Marathon GSAR 41mm Diver, Arctic and Anthracite

[@cnaarndt]

Retired pro pilot of 50+ years, I was a USMC Huey/SAR pilot for 13 years active duty. I've owned a 41mm GSAR Automatic for many years. A true tool watch as it's the government issued military watch for the USA, Canada and Israel. ISO certified dive watch, it has NSN number and military designations on the case back. While I have a Submariner, this is the watch I actually take when diving. I live next to MCB Camp Pendleton and occasionally these will come up for sale as surplus items. I know a fellow watch geek that picked up a 41mm GSAR like mine for $45! 😮

[@scotts.5693]

Thank you for your service.

[@jouzel8951]

Thank you sir for your service!

[@fredstahl2823]

I own a GSAR and decided to listen to your take on this amazing watch. Like you, I find the GSAR beautiful. Not sure you were aware at the time of posting this video: there is a quartz option. My watch is an automatic movement. My friends with quartz pieces love them.

[@Osama-Bon-Jovi-01]

$45 for a GSAR is mad!

[@watchbydesign6214]

​@@JP-du4mk What a troll you are! I'm not begging for any thanks, just stating that I'm an expert in this area, a professional who has spent YEARS in the field, and getting paid for doing it (a professional), so I know what I'm talking about. And yes, I've used this watch extensively for it's designed purpose as have many other military personal worldwide. It consistently gets rave reviews from those in the military who have used it for its designed purpose. What are your expert qualifications? Too many non-experts commenting on subjects they have no real-world experience in doing.

[@seanwei9284]

Very well paced review. Appreciate the bits of humor here and there. Production value is fantastic as always. Keep it up!

[@Nefville]

I think its awesome that Teddy B stealth-loaned those watches to you. And I'm glad you said something, I wish him success; plus this benefits everyone, viewers included.

[@ComputerOyyy]

Teddy Bulbasaur

[@YoureTerrific]

You must be chuffed

[@qutuveo6332]

@@YoureTerrific To bits!!

[@davidbcg286]

Gotta collect them all

[@helloworldstein]

@@YoureTerrific so how often do you post to r/watchescirclejerk?

[@ComputerOyyy]

@@YoureTerrific very much, thank you

[@BrittPearceWatches]

I prefer to think of Canada as America’s brain. 😜 but we will accept hat. (Speaking on behalf of all of Canada!) hahaha. You know! I loved this review! This was the review I needed in my life! I know so little about marathon and I really should know more. She’s a chunky boy! But really handsome, useful watch. 😱💕 gorgeous review, as always!

[@YoureTerrific]

It's nice that you think America has a brain at all.

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

@@YoureTerrific 😂😂

[@jimwatchyyc]

@@YoureTerrificShe didn’t actually imply or say that it has one at all, lol, but as a Canadian I’m just glad we’re neighbours who get along, and well; a whole lot of countries don’t. Heck, we even welcome your F-22s in to shoot down UFOs.

[@benticus7082]

“Yes!” I was screaming at my phone. I agree - it makes sense for tool watches to be quartz. The “pearl clutching” is oh so prevalent in this hobby, but practically speaking, a quartz diver makes a lot of sense. Especially with the end of life indicator in the ETA quartz that these marathon’s have.

[@Reisito305]

Can you explain for a newbie?

[@benticus7082]

@@Reisito305 Im no expert, but in general, a quartz movement is more shock resistant, magnetic resistant, and accurate than a mechanical movement. Regarding the end of life indicator, People have said that a quartz watch could die when you need it (like when you’re in the field or on a dive) but with an end of life indicator, it alerts you to when the battery needs to be changed, and usually gives a couple months notice before it dies. Which would be plenty of notice to get a new battery installed before a dive trip

[@lucioledizerot196]

I received the Marathon MSAR (36mm) as partial payment for a photoshoot I did for them, and the watch is just lovely. It's nice to have a little tank to take anywhere

[@Greggieboy76]

A really great review on these watches!! I was actually lucky enough to win an Arctic at a competition at a recent show that Marathon attended in the UK. It's a fantastic piece!

