Marathon’s GSAR Government Diver has been proven to be a formidable ISO 6425 certified mil-spec diver’s watch built to withstand the most extreme conditions. Being a watch company based in Canada, the Marathon GSAR Government Diver Grey Maple Automatic - Bracelet Ref. WW194006BRACE-CA-MPL is a special edition of the GSAR Diver that presents a dial marked with a grey maple leaf emblem representing Marathon’s Canadian roots. This Swiss-made beast flaunts a whole range of exciting features such as self-illuminating encapsulated tritium gas tubes, a dependable automatic movement and a case that looks virtually indestructible.
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Marathon GSAR Government Grey Maple Leaf Diver Automatic - Bracelet Ref. WW194006BRACE-CA-MPL
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Military watches unceasingly draw the fascination of watch collectors from all over the world with its rich heritage. Other than being extremely robust and functional, military watches hark back to countless momentous events in history when troops relied on them as valuable equipment in the field. Wrist watches are unquestionably an indispensable tool when it comes to military operations such as coordinating tactical movements and navigational purposes. Of the many established brands that supply, or once supplied watches to the military, Marathon is a name seemingly overshadowed by other familiar offerings in the market. However, it is certainly one of the hidden gems in the world of military watches.
Astonishingly, Marathon’s heritage dates back to more than a century ago since 1904 when it was founded as Weinstrum Watch, subsequently named as Wein Brothers. In 1939, what we know today as Marathon Watch was established in Montreal, Canada by Morris Wein, the first of the current fourth generation in the Wein family that are still presently carrying the proud tradition of producing reliable instruments for the measurement of time, temperature and distance. Today, Marathon watches are designed in Canada and hand-assembled with the highest standards in La Chaux-De-Fonds, the beautiful watchmaking town of Switzerland.
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Made in Switzeland, Approved by US Government
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In line with the utilitarian nature of the piece, “GSAR” is an acronym for “Government Search and Rescue” which is named after the high-risk tactical operations of the military personnel these watches are issued to, serving as a crucial tool in their arsenal. The GSAR is Marathon’s flagship ISO-certified dive watch crafted for use