70% Cheaper Than A Marathon! But Should You Buy It?

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I like this one a lot. But I would like it more if it said Marathon on the dial and was $400 more expensive. Still makes a strong claim because you get a really nice watch for under $175USD. Stick it on a NATO and enjoy. Cheers! Jody

[@jpdemer5]

The real problem with the bracelet is that it's polished, which looks cheap and out-of-place against the satin-finish case. The hardware on that NATO strap, on the other hand, is a perfect match.

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

That's a Tongji (Chinese Standard Movement) - the basic movement manufactured all over China for the last 70 years. But this is decorated and blued, which is not very typical for modern ones. Most of the non-skeleton ones are ground out to make an nh36 look like it was handmade by the finest masters. But a lot of them are reliable! That said, this is way outside the $30 price range of most watches with a CSM.

[@garmin1488]

I assume most of the cost of the watch is for the tritium tubes.

[@paulpederson3077]

you are a saint for providing this information.

[@user-wu2pg5zh2r]

It's really attractive in a minimalist sort of way. It looks soooo much better on the nato you put on it. Really nice color match.

[@cartoonpete407]

16mm is old-school lug width. I have a couple of old watches (Timex Camper, Oris Big Crown) with this lug size. But Merkur is right to make the watch a little bit bigger even though I have small wrists. Smaller watches actually make a small wrist look even smaller.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

A tempting proposition. The discrete logo is a positive in my view. So many nice watches are ruined by over-branding in my opinion.

[@glenntongue7639]

I love my marathon. It’s my nighttime watch every night. The quartz for my evening use is must have.

[@patrickriarchy6054]

I may get one. I'm glad that it's not child sized like the Marathon.

[@anthonyjarrad141]

I'd get this over the original for size and price, for sure

[@runwhatyoubrung]

The watch looks nice and definitely gives Marathon vibes. The strap and bracelet it comes with seem like more of a "sprint" with regards to the design. Keep the content coming Jody and best of luck with your move!

[@AbdulRWatches]

Great for smaller wrists, great video Jody Thanks 👍🏽

[@fredzter-yc9pd]

12:25 if the lug width of the Marathon is 16 mm it should be sized up by another 14.4% (based on lug widths) which would mean the minute track is bigger on the Marathon than on the Merkur making it look much more similar in size imo

[@tactofu]

Its a dressed tongji standard movement. Ive only ever dealt with them in merkur watches but havent had any issues over a couple of years of regular use.

[@paulpederson3077]

You are a Saint for this Information

[@armandr1613]

3pm EST is perfect time for a video upload. We're usually grabbing an energy drink or coffee at that time here on the East Coast.

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

I have bonklips on 3 of my watches, and I love them. They are so comfortable

[@cosmodoc]

I actually love the bonklip bracelet!

[@normanhunter7]

Your definitely right about that metal strap, it reminded me of a pair of odd socks!

[@wrenside]

saw the bonklip bracelet at the Serica booth at Windup Watch Fair. i liked!!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Not a bad effort from Merkur! Looks great!

[@indaleciomendez8442]

Ì would definitely choose this one over the marathon, the lowest I would go is 38mm and I have to really love it. Great review

[@sinjinadams2862]

It's not for me but It's always nice to see quirky unique looking watches.

[@rodg2335]

I also have the Marathon. Got mine on an awesome 40+% off sale. Mine has an Eta 2801 movement that is extremely accurate. This Merkur sure has the look. Nice to see these are "out there". For now I'll stick with real deal although the Marathon is also a homage/reissue of an earlier design . Each to his own😊

[@carazable]

Saturday morning... Coffee & Jody video. Good start to weekend 😊

[@philspencelayh5464]

The Marathon is a good size for me but the quartz will let you down at some point and its more than twice the price. The Merkur will let you down every day, -30s is too much. Cheap isn't always a bargain. I'll stick with an SNK809 and you get day and date as well.

[@BobMarley-pm1xb]

It’s a good looking watch. Agree about the bracelet. I know I’m dating myself but at first I thought that Timex had resurrected Spidel :-) Good specs for $169.00 USD and the movement really wasn’t bad. Fine review Jody. Thanks!