[@YoureTerrific]

Score!

[@9erMatthew]

Been seeing a lot of press about this watch lately. Thanks for covering it. I once said that this watch was a DoD designed watch that most guys (in the Navy, at least) would never wear because we're always with our G-Shocks.... 3 hours after saying that I ran into a pilot and his buddy onbase Norfolk, VA sporting GSARs. Serves me right I guess.

[@dukes70]

On the Marathon site they do make these in quartz! It carries the ETA High Torque F06 on strap the Arctic currently goes for $1080. 👏🎉

[@michaelfierman3256]

Nice to see you and Teddy with a loaner thing going on...more watches for us to see...Also I forgot how much a wanted that Navigator you have. Looks SO good. Might have a look at that again. Cheers Evan!

[@MrKordel7]

I have owned 6 Marathons, including all GSAR variants. The black dial GSAR 41mm is my favorite watch of all time and the staple of my collection. I can also attest to Marathon’s customer service department as they have generously taken care of me with any service I’ve needed. I’m a Firefighter/Medic and the watch fits that role greatly. Great video as always!

[@Navs126]

Your favorite is the exact model I use as my daily at work. Same field 🫡 I got mine for $500 w/ the bracelet

[@GXF2695]

What a joy to follow your content. Simple but very informative, light in a way that my head doesn’t hurt with screams or an avalanche of information and fun to watch/listen! Keep on man, just keep on! Cheers!

[@Dialandhands]

I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these. I am personally going to buy the Arctic quartz model with the bracelet. I just love the look and design of these!

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

This review is really spot on and very fair. I have the 41 on a rubber strap and if anything it’s more like a 39. Because of the very thick bezel the dial is actually quite small, making it a little crowded. But it’s a true ‘tool’ watch that I don’t mind wearing on my bike, hiking in the woods with my kids, and especially changing the channel on the tv at home. Rugged and inelegant and unashamed to be that way. And I actually really like the tritium.

[@jimwatchyyc]

A watch with a universal remote? Now that is a true tool Watch 😂

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

@@jimwatchyyc 😂👌

[@AlexG-ey7md]

I was thinking this would be a good weekend watch on a rubber strap. Which rubber strap did you go with and would you recommend it?

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

@@AlexG-ey7md I’ve got it with the black rubber it came with. Really comfortable and easy to wear. Depending on your weekend lifestyle it’s an excellent watch. Don’t expect it to be hiding under any shirt cuffs though!

[@cosmojames7710]

Looked at the anthracite when considering an all black watch, but am very happy with the Sinn U50 SB that ended up as the new addition and it is keeping the Seamaster 300 and Tudor Pelagos 42 in my watch box. Great content as always

[@marvinberwart]

Nice review, as usual. Didn't know you where also a reviewer of cosplay props, though! Perfect for the desk spec ops.

[@YoureTerrific]

Most watches are cosplay accessories, even the Apple Watch for me when I'm pretending to be someone who exercises.

[@eddiemal3833]

Just took my GSAR for a week long hunting trip in the alps. It was perfect and useful. Survived being inside a couple of deer cavities too.

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

Uh ok

[@Dd214medaddy]

@@KZbinuser1aa uh ok...ask if this isnt the perfect review for a tool watch. Mountain climbers, alpinists, hunters, kayakers, divers, antarctic crews, thats who i want to hear reviews from

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

@@Dd214medaddy what about guys who stick their hands in animals?

[@smashburger65]

I've had my black dial 41 for 2 years now and have the black and green rubber straps as well as the amazing bracelet. The rubber straps are infused with vanilla and I find myself sniffing the strap a few times a day like Mary Katherine Gallagher. The 41 wears more like a 39 because of its height. The finishing on the case and bracelet is exquisite. The knurling on the crown is the coolest feature of this watch and you won't see or feel a crown like this on any other watch, it just grabs your fingers. Great review!

