MARATHON WATCH COMPANY http://www.marathonwatch.com

MARATHON is an international supplier of Military Watches. Established in 1939, MARATHON supplies commercial, government and military clients around the world.  MARATHON'S Swiss manufacturing plant gives the company full control of production, export and distribution of its highest quality timing instruments.  MARATHON are award winning suppliers to the military (Bronze Medal - U.S. Department of Defense),  

The latest model is a NASA issue watch and the first with Tritium vials!!! The GSA released the description and the NSN number NSN: 6645-20-001-9382 (NASA Diver's Contract) The other NSN number is that for SAR-tecs to whom this watch is issued by the Canadian government NSN: 6645-21-558-0133Q (Canadian SAR Contract)

These are LARGE WATCHES and have 20 mm lugs with drilled holes and weigh in at 93 grams. The crown is 6.5mm diam x 5.50mm long, deep knurled for a good grip even with gloves just like the bezel. MARATHON make both quartz and mechanical versions.

The Dials measure 27.7mm and utilize Tritium vials for luminescence. The Crystal is sapphire - 2.8mm thick x 30.50mm diameter sitting in a Case made of 316L stainless steel. Case diameter is approximately 46.0mm Bezel diameter is 41.0mm, Case Height is almost 14.0 Water resistance depth rating is 30 ATM . If you want a rugged watch look no further. I love these model and own an automatic. They can be hard to find and fakes are not unknown but it is a very nice contemporary military watch and the NASA angle makes it even more popular.

This watch has a 12 Hour GMT bezel. Quartz movement, hacking. Tritium gas-tubeluminescence. User serviceable battery. Composite case and acrylic crystal. Nylon issue strap. Water resistant to 6 ATM. 42mm X 11mm x
20mm lug width.

This is the current (2000) incarnation of the Navigator's Wristwatch.  It follows a long line of so called Navigator's watches from Marathon.  The first thing that people notice is the composite/fiberglass case of this watch.  Many inquire why this is not steel like its predecessors.  Quite simply, today's composite materials are lighter, stronger and easier to mold than steel.  These watches were never designed to make a fashion statement.  They were designed for one purpose and one purpose only, and that is to provide a rugged and functional timepiece for military personnel.  One wearing is all it takes to understand the beauty of the space age superstructure of this watch.  It's light and after a moment or two, the wearer forgets it is even being worn. 

Despite it's no nonsense and strict utilitarian approach to design, the watch still looks elegant because of an all black construction.  As a milwatch collector, I find it quite striking in its own way.

Many will decry its quartz movement.  Once again, this watch was never built for the civilian consumer.  This is a watch that was built for a service life of 5 to 10 years, after which time the watch could be tossed out and replaced.  Not every one is going to put the rigorous demand on this watch that it was designed for.  Quite conceivably, it could last a lifetime with a modicum of nurturing and care.  I have seen mint examples of Vietnam era disposable watches that were never supposed to last past a soldier's tour of duty.  Yet, there they are, and running quite well I might add.

The factory site only supply the military but if you email us we have a few contacts. Our email address is info@military-watches.net

Marathon Alternatives:

Not a lot really. Maybe a Traser P6506 see
http://www.traserh3watches.com/en/watches/detail.php?kat=2&watch=6

or an MWC Self  Luminous Special Forces Diver seehttp://www.mwcwatches.co.uk/mwcwatches/product_info.php?products_id=93

If you think you have been offered a Fax Marathon the companies contact details are:

Email: postmaster@marathonwatch.com

Phone: (800) 822-4329
From Outside North America: +1 905 764-9420