[@theohtml]

I bought my bonklip bracelet from the merkur site for $25, but I later found the exact same bracelet on aliexpress marketed as a strap for a Samsung smart watch for $4. Shady business from merkur.

[@danielleclare2938]

I like it. Price point for that is great I would put black silicone strap. 'Timex' movement is disposable but for under $200 these days I wont complain. Thanks for the show.

[@christhe812]

Tongji movement.. About 10 usd on AliExpress 🤷 Woulve rather had a japanese seiko or the likes.. Maybe even solar powered quartz movement, which would be awesome in a watch like this.

[@martinkaplan1805]

Nice shape on that case, gotta love tritium, decent specs, looks sweet if you like mil spec. Now that’s a pretty sweet beater.

[@mamayl8592]

The second strap appears to be paracord, or at least made to appear like it. It's popular for those making DIY military themed straps.

[@stephenspain9167]

I do like automatics without the date, make setting a lot easier.

[@scottbeckett4190]

Another awesome vid. Just love your creativity Jody. I love Marathon. Not a fan of small watches. I get it!! What a quandary. Merci.

[@jjabrony1973]

That color choice of the nato strap turned that watch from cheap looking to 'hold on a minute...'

[@misteranderson2112]

Great video!

[@sterlingarcher857]

Forstner do a lovely bonklip J, im actually surprised you werent familiar with the style.

[@amomentarygenius]

I'd have to with Marathon, seeing as I own 4 of their watches. 16mm nato straps aren't common, but their aren't rare either. With that said, I would prefer it in 18mm.

[@theshadowman1398]

No hacking. Outrageous

[@jmac5755]

I like the marathon. Although I do wish it had bigger lugs (18 or 20mm).

[@viahf1200]

You can squeeze an 18mm leather NATO, or a 22mm thin rubber NATO between the 16mm lugs of the original Marathon GPM. I have 7 1/4” wrist and it looks great and no longer looks super small after strap squeeze. 😉

[@Conundrum191]

I want to like it, but at that price with that movement it sort of is a no-go for me. As for Marathon, their pricing just makes me shake my head. I'd love to pick up the new steel navigator plus I really really like the 42mm GSAR, but it really should be half the price it is (in both cases).

[@justinebodlak1373]

The watch does look better on the Nato strap. But I do have a wee bit of fondness for the weird old fashioned bracelet. Plus, it seems super adjustable which is a real bonus for small wrists. Interesting you wore this watch most of all during your trip...Thank you for an interesting comparison. I did consider Marathon watches but they look very chunky, monolithic, perhaps because of the size and thickness? And would be an expensive mistake sadly if I wasn't convinced once I had it in my hands.

[@danielgarrad]

I'd go to Traser, a very nice swiss mil spec watch and they also make the tritium tubes that Marathon and everyone else uses.

[@donnyboon2896]

Yes, but I'd prefer the Merkur AND save up for the equivalent Marathon.

[@AwkwardHorology]

I like Merkur. They are a little different then most of other AliExpress crowd. However, I do think they need to sort out their branding in general, especially their sub brands like Fod and Pierre Paulin!

[@GinkgoJoe]

I feel a patriotic duty to support marathon, but the prices are quite high for what you get. But recently they were giving that watch away for free with the purchase of a regular offering (I still didn't bite). I do have the resin Marathon navigator: same face, wonky asymmetrical case, but hits my tritium fix until I strike it rich with my bean farm....

[@robh.2400]

I have one of these, and I like it a lot. Luckily I ordered it on the perlon strap, because my lug screws absolutely will not budge. Almost broke three screwdrivers trying to get them apart before giving up. I did manage to force that overly thick perlon strap off the watch without removing the lug bars. I now have it on a nice olive green nato style strap. I really wish they had just put normal spring bars on it. And yeah, I actually like the size and look of the Merkur more than the Marathon.

[@patrickriarchy6054]

They may have glued or locktite'd the screws so they dont fall out.

[@styraxopoponax8294]

Maybe they used Loctite or some other thread locker on the screws-- just takes some heat to loosen it up. I had the same issue with a screw-link bracelet on a Steinhart.

[@robh.2400]

@@styraxopoponax8294 yeah probably. I’m not going to mess with it at this point.

