Marathons....

[@djdc81]

It has a Nato Stock Number, but the Quartmaster will always tell you to fuck off. I tried multiple times...so I just bought one

[@desertsoldier41]

@@deejay1534 Well many in the 160th got Marathons

[@xcharizardswagx]

I have a friend who got one while on deployment in Afghanistan 10 years ago. He must’ve gotten lucky. He said the guy who would do the ordering for items was a cowboy and would get them anything

[@Quanah7]

Great video as always, but you didn’t mention who the SBS are that have the CWC issued. They are UK tier 1 special forces, equivalent to Devgru aka Seal Team 6, and as such has been on the wrists of operators in some of the most dangerous and secret of missions worldwide. Much cooler to own than a regular Navy Diver

[@JS97278]

Better than the Seals 🤫🇬🇧🐸⚔️

[@djdc81]

The SBS don't wear CWC though...in my experience they tend to wear Lumionox or GShock. Lately, the UKSF community are also now seemingly leaning into Elliot Brown, not just the MoD Quartz Holton Professional, but now the special projects version

[@JS97278]

@@djdc81 Holton professionals CWC’s and G shocks are on wrist down at Poole…

[@np1663]

@@JS97278 🐸🛶

[@JS97278]

@@np1663 love many trust few 🐸🇬🇧

[@travisharrisphotography]

The only thing that should be noted, is that the tritium tubes on the GSAR is not why the watch is thick. It's done by design to be used with gloves on (bezel). For proof, you can see that the Marathon Navigator uses the same tubes, and is very thin ;-) I hear so many people say this wrong all the time, drives me nuts, LOL.

[@Delkor444]

Great video. I have and love both a marathon GSAR and an Anthracite Marathon GSAR. My two favorite watches. They wear great on my 7.5” wrist. I for sure will one day love to add a CWC! They look fantastic and and will wear great (plus I love natos 🤪)

[@Okido24]

CWC SBS is a real Bond watch.

[@lancelloyd7429]

I was able to order a Tornek Rayville but they don’t ship until August-November 😭. Thanks for giving us a closer look! 🙏🏽

[@MatthewSutton-e6e]

I had several Marathon automatic diver watches with Tritium. The Tritium vials are very nice. The watch body, particularly the stem, is very poorly designed, and prone to breakage. If its a military issue, this is not a problem since it can be swapped out at the unit supply. If this is a personal acquisition, good luck with a warranty claim. I highly recommend the CWC over any other diver or military inspired wristwatch. The CWC quartz watches are high quality and super accurate to within a second per month. Its worth every penny.

[@appaloosa2121]

Good video. I like the Marathon GSAR and nearly bought it. However, the ETA 2824-A2 caliber has a paltry power reserve of only 32 hours. Any chance you could you do a video on power reserve? It would be fun to see watches with the best power reserve at different price points and styles/uses. It's one of the key reasons I got a HydroConquest, a 72 hour power reserve (only minus 2 seconds on my timegrapher). Cheers!

[@PurpleYeti1]

Looking forward to you doing a review of the Sangin Instruments watches, such as the Profession, Kinetic 2, or Neptune.

[@jltrem]

The Tornek-Rayville is extremely handsome and clean.

[@bobpaulson9r72fk24]

@@jonathanyuen8820 you mean the lsa that looks completely different?

[@thebestoffools]

The Canadian watch company Momentum (formerly Chronosport) is releasing an hommage to the CWC. It's called the SQ30 Eclipse Solar Ion and it's a lot cheaper.

[@beggs8836]

Looks almost the same, but who knows hows the quality compared to cwc

[@germando81s]

Very good review and timely. Going to to be picking up the Marathon USMC version of this watch.

[@jackf.8621]

In your best 30 military collection you are missing the Sinn UX S and GSG9 model both worn by German Special OPS teams. In my option it deserves a spot among those 30 specs of 2000m water resistance, U-boat steel, oil filled for legibility make those other watches look like swatches.

[@andrewanderson5297]

Love the GSAR

[@ioanparry]

The GSAR is my absolute watch goal......ticks so many boxes....one day.