[@hbradoo]

Your humour and video aesthetics are so calming. I would watch these reviews even if I wasn't obsessed with watches....or as you would say, if I was "normal"

[@petrokersta5293]

Great watches! I enjoyed my 41mm GSAR automatic bought in 2016. It's been my to-go watch.

[@mosquito4026]

I own a 36mm MSAR since 2015, and it has been my go to watch for everything serious. My seamaster and submariner can handle water, shock and magnetism just fine, but I never trust them enough for work. The original rubber strap was destroyed by salt water so I swapped it out for a nato strap that they should have in the first place. I do notice the tritium tubes aren't as bright as they used to be, but they are still very legible in pitch black environment.

[@bsmithhammer]

The Marathon GSAR 41mm is definitely my next watch. It checks every box for me in a daily driver.

[@rl7487]

A g shock will not work in below freezing temperatures. The quartz won’t vibrate and the electronics won’t work nor will the lcd display. But the automatic movement will work. This is why they designed this one with an automatic movement

[@LAVA1980]

Dude!!!! I just got the GSAR Arctic on bracelet...... awesome awesome awesome timepiece

[@marcdaniels9079]

Love the search and rescue analogy as well as the dry humour. Nice review 👍

[@atlanticrocktimes]

This is just a fantastic watch. I take the 41 mm Arctic every summer for the three months we are on the boat and they're just perfect for that kind of activity. You can bang them around and don't have to worry. Great review!

[@thewatchmission7693]

That bezel looks like a weapon! Love it!

[@marcdaniels9079]

Got to love a massive bezel. That’s what first drew me to the watch.

[@camneill4358]

They do have options with Quartz ETA movements! I have the 41mm SAR in quartz.

[@vicioussky1256]

Thank you for your service!

[@adamcamil8872]

Much love for all of your videos, man! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@etothe549]

I can 100% support a cross Teddy promotion. Great video.

[@charles_1523]

ive always been curious about these, thanks for making a video on them :-)

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

I have to agree about quartz probably being the best movement option for a tool watch. Oh though I have some 2824, sw200s, and nh35/36 movement watches that I've put through hell and served, quartz is more economical and more sensible for bashing around.

[@chepulis]

Did you align seconds hands to be in parallel (but 30s off) on purpose, for shot aesthetics? That's neat.

[@MrZanzibar123]

You’re so good I want to like this twice. But that would unlike it. 😂 My father gave me his old Rolex and bought one of these instead. He’s very much the intended audience and he loves it. Anyway, you rock! (7” wrists ftw! Lol)

[@fieldwalker]

Thank you, yes! I am brave and strong. 🙂

[@imhatepie]

I feel like you should check out Momentum, they are another utilitarian style Canadian micro-brand, but relatively cheaper. The "Black-Ion" M50 diving watch I have from them definitely has a similar vibe and they also advertise it based on it's use with North American emergency response teams. It's a quartz though, rated for 500meters.

[@raymondpuentes7130]

I purchased this GSAR for my dad’s retirement. He’s a retired peace officer and plans on traveling and camping so this watch will serve him well.

[@acunacorporations]

Teddy's videos were what first got me into watches, im sure his shop is great too!

[@EmPeral562]

This brand has never really done it for me but I can still appreciate your review. Would love to see you and Teddy collaborate.

[@istvantoth7431]

Good to see you didn't say no to the growing Baldassarre watch conglomerate. I guess he made you an offer you could not refuse. [Insert Italian accent]

[@haping1]

Thanks for the review. Great watch and I'll definetly will own one in the future...

[@FFFFelix]

Would love to see your comparison to the 36mm

[@jlg395]

I have Timex Indiglo watches from the early 2000's that cost a fraction of the price and still function perfectly today. Seems like an automatic watch that will need servicing and lume replacement in twenty years isn't worth very much in comparison.

[@martinmazanek5192]

Damn, this one was even more hilarious that usually xD Enjoyed very much 👍

[@johnhealey6455]

I want the arctic version. Great looking watch.