[@felixr126]

I really was waiting for your review of that one since I have seen it in your what's in the watch roll video. To me it really boils down to the size. I like the Marathon look but the Merkur size definitely wins me over! I vote MERKUR over MARATHON therefore.

[@GVSolo]

I don't know Jodi. Maybe it's okay to save the money and by the real thing. But that size difference is was really going to make it or break it for me. I think I like the bigger one better. And that NATO strap matches great.

[@C.C._TJ_Jason]

Those marathons are too small but I would highly recommend looking at the Marathon navigator which is just fantastic and a perfect size and can be found for just over $600 . Awesome video as always!

[@eyeswideopen565]

Nice looking watch!

[@oliverwiantrmerholme112]

I dig my tiny 34mm Marathon GPQ - perfect grab and go. Can I ask you a question? Did you buy the coke-bezel Citizen ny0085 from an AD? (Long time ago, I know!) I bought the all black ny0040 direct from Amazon EU, and it also has the 8203 with 8204 caseback.

[@BlindProphet413]

If you're willing, I'd love to see you review a Marathon Navigator, 41mm with some protective case bulk and an hour bezel.

[@res00xua]

I’m most often wearing a Ball watch with tritium. Almost every night and many days although I have many other choices.

[@mvm006]

I prefer, and own, the San Martin version.

[@malzahar33]

Might buy it. I have the dirty dozen from them and I am very satisfied with it

[@vincebrickner5529]

Thanks for the video I like a lot of their watches problem is they're all too small.

[@iFyvie]

The 3rd option is a CWC. G10 fatboy re-issue quartz is the real winner in this.. race? Gives you the look, gives you the heritage, and is priced modestly. Comes with acrylic glass and a wonky lug width if you like making your life difficult (and as we're watch fanatics making life difficult is up our alley).

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Love that case.

[@ChrisByers100]

Got this on the recent Ali sale for £119 (inc. shipping and taxes) with a voucher code Should be arriving today and can't wait as I've always wanted a tritium watch :)

[@EndtheWokeMadness]

I think for the price, I'd go with the Marathon. As a Canadian, I've been eyeing the Marathon JSAR with the Maple Leaf on the dial, but $1500.00 CAD is steep. And that's on a rubber strap; with the bracelet you can add another $450.00 CAD.

[@punkypink83]

i'd reconsider. so one guy i know got a marathon MSAR 36mm recently and he shelled out 200usd extra for the bracelet. marathon sent him the MSAR on the cheaper rubber strap. he contacted them and they sent him the bracelet and let him keep the rubber. except they sent the wrong bracelet. he should have gotten the 18mm bracelet. they sent him one that said 20mm on the box, but measured 22mm! contacted them AGAIN and they made him send the bracelet back. took over 2 months before he finally got the bracelet he paid for. except then it turns out it was the wrong one AGAIN! they sent the thicker endlinks for the auto, he bought the quartz which is thinner so the thicker auto endlinks popped his bezel right off and made it impossible to reinstall. 3 months on, he's giving up on the awful service and asking for an outright refund.

[@Rikki-Tikki-Tavi]

The Momentum Atlas Automatic is also a decent choice.

[@drebarthelotte5712]

I'd go for the san martin with great lume

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Vertex M100 or M100A. It costs alot but it's such a nice watch, you're never going to "have" to buy a watch again. 😉 Every time I believe that my next watch costs twice as much as the last one

[@wastelandviking4547]

1500cad...what is that? The pink and yellow paper for Broadway?😅

[@Mr_Memer.876]

I keep looking at the cheap Luminox tritium watches but this is more compelling given the specs

[@joabmcmicking4882]

Just checked Marathon’s website and they do make a 39mm. Still has 16mm lugs but I think I could live with that.

[@g30rg3-c5]

Much better than the original Ken doll size watch!

[@deuxminutes]

Bought a Paulin in november (the jumping hour), recieved in late december only a strap in the package... Luckily i video taped the unboxing, Ali refunded me, but last time for me on Ali for a Pierre Paulin or Merkur.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Hmm, gotta say I like the chunky styling of the tiny marathon, but 33 doesn't bother me....16 ml does, the Bulova Milships pulls that stroke too🧐

[@dougdottery1284]

I like the larger model. I think it's 40 or 41mil. Merkur watch brand is outstanding.