[@mountainsriversandtrees1474]

Marathon all day every day. The company, their quality and customer service are absolutely top-notch and rock-solid.

[@heathwatson1185]

Love the reviews of appropriately priced watches. I’m a collector for fun and comfort. You’re a great host and snappy dresser!

[@spinthma]

I would go for the Gsar.

[@BoozewithNick]

I’ve had a crush on the GSAR since I very first became interested in watches several years ago. It’s still on my list, or the new steel Navigator.

[@SteveFWatches]

a lot of great watches here but I love that tornek

[@steveyoung101]

I am a fan of Blancpain. I will take the Tornek-Rayville. Also, the Japanese movement is easy to service and replace.

[@kristiangustafson4130]

Can we shout out Teddy's amazing wardrobe? Man dresses well.

[@sagnikchaudhuri4142]

I have issue with the movement in CWC....they provide ronda 517 which is not more than 25 usd and they charge more than 600 usd for the watch

[@zachadams6666]

Would love to see you do a review of the Ares Diver 1, interested in it but can’t get my hands on one to check it out and there are only a few reviews out on it

[@shoeshiRoll]

So with my experiences with being in the military, knowing the time is one of the most important things that revolve around operations. The biggest CON with a digital watch is that it is powered by a battery. A battery which can last you for up to 5 years on the low end. But when that thing dies, whether you are on mission or just doing your own thing on your time off, you are stuck with a paperweight on the wrist. At that point, you are going to have to go out and buy another one...which can maybe take a few days to source (depending on the situation). One of your videos inspired me to buy an automatic dive watch for use in the field about a year back. I wanted something as durable as any Casio, but have no worries about the battery dying. Date function is a must, but more importantly, dial eligibility is the biggest priority. I wish I saw this video before I bought my first divers. At first I bought a Sinn U1. That thing was a TANK of a watch. It may be the most applicable watch to bring to the field and not have to worry about. The display was in your face, and took no time to decipher. It wasn't fragile, and it did its job perfectly. I have some Cons about the U1, and after seeing this video I realized there was more the market has to offer. The Marathon GSAR will be my next watch for use in the field. The Tritium hands that glow all through the night is probably the biggest selling point. There is nothing more frustrating than wondering what time it is in your sleeping bag...but you can't check your watch without a flashlight. Sure, there is lume on a lot of dive watches, but after a few hours in the dark, there is no more glow coming off them. What's worse than that is to need a light in the middle of a mission at night to charge the hands just to know the time is just you losing all the tactical advantage. Another Con for the U1 was the weight...which would definitely come with the 1000m depth rating. But any modern dive watch at 300m is durable enough for military use. When you have to run around in full kit, a dense watch on the wrist gets annoying real fast. All in all, I think the GSAR takes away all aesthetics and only applies itself to functionality...and some would be detracted from that. More function than form. But that's what dive watches were back then, when lives and the mission depended on time. It is no different today. And that is what I find fascinating with what the market has to offer. Thanks for the video!

[@Geetee3991]

That’s ridiculous. Nobody that I know in the military is wearing an automatic for any form of tactical operation. You’re correct that a battery can go bad. But you know what’s nice about a Timex Ironman? It cost me $90 to buy 3 of them so I have one on my wrist, one on my kit, and a final spare in my ruck. And it is backlit. This watch will still be visible after 5 hours of darkness in the field. Unless you have tritium like the Marathon that isn’t happening for any watch. For 8 years I’ve jumped my timex into multiple countries, banged that thing against doors, trees, rocks, and ive never had one of my 3 break. You do that to any automatic and you’ll be off time Finally, automatics simply aren’t accurate enough for multi day operations. You’re telling me you missed the hit time by 30 seconds because your watch is +8 seconds a day and you haven’t reset it recently? That’s a absolute no go. I love automatics. My whole collection of daily watches is auto. But when I’m doing anything with any kind of operational tempo, I throw my Ironman on.

