Marathon GSAR aka Government Search and Rescue large diver’s automatic (not to be confused with the Marathon SAR Diver). It’s interesting how these watches are made in Switzerland, produced by a company based in Canada, with “U.S. Government” on the dial and sold to USA military. Great pieces, but can’t we get a USA company to make our watches? Just sayin’.
But no matter who makes them or where, these are some serious tool watches. Aside from the 300m depth rating, the satisfying bezel click and the knurled screw-down crown, the Marathon divers are equipped with self glowing tritium tubes for constant visibility without needing charged by light.
Speaking of tritium lume, that is what the “H3” indicates on the left middle area of the dial – along with the radioactive symbol towards the right.
The GSAR shown here is powered by a Swiss made Sellita caliber SW200-1, although Marathon likes to call it the “M2” because of a signed rotor – ok, we know those are 2012 watch brand tactics, but let’s roll with it anyway.
Truth is, you already know about this piece, so here you can get one slightly used to avoid paying full boat. Get it!
*This watch was available in the watch store but has since been sold (here is the wristshot and testimonial from our customer).
Marathon U.S. Government Dive Watch Photo Essay:
Marathon Government Bracelet:
Although the watch in the video is on a nylon military strap (aka nato strap), and the model in the images above is on the rubber, there is a stainless steel bracelet available for the GSAR. We had one in the shop before, here is what it looks like…
In Marathon’s own words:
“The Marathon Diver’s Automatic is a dive watch built to ISO 6425 standards. Designed for use by Search and Rescue (SAR) divers, and issued to the United States Marine Corps, the Diver’s Automatic is a watch built to withstand the most extreme of conditions The Diver’s Automatic is also known as the Government Search and Rescue (GSAR). The Diver’s Automatic is a dive watch water resistant down to 30 ATM – 300 meters (1000 feet) underwater. Built from 316L surgical grade stainless steel, the Diver’s Automatic is a high quality, purpose built watch that will reliably accompany you on any adventure you may embark on. The Diver’s Automatic uses a scratch resistant, sapphire glass crystal to ensure that the dial can be read even under direct sunlight, or deep underwater. The Diver’s Automatic is made in La Chaux de Fonds Switzerland to guarantee the highest level of quality and accuracy in manufacturing. Inside the Diver’s Automatic is a Swiss made, 25 jewel ETA 2824-A2 automatic movement, the Diver’s Automatic guarantees you a reliable and accurate timekeeping experience. The Diver’s Automatic uses self contained Tritium gas tubes to ensure constant visibility in low light situations, a gas tube is placed on each hour marker and hands and uses MaraGlo for the 12 hour bezel marker. Tritium tubes are self illuminating gas tubes which contain an isotope of hydrogen, meaning they will not dull down in brightness like normal photoluminescent paint which requires an external light source to create a glow. The Marathon Diver’s Automatic combines Military toughness with Swiss craftsmanship in a watch that will get the job done, and look good doing it.”-Marathon
And this:
“” -Marathon
Marathon GSAR Quick Specs:
Model: 6645-21-558-0133 Movement: Automatic, Swiss made, caliber ETA 2824-2 Case: Stainless steel Diameter: 41mm bezel diameter (46mm including crown) Thickness: 14mm Weight: 3.9oz/111g Dial: Black U.S. Government edition with white hands and Arabic markers Features: Date between 4:00 and 5:00 Bezel: Uni-directional rotating with lume triangle at 12:00 Band: Black heavy duty NATO/ZULU style strap Lug Width: 20mm Crystal: Sapphire Depth Rating: 300m/1,000ft Crown: Screw-down Retail Price: $1,149.95. (Update 3/24: this watch now retails for $1,500 USD.)
Black “Stealth” Version:
A similar watch is also available with a black case (ref: 6645-01-699-5586). It is not PVD or DLC, but IP (Ion-Plating). Although it does not feature the U.S. Government text on the dial, Marathon still refers to it as a “GSAR”…
Additional Resources:
