For those who value precision, resilience, and heritage in their gear, the Marathon GSAR (Government Search and Rescue) watch is more than just a timepiece — it’s a trusted tool. Built for military use and refined for everyday wear, this Marathon Watch is a standout in the world of dive watches, offering field-tested toughness, Swiss craftsmanship, and timeless design.
While many watches today blend into the lifestyle or fashion category, the GSAR stands apart with a focus on performance above all else. It’s the kind of watch that doesn’t need to prove itself with celebrity endorsements or flashy marketing. Its reputation comes from the hands of military personnel, search-and-rescue divers, and professionals who depend on reliable equipment in life-threatening situations.
Let’s take a closer look at why the 41mm Marathon GSAR is earning high praise from watch reviewers and real-world users alike.
Military Roots and Real-World Reliability
The Marathon Watch Company has been crafting timing instruments since 1939 and has a proud history of supplying watches to Allied forces during World War II. Since then, Marathon has become the only watch manufacturer to officially supply the U.S. Department of Defense with wristwatches — including the GSAR.
This military heritage is not just a story — it’s a design mandate. The Marathon GSAR was developed specifically for professional divers and search and rescue personnel. That means every detail of the watch is built for function: from the materials to the illumination to the movement.
Unlike many so-called “military-style” watches that borrow visual cues without delivering real performance, the GSAR is actually field-issued and tested. This authenticity is part of what sets it apart from the crowd.
Built to Endure the Elements
The 41mm case, made of 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, is bead-blasted for a non-reflective finish that minimizes glare in sunlight or tactical conditions. It strikes an ideal balance between wrist presence and everyday wearability — robust enough to handle harsh environments, yet compact enough to be comfortable on most wrists.
The GSAR is rated for 300 meters of water resistance, making it a professional-grade dive watch. The screw-down crown, thick caseback, and tightly sealed crystal are all engineered to keep moisture and pressure out, even in deep-sea or underwater missions.
The unidirectional bezel, essential for tracking elapsed time underwater, features precise clicks and a highly legible 60-minute scale. The ergonomics are designed for use with gloves or wet fingers — just as you’d expect from a tool made for military divers.
Exceptional Visibility in Every Environment
One of the defining features of the GSAR is its tritium gas tube illumination. While most watches rely on luminescent paint that fades after a few hours, tritium glows consistently for up to 25 years — without requiring exposure to light. Each hour marker and hand contains a tritium tube, with a special orange marker at 12 o’clock for quick orientation in darkness.
This technology makes the GSAR one of the most readable watches in low-light or no-light environments, which is critical for those working at night, underwater, or during power outages.
The dial is also highly legible in daylight. With white Arabic numerals, a 24-hour inner scale for military time, and bold hands set against a matte black background, every element is designed for quick and accurate time reading.
Swiss-Made Mechanical Movement
At the heart of the Marathon GSAR is the Swiss Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement — a reliable, time-tested engine known for its accuracy and serviceability. With 26 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve, the movement is ideal for daily wear, extended missions, and rugged conditions.
It features hacking seconds (for precise time synchronization), hand-winding capability, and a smooth sweep that mechanical watch lovers appreciate. Marathon’s choice of movement ensures that the GSAR performs well in both casual and professional settings, with minimal maintenance and long-term dependability.
This movement, combined with the rugged case and field-ready features, results in a watch that’s not just ready for the adventure — it’s built to outlast it.
Everyday Wear, Professional Pedigree
While the GSAR is designed with military and rescue professionals in mind, it’s also gained traction with civilians — especially those who value durable gear with authentic purpose. From outdoor enthusiasts and divers to watch collectors and professionals who work in the field, many are drawn to the GSAR for its no-nonsense approach to timekeeping.
Its size, comfort, and clean design also make it highly wearable in non-tactical environments. Whether you’re wearing it to the office, on a weekend hike, or out on the water, the Marathon Watch GSAR fits right in — without ever compromising on its core mission.
The optional stainless steel bracelet or rugged rubber strap allows users to tailor the watch to their style or environment, making it as versatile as it is tough.