[@shoeshiRoll]

@@Geetee3991 Wrong on all counts. 1. They absolutely are durable. Looking at the specs, some autos are made to withstand temperatures as low as zero degrees F, and as high as 200 degrees F. They can have a dive rating of hundreds of feet, indicating how much force they can handle (not just water). And some of these watches, EVEN SOME SHOWN IN THE VIDEO, are designed FOR THE MILITARY. 2. In some cases, you can set your automatic every few days, making it more accurate that any quartz watch someone just set a few years ago. And as far as accurate timekeeping goes for jumps and regular ops...guess what we all use in conjunction with a watch? A GPS. 4. If you mean to tell me people who have fought in our previous generation's wars without a quartz movement...well...tell it to them. I'm sure it was really difficult for them with their automatic movements. Just because you haven't tried it doesn't mean you can't. I've had my fair share with having a G-shock for a few years, and it really leaves a lot to be desired. Autos are the bee's knees. And at the VERY least...at least you have some aesthetics, and looking good in the military is half the battle.

[@Geetee3991]

Depth measurements have less than nothing to do with shock resistance ratings. And 0 degrees isn’t cold. Just ask our brothers in Alaska. Watches are still part of the uniform there. You might still be new to watch collecting which is fine. Just do some googling about shooting with an auto. Look at the forums on watchuseek. Everyone wears quartz for those scenarios. You can’t even have magnets or phones close to an auto without throwing them off unless they have special anti magnetic mechanics built in. The shock from rocking a 240b on cyclic a few times is going to upset a mechanical to some degree and if you really are operating at a high tempo, you’ll have to service it prematurely. This is not my opinion. This is fact based on numerous service schedules designated by watch makers. None of that is required for a quartz. And if it is it’s another 30 bucks for a whole new one. In no scenario is an auto more accurate than a quartz. Ever. Quartz are measured by the month where as autos are by the day. I’m not sure why you’re talking about someone setting a watch years ago. At the start of each mission, a watch sync is standard in every unit I’ve ever been in for leadership. Just do some googling. I’m not saying you should hang up your auto. I’m just saying you need to be much more appreciative of how much more fragile these watches are than quartz. And that you should expect premature servicing due to your line of work. If you don’t mind doling out extra money to wear a watch with an automatic movement, that’s fine but that is also something that you don’t have to go do when the quartz tech exists. Have a good day man. PS: I’m not about to park an MRAP and jump in an MB Jeep just because the prior generations rocked those and they look cool. Though… those things are pretty sick… and finally, the only divers still wearing automatic watches are those who are rabid watch enthusiasts. The rest of the industry has moved on for a reason.

[@peanutarbuckle2879]

@@Geetee3991 I would dispute that nobody in the military wears automatics. I can think of a number of people that have worn Rollies, Tudors and all manner of Seikos in combat. There are a lot of people that are enamored with the lineage that certain brands and designs have and their ties to the military. I think there's a generational element for sure though, especially for some of the older guys who saw their precursors with their issued subs and whatnot. Asking those guys if they remembered to sync watches would produce a reaction not unlike asking them if they had loaded weapons. I suppose it requires a more dedicated user, but I think that comes with watch fan territory. As one of the other comments here pointed out, you go to a mil base these days and you're going to see a lot of smartwatches, I don't know if those get taken out or not but I personally think it's a shame. Even in the digital watch age the kind of watch a person wore (eg. Timex, Gshock or Garmin and Suunto) said a lot about them.

[@morgan97475]

I'd be interested in a video that looks at popular watches in use by the military today, perhaps broken down by service. This would likely be based on polling data of course. I'd think that G-Shock would be fairly popular among ground forces (Army & Marines). Not sure about the other services. Maybe break it out by the services of other countries, too.

[@satya.anandakrishnan]

G-Shocks would probably dominate most outdoor or field positions from EMTs to Firies to Military

[@Not-a-bot222]

To be honest, most people where I work in the military west either Samsung or Apple watches. It’s annoying because they constantly read texts mid conversation

[@morgan97475]

@@Not-a-bot222 interesting

[@68chewy]

I hope you put out a vid soon on the new (pre-order) Ball Marvelight dials, especially how the Ball ice dial works or not compared to the Rolex "Tiffany" phenomena and how the Crimson Red dial on your site compares to or is the same as the Burgundy Red dial on the Ball pre-order site. Will you be getting these new Balls? - threadjack over.

