Watch Review Marathon GSAR - The Mil Spec

[@b78hewitt]

After I was issued my GSAR I did not like it. I was not a watch lover only wore one because I had too. It was heavy and uncomfortable but the look, quality, and toughness drew me in. Then I found out about NATO straps and wear either my CSAR, GSAR, or NAV every second of the day. Marathon turned me into a lover of watches. But they have skewed my opinion of others since everything else seems too pretty, too delicate, or too expensive. Still the GSAR was my gateway drug to this hobby and I love it. Great review.

[@ChaoTime101]

Awesome! Great to hear about your experience.

[@snarf9455]

Have used mine on a few field trainig exercises in the military, the tritium lume came in handy in the arctic during the winter, when the sun barely came up. Held excellent time even in sub-zero temperatures.

[@ChaoTime101]

Really cool! I love hearing stories of watches being badass in the field. Can't wait to take mine camping 😁

[@jayjamesedawardgonzales9822]

I’ve alternated between Marathon GSAR, Seiko Marinemaster (Quartz Tuna), Rolex Submariner Date, and Tudor Black Bay Divers. As a police officer (Chicago) I’ve always liked rotating dive time bezels for timing things like arrival on scene, time on a location and interviews. I’d say the Seiko is my number one choice followed by the Rolex. However the Marathon is a close third. Great tool piece that offers robustness and functionality.

[@ChaoTime101]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience. It's interesting to know how people use bezel timers out in the world.

[@tcwhite0104]

Was issued a Luminox but once I received the Marathon GSAR I didn't/don't wear anything else. Great watch and doesn't have to look "dazzling" as that is not what it was made for.

[@ChaoTime101]

Yeah, comfortable and functional. Hard to beat.

[@solidus1995]

Found mine on a braclet for like 650 from an Afghan war vet. Had some minor cracking on the bezel and scratches all about. The clasp exploded on day 2 of ownership and I had to have some of the tritium tubes glues back on. All that aside I love its character even through its wear. I have mine on a rubber nato strap now and it makes the watch extremely comfortable.

[@ChaoTime101]

I'll have to try a rubber NATO. That's cool that the watch has been through so much. Hope you put it through even more! Thanks!

[@joshuaodyssey]

Great review! I also got one for myself. I would consider the rubber strap / nato style for everyday wear to improve the comfort. I agree it is a bit heavy and bulky but it adds to the toughness and a care-free wear. It keeps good time and it stands out from any other watch which is key for myself there is no watch that looks like this. I would love for it to be lighter and thinner but that would take away from the watch. Looks like it’s here to stay for myself also! I gotta say it’s the perfect everyday watch. The do anything go anywhere, carefree accurate time piece.

[@ChaoTime101]

Thank you! I'm putting it on a NATO soon myself.

[@morgan97475]

Nice looking watch with great specs. Having been in the military, I can't see having something like this while in uniform. I always had digital watches - Casio, Timex, etc..... They were inexpensive, easy to read, & had a light. Also I didn't have to worry about beating it up.

[@ChaoTime101]

Thanks for the perspective! Can't always trust marketing materials!

[@bjsprogramming2444]

Good review. In 2004 when I purchased my Submariner, not too many people complained about the stamped clasp.

[@ChaoTime101]

Ha, how times have changed. I think it's an expected component now

[@thetimebombardier]

nice review sir, I've been wanting a marathon for a while but have heard others having qc issues, still undecided LOL

[@ChaoTime101]

I've heard the same. Luckily mine is still going strong!

[@jamesblonde2271]

Missed this, but turned on notifications, looking for the white 38 one of these, love the depth and brutality of this watch. Great review as always.

[@ChaoTime101]

Thanks man! Taking a little break right now because it's the end of the semester and I have grades and report cards to do. I'll be back soon!

[@matthewjefferson6872]

I have one that I've been wearing for 12 years, no problems at all. It is an anchor. Mine has the ETA-2824A movement and was made in 2009

[@ChaoTime101]

Nice. You've had that longer than I've been wearing watches!

[@TheRaginghalfasian]

i recently got a JSAR and its my favorite watch, it seems indestructible.

[@ChaoTime101]

Nice! Quartz is definitely more robust, especially to shock and vibration.

[@P1_M1ND]

Your quartz watch stands no chance to an E-bomb or EMP attack

[@TheRaginghalfasian]

@@P1_M1ND or molten lava

[@paulcaskey]

Nice review. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChaoTime101]

Thanks!

[@johnnyscorpio5058]

Very good video. I like this watch for its purity of form and function. It’s one of my favorites. I hope to get the JDD Arctic soon.

[@ChaoTime101]

Totally agree. It’s functional first and the form follows the function. I kind of regret letting this one go.

[@edwinthomas618]

great vid. I LOVE my 47mm JDD. I never will sell that beast.

[@ChaoTime101]

Thanks! I think I have a keeper!

[@crux314]

Txs. Would you please review the Marathon GP Officer's Mechanical? Love your systematic approach to watch reviews.

[@ChaoTime101]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll add it to my list of things to look out for.

[@danbrown7857]

Excellent review!

[@ChaoTime101]

Thanks!

[@matte2160]

Absolutely love my Marathons

[@ChaoTime101]

I'm wearing mine right now! An excellent watch.

[@tomtanner3098]

Great review Chao, Marathon GSAR with its milspec watches and tritium lume tubes is on my short list. So is the BB tudor chrono (new bicompax) inverse Panda; Would like to see the difference to the San Martin homage of the same watch in a review

[@ChaoTime101]

The San Martin ginger of the gsar or the Tudor? I'm guessing the Tudor. I've been looking for a San Martin to review. That would be a good one! I'll jump on AliExpress and see what's available. I just wish I didn't have to pay import taxes!

[@akhilr2606]

Hi chow how good is visibility on a snowy day? I am considering a white dial but not sure which is the best for both winter and sunny days

[@ChaoTime101]

Hi there. I've never had experience with this watch in the snow. I live in a very tropical environment. I think the tubes probably have best contrast against black backgrounds though.

[@akhilr2606]

@@ChaoTime101 thank you

[@dankengine8788]

What size wrist do you have. That watch fits your wrist perfectly. Its nice Marathon offers a watch for everyone with M and L and XL

[@ChaoTime101]

6.5-7 inch, depending on my weight. Thanks! I agree, fits like a glove.

[@dankengine8788]

Thanks for the reply! I have a 6.5 inch wrist myself. I prefer smaller watches because big watches snag on things example taking on/off a rucksack. I was leaning towards the MSAR but worried it was too small for my wrist. I'm tall and lanky at 6'1. Definitely think the GSAR would be a better fit.

[@ChaoTime101]

@@dankengine8788 I think this would work perfectly for your proportions. If you're interested, I'd be willing to sell for a good price.

[@krousseau5575]

The best of the best for the price!

[@ChaoTime101]

I do find it hard to get something comparable for the price.

[@gordonfreeman4491]

It looks likes it scrathes easily?

[@ChaoTime101]

It was a daily wear watch for a few years before I purchased it. Definitely seen some use!

[@edwardgreenaway1808]

I'll share and subscribe.

[@ChaoTime101]

Much appreciated!

[@gachachampion7895]

The fucking Marathon watches are very expensive, they use ETA gearbox. The Luminox are affordable, all of them use Ronda gearbox.

[@ChaoTime101]

Not many watches in their collection that interest me. I'll pay closer attention though and see if I can review one!