[@konadora]

Yet another crossover between my two favourite watch channels is the best thing ever.

[@robertm8401]

Love tritium markers on everything everyday stuff. Wish a watch company would combine tritium and Superluminova (even if just on the hands and the 12 o clock pip) though.

[@theonlycaulfield]

Ball does this on some of their watches.

[@salty5402]

Awesome review of real tool watches. Definitely either your cup of tea, or not, depending on preference in design aesthetics.

[@eggsII]

Super beefy. I owned it and sold it to some lucky guy in Tennessee. I found the dial small for the massive size of the case. The dial also feels cluttered, with the date at 4:30. Also, the clasp is pressed rather than milled.

[@michellep2682]

I always enjoy your videos even if I'm not a fan of the watch.

[@KabobHope]

Not mechanical, but Casio 5610 is my favorite tool watch. In the rare event it breaks you can pick up a new one for a C note. That's a watch you can beat up and not feel guilty.

[@derekeboyd]

Long Island Watch also does a killer deal on these every black Friday.

[@WatchWitt]

The white dial arctic is my new mini-grail…!

[@Annoyedsince1986]

Feels like there's a good country mile between the glass and the actual dial

[@scotts.5693]

Because of the spacing needed between hands with the tritium tubes on them.

[@Annoyedsince1986]

@@scotts.5693 Thanks! That's useful to know

[@folksurvival]

Good review and funny too. These are great watches but too expensive. There are quartz versions too.

[@davetaddeo]

i think a new category of watch needs to be introduced. or maybe sub-category. the adventure watch. i have used my 41mm GSAR for camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing... all year round. securely water resistant so being swept down class 3 rapids after capsizing isn't a problem for this watch. tritium for legibility all night long. and for when camping in january when it gets dark out at 5pm. rotating bezel to time segments on the trail or on the water. tough as frickin nails!

Any thoughts on Certina watches? Would love to see some on your channel.

[@gqwarren]

I'm more intrigued by that "you're terrific" lume 😆

[@marknewton6255]

Great review! Seeing this rubber strap reminded me of the new Delugs drop... have you tried them yet? Would love to hear your opinion on them!

[@efthimistiligadas129]

amaizning review!! quartz or automatic should be better option?

[@scotts.5693]

You give me smarter Joe Pera vibes and I love it.

[@jouzel8951]

Nice work!

[@halfpastblog]

Another entertaining review. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@masterofnone2176]

very good watch, i got the 36mm quartz GSAR

[@MrBacchus18]

Maybe because it is such a tool watch but I actually am more interested in the quartz model or maybe the Navigator

[@Flux799]

The GSAR is a must when I take a bubble bath.

[@matthewehrlich5195]

I was really expecting a “none more black” reference on the anthracite one. 😂

[@YoureTerrific]

Did that joke too recently.

[@matthewehrlich5195]

@@YoureTerrific but can you do it too much?

[@kirkland0074]

I got both of these, the Arctic and Anthracite I’m a sick Phuck!

[@bowedonut22]

When we getting a new SOTC?

[@YoureTerrific]

Soon....ish.

[@bowedonut22]

@@YoureTerrific let’s go! Thanks for the reply!

[@mikeruhland415]

Would be nice to know the weight of the Antracite without the braclet :-)

[@alexhemsath6235]

I think they're called tool watches because only a tool like me buys a $1000+ mechanical watch and claims it's for a functional purpose.

[@CaptainSnappy]

If you had to choose one Marathon watch to own what do you think it would be? I find both the Navigator and GSAR to be pretty tempting.

[@YoureTerrific]

Well, like I said in the video I own a Navigator.

[@MrBalla-pk6lr]

Hi do you think the price is reasonable for this watch?

[@greaser3069]

this shits funny. good review dude

[@csb135]

How accurate are these automatic watches given they are government issued.

[@watch_drives_you]

What's your wrist size?