[@cos-9113]

A California company, County Comm, makes a Maratac watch in the same vein as the Tornek-Rayville, with the same Seiko movement, but made from titanium with sapphire crystal for only $400 which makes all three seem rather expensive. They regulate the watch and it keeps very good time, better than chronometer.

[@MrBacchus18]

I have almost bough a Maratac watch before. I wasn't sure of the quality and no one really reviews them.

[@cos-9113]

@@MrBacchus18 Mine hasn’t been a problem, seems very well made, they’ve regulated the movement to very accurate specifications, the dial looks very good and better than the price suggests. They also seem to make only small numbers so out of stock often. Just wish they’d make their Ti bracelet so it would fit this watch (only currently fits their other Ti dive watch). They also have this one in a carbon fiber case and dial with Ti bezel, didn’t get that one.

[@PanSearedRibeye68]

Marathon watches were issued to US Air Force pilots in training. They may still be issued. Not sure. Marathon is a Canadian watch.

[@johnjuarez8005]

Waiting for my Tornek in June. Its great to be me!!!

[@netrtubes]

Hi Teddy - Anxiously awaiting your take on the Swatch Omega Moonwatch releases. Is there a video in the works?

[@f.xavier45]

What do you think about Stirling Watches? They seem to enjoy military’s acceptance as a real field tool.

[@devastateddreams4940]

How about omega seamaster ultra deep,rolex,swiss military cx and other "ultra" diving watch ?

[@barnabuswizardspook]

Bro you have to give us the brand+name of that jacket. Looking fresh

[@edrader]

i wore a gsar daily for a couple of years. love it tho bezel is a little sloppy. a few years later i bought it again and it felt small and too thick

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

As a diver I want good contrast large face good lume if divers are going past 100 meters they will not be using a dive watch as a backup we use multiple dive computers and no clunky steel bracelet

[@jb6027]

If you're in the US and are ordering a watch from the UK, email the vendor and ask them for their non-VAT (Value Added Tax) US price. It's substantially less than the normal VAT price.

[@MadMax76er]

Wish the Tornek was available, it's exactly what I want in that style, find the Bulova lug width too much of a put off

[@oskarjakel6016]

Check out Baltic. They have the same watch style, its even better looking

[@MadMax76er]

@@oskarjakel6016 the Aquascaphe? Yeah it's nice but I don't think it looks a on the nose vintage as the Tornek. Also looked at the WMT Sea Wolf, but still think the Tornek looks the best

[@karlsenula9495]

Looks like the CWC is not hitting the markers? I think I'd like it better for $800 if it did so and if the movement was more mecha-quartz ... but I do understand that this is how it is made and issued.

[@gordonfreeman4491]

Got the CVC and REALLY want the GSAR! Never heard of the Tornek before.

[@markbyrum4743]

All three are great down what they are. If I had funds to buy only one, I think I would go for the Marathon. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@jjktng]

It’s hard to keep track of Chinese firms buying up legacy brands that went under or were struggling. Wish there’s a list of them.

[@peanutarbuckle2879]

Not to defend that behavior, but Bill Yao isn't Chinese. I mean he is, but he's an American. I don't know if he's still Pennsylvania based, but he's the real deal. Sure, the TRs are made in Japan but the man behind the company is a watch enthusiast's watch enthusiast.

[@bobshortland3079]

hi from the u.k i have a g10 general service watch a real deal one all stamped that at some point issued to the army also the sbs watch as soon as a new batch arrives at cwc they are sold out ..so that says something about this watch

[@basedpatriotLT]

Do they give these out to all military? Some watch fan would be encouraged to join military just by this :)

[@spartanjoker073]

Sangin Instruments are the best military watches in my opinion. Check ‘em out

[@ARes13FOX]

I have an Atlas and a few Kinetic II’s. They’re nice, but my Marathon’s outclass them easily. Still want a Neptune though.