[@quiterioalbertobaezbenitez5739]

Hello Jody, very nice piece indeed!, but... In my very humble opinion if it would has a bit more curved lugs then, it would appears more ergonomically. Saludos!

[@christopherhilton2539]

I like the watch but the supplied bracelet and strap do not fit the look. It looks great on the JOMW nato though and i would but it over the Marathon just because of the size too.

[@mesteme]

Valid points on the quandary - I once got an aliexpress rep of a 62MAS for shits and giggles because it was listed at € 20 and it kind of deflated my desire for the original and in no good way so, now that I have my eyes on the Doxa 600T there is no way I'm getting the Seestern imitation.

[@ramblin1209]

Love the intro to this one but we do like to see you! 😂

[@AvroBellow]

My main watches are an Invicta Grand Diver, a Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional and a Bulova Lunar Pilot Original. I would look ridiculous wearing either of those watches because of my flat, broad, slab-shaped wrists. My circumference isn't huge, it's just that my wrists are far more rectuangular than round.

[@ssnerd583]

I have been trying to decide on a 'field watch' for a while and the ones I keep coming back to are the Baltany.....the Militado(VK67), and the Boderry VOYAGER in bronze. The last one would give me the bronze and field watch for the collection....but the Militado is surprisingly nice for the money..... Bloody hell, but I'll almost certainly end up with at least 2 of these...lol

[@droid1appmkr]

As a boderry voyager owner (black dial with the blue hands and the salmon numbers), it's a very nice field watch.

[@ssnerd583]

....tried to reply to your post but its gone wonky...lol I think for $US139 the Bodberry is the clear winner here....but that Militado looks to be a very nice bit of kit for the price as well, and its Seiko mechana-quartz so its grab and go which is a big plus at times....@@droid1appmkr

[@anthonydevono8833]

Spring bar faff is enough to put me off just another field watch in my opinion

[@allotment3275]

My grandad put all his watches on those blonkip straps - dead comfy

[@James-dt7ky]

Anything is better than a nato.

[@mattclarke8791]

I'm intrigued, if only because im curious as to what other movements i might be able to shoehorn into the case.... Edit: and put it on a single pass NATO

[@punkypink83]

having heard about marathon's nightmare customer service recently where they've managed to mess up 3 attempts to give a paying customer the item he paid for, i think i would go with merkur because if the same happens i'd at least be out of pocket far less...

[@JM-gy6zb]

Since you're offering up a negative anecdote about Marathon's customer service, I'll offer up my positive one. I've ordered one watch and two clocks from Marathon. I quickly received exactly what I ordered.

[@punkypink83]

@@JM-gy6zb unfortunately it's how a company responds after an initial mistake is made that is more revealing about their level of service, than them not making any mistakes.

[@michaelbradley6488]

That looks like a Russian Poljot movement, but it looks to have nicely been inserted in the case.

[@andrewr8051]

Interesting video. I have the 34 mm Marathon and I find it to be a great watch for sleeping. Hardly notice wearing it and great to have the tritium. Another good watch to compare is the CWC G10.

[@Celebmacil]

MWC has a nice range of various military style watches including a fair slew of different G10 styles with different movements at prices not much higher than this one, though admittedly those are mostly quartz movements.

[@kabirh3626]

​@@Celebmacil CWC is different from MWC , it's a UK watch company, Cabot Watch Company.. they used to issue to the British army

[@Celebmacil]

​​@@kabirh3626 I am aware. As the Op was commenting that the CWC was 'another good comparison ', I was saying that MWC also had a selection of other similar watches that also were going to be good comparison to this, the CWC, and other similar watches.

[@MichaelV89]

Merkur/Sugess, they seems not to used japan movements, they stick on chinese movement, unlike San Martin and others, I am thinking it is owned by a different chinese company. I would have consider this copy, if it has a japan movement, I do own chinese watches but with japan movements. BTW the strap of Bark&Jack suits the case and design of the watch.

[@tomoshiro87]

Miss your helllooooo ! At the beginning of the video 🙂

[@zillsburyy1]

merkur, heimdallr. san martin all great!