[@YoureTerrific]

No f*cking clue

[@watch_drives_you]

@@YoureTerrific better go measure it... Pretty valuable information in a watch review ☝️

[@TheCdM1981]

The black version on a bracelet went up to $2500.

[@Vsmphoto]

What a watch, but also, on another note, thank you for having normal-sized wrists and not twigs.

[@YoureTerrific]

Careful. They have very sharp, very small pitchforks.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Would love a white dial 36 but they're sold out to fug, all the time. Gonna get a Unimatic instead.

[@YoureTerrific]

They look available to me: www.marathonwatch.com/products/arctic-edition-medium-divers-automatic-msar-auto-with-stainless-steel-bracelet-36mm?variant=40080969891882 teddybaldassarre.com/products/arctic-edition-medium-divers-automatic-msar-auto-no-government-markings-36mm?variant=32884952694877

[@splodinjoe]

FYI the bezel insert is plastic.

[@YoureTerrific]

Thanks. Where'd you get this info?

[@splodinjoe]

@@YoureTerrific owned one for years and played with some raw bezels at my watchmaker who used to do warranty service for Marathon. They are like a hard plastic.

[@splodinjoe]

Annnddd now that I say that I see some references online to the bezel insert being aluminum. They always felt like plastic to me but who knows. One thing I will say is over time the paint infill on the minute hashes tends to fall out. I've had like 4 or 5 come out of mine. I just took a very fine paintbrush and filled them in again with some house paint. Good enough.

[@verykeen2please]

i am a right tool, so always love a tool watch

[@thegirthquake8574]

Guys I think he has a 7" wrist.

[@YoureTerrific]

How can you be sure?

[@thegirthquake8574]

@@YoureTerrific It came to me in a dream

[@tombombadil1646]

Nice brand. Kind of the Canadian Sinn.

[@Danyukon3443]

What's your wrist size again?????? Ha, ha.....another nice vid! I really like marathon!

[@zplapplap]

“Marathon is based in Canada, America’s hat.” 😂🤣 🇨🇦 🍁

[@shizuos8056]

I have a 6.5-inch wrist. Do you that would be too big

[@Erick925]

The 41mm wears smaller than the specs may indicate. It is a bit tall, but it's a tool watch! They do make a 36mm, but I've heard it's quite small.

[@DW-xt7vz]

The only diameter that Marathon should have is 42.2 mm.

[@gavinosullivan3144]

Nice.

[@TheZanshen]

What is the better legibility the arctic or black.

[@YoureTerrific]

White/arctic

[@TheZanshen]

@@YoureTerrific Thanks mate as I’m awaiting delivery of the JDD ARCTIC

[@Stanjara]

Wait, what is your wrist size? That very important you know.

[@YoureTerrific]

No idea

[@jayeyesacks1604]

Love the meta spoofing--subscribed

[@csb135]

how accurate are these watches?

[@Tribalius]

My gsar 41mm with Sellita sw200 is +2sec per day

[@choond]

Awesome review!

[@bronco1199]

Tooltastic ha. The GSAR is a real tool watch though.

[@tobias3648]

Why using diving gloves to operate the Basel? 7:20 I think you get funny looks if you're putting on diving gloves to measure your boiling time of your eggs. 😛

[@brettkuroyama4613]

Ohhhh Caaanaadaaaa!

[@YoureTerrific]

🇨🇦

[@Armoer]

Great review, as always. I only watch because you made it, I don’t like these watches even the slightest bit

[@mountainhobo]

"You need a date on a watch" - (1) Highly doubtful, (2) Never a pointless, tiny date you cannot read without a magnifying glass. The latter is an unfortunate byproduct of using a mechanical movement. It is cheaper to procure large quantities of automatic movements with dates than it is to purchase dateless ones. So that date is there not because you need it, but because it is cheaper that way. Other than that, I wish more _real_ tool watches used tritium tubes (like the Navigator you own).

[@Darkangel-sw9lm]

These wear too small. I have the jumbo with a 7.25 wrist and it’s still small.