[@AleFairchild]

Tornek (MK2) only 200m water rated, not on par with the other two. Suggest add to this update review Benrus re-issue Type I and Type II

[@rover213]

well Seiko SKX007 for example, under 700€ or, Seiko Prospex Ice Diver SPB179 under 1000€

[@lt6077]

Maratac makes a watch really similar to the tornek for an even more affordable option. I have the titanium version and about the only fault is a pretty poor bezel action.

[@mylesmooney7505]

I got a MWC …. Quality is spot on ….. worth a look .

[@Oak432]

All beautiful, thanks for the reviews

[@afs6596]

had a bad experience with Marathon...gave to family member going to West Point..watch failed after several months...

[@chriskreider670]

Would love to see Sangin Instruments in a video. Great military inspired micro brand

[@jamesty8623]

which of these watch are fixed lug/strap

[@solidus1995]

I have a gsar but I wouldn't take it on deployment. The tritium tubes have been knocked off on mine multiple times. Not paying a grand for quartz either.

[@lvdox21]

Hands down best military dive watch is the Christopher ward C60 Lymphstone, it’s in a class beyond these. It’s a forged carbon dial and bezel, 600 meters water resist, rotating compass bezel, actually certified by the British Royal Marines, only $1000. Honestly worth looking at I think it would out class these pieces.

[@manzencow9582]

Ya no it is not. There is a reason why Militaries have been using Marathon SAR watches for years. They are the best mil spec dive watches ever made.

[@wayneholmes637]

Since when do the Royal Marines "certify" anything. If it is issued then it is built to a MoD standard. The MoD sets the standards for equipment not the units. I know for a fact the CWCs are issue kit but I have never heard of any others since CWC took over the contracts. They did stop issuing the field watches though.

[@Shagbd]

No mention of Resco in your top 30 list?

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

The torneck is great looking. Too bad we cant get one.

[@nandi123]

A thin quartz 39 mm Marathon GSAR without branding and H3 markings would be ideal.

[@Gtee5]

Great video! As for Marathon, I've always wondered if any modern militaries (or militaries in the past 30 years) actually issue mechanical watches. I can't see why they would be better than quartz for military purposes. Anyone know anything about this?

[@jb6027]

One argument for the automatic watch is that you don't need to worry about batteries on a long deployment and that a mechanical watch won't be disabled by an EMP event. I know an 82nd Airborne guy who also took a mechanical watch, usually a Seiko, on deployment as a backup. He said it came in handy several times. Once when he smashed his watch on a jump.

[@Gtee5]

@@jb6027 that's interesting. Has there ever been an EMP? I did a quick check into this and found the president of Marathon talking to A Blog To Watch and he also referenced EMPs. I guess I did not realize that those were a bigger issue in the field than precise timekeeping.

[@mattewj1268]

Interesting video Teddy I enjoyed it. I think it would have been enhanced by the presence of a Glycine Combat Sub.

[@NateTrucker92]

I’m a simple man, I see a military styled dive watch, I get very excited lol I think I certainly have a preference for a no nonsense tool watch.

[@nicholasanderson9019]

The CWC has it all. Looks, price, history. Easy win

[@vetteman4276]

I had the marathon on a ndc strap but found it was top heavy an moved around a lot unless pulling the strap tighter. Put a bracelet on an a huge difference. Great watch an the crown is the best. Love it. All my other watches are titanium, love the Color an the lack of weight. Dave

[@pivohleb]

I'm stuck between the Tornek and the GSAR....

[@DylanReynolds]

I really like the Elliot Brown watches. Their Holton is MOD approved and has a great Quartz option for a rugged diver.

[@martinmartin1330]

The marathon and the cwc are the real deal the t&r is a tribute band at best

[@djdc81]

Marathon TSAR is what us pros use

[@natejc93]

This feels like The Grey NATO territory. Ever consider a collab with Jason and James?

[@davidsilva8695]

I have been wanting the GSAR, but now that I have seen the Tornek… :)

[@seabiscuit726142]

Love my GSAR 41mm!

[@relojeroargento]

No Victorinox? :/

[@yishaialon7653]

Opinion on the new swatch x omega?

[@beggs8836]

plastic crap