[@watchalot919]

I thought it was overpriced until you mentioned the Tritium tubes

[@adk7962]

Damn it. That is quandary. I’m of the mind an original needs to be at least ten times more expensive than the homage. But I only like watches between 38 and 42. 🤔. So in this case, it’s neither for me. There are plenty of other watches that have a similar vibe. I’m just happy you didn’t put up another watch I immediately wanted to buy…

[@condor9992]

Can you review the 5.11 tacticl

[@peterrenaud9742]

Being Canadian, I bought the Marathon. Mine was on sale though

[@myownbiggestfan]

The lack of hacking on a "mil spec" watch is laughable. I can't take it seriously as a military homage.

[@infinitekronos]

I really like the Merkur. I am puzzled as to why there is no hacking? That seems odd for a military style watch not to have hacking. It's a minor issue really. Anyway, thanks for the review and hope you have a great week!

[@k9feces]

What’s hacking?

[@infinitekronos]

​@@k9feceshacking is when you pull out the crown and the secondhand stops. In military use, this will allow a group of people or a squad to synchronize their watches much better, since everyone will have the same time. Hope that helps.

[@k9feces]

@@infinitekronos yeah it does thanks

[@marklbarnard]

Whats your opinion of a pagani ys011

[@BigNews2021]

36mm with 16mm is just too small. I'd take this one instead.

[@justpassnthru]

I have wanted a watch with Tritium tubes ever since I saw my first Luminox. After seeing this video I got this watch as an affordable alternative. The watch is nice enough and is considerably more accurate than your example. However, the Tritium is rubbish. You can see a FAINT glow in total darkness but way below what I was expecting. The tube at 12 o'clock doesn't glow at all.

[@jlchavis0844]

I'll stick with my 41MM USMC Pilots Navigator from Marathon. It's well sized and it's movement is incredibly accurate.

[@melissasmess2773]

Doesn’t hold a candle to my Marathon, you get your dollar’s worth with them and maybe a really nice free beanie hot. 😊

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Profited you’re okay with radioactive material inside your Merkur watch, your call. I’d go with the Marathon.

[@amyellen1035]

Mercury for the win.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

honestly for close to $600 that's just way too much for me to ever consider the Marathon, while the Merkur at probably below $150 in a sale is reasonable for a playful watch. And that is without the Marathon sizing issues

[@picpicwhat]

Non-hacking field watch is my dealbreaker. Not saying the Marathon is worth the cost but at least it hacks.

[@kyledriscollmusic]

@@picpicwhat at this point there are almost no excuses for not offering hacking

[@kabirh3626]

Who cares about hacking for this price?? It's not like you are the dirty dozen behind enemy lines about to do a mission 😂

[@kyledriscollmusic]

@@kabirh3626 it's not like it's an expensive feature, what's wrong with expecting something that $150 watches can do from a $600 watch

[@garmin1488]

I've thought about this pulling the trigger on this one, it was just recently on sale for $203 Canadian or about $150 US, and that's shipped and no taxes. It definitely belongs on a nato strap so an extra $10 bucks if you don't already have a drawer full. It's more of a weekend watch or just one for the collection, the fact that there is no brand name visible is also a plus. Maybe next time I'll pull the trigger.

[@stevenwymor1398]

Well if it's a screw springbar, it's not a springbar, is it?

[@karlsenula9495]

Hate the bracelet, hate the perlon ... means were I to get this I'd have to splash out for either a new bracelet, a leather strap or a Marine Nationale. Also I hate the double screws on the spring bars at first sight. The only watch I've ever had to send away to get resized was a rivit style bracelet with double screws - after I stabbed myself four times trying to do it myself. Also Merkur rarely goes on sale in the sales on Aliexpress - a shame because if they did I would have bought three already. I like Marathon ... I like the look of this ... but there are a number of things giving me pause on it.

[@viennakrakatoaleipzignumbers]

I actually really like the bracelet, but the finish not matching with the bead-blasting on the case is what hurts it.

[@paulgoyne6926]

Now that I know that there's a kind of bracelet named "bonklip," I must have one. I agree, though, that this watch and this bracelet don't go together.

[@davect01]

Speaking of clones being almost the same price, Berny makes a Seiko 5 Flieger clone for almost the same price

[@violinmke]

I have it. Quite happy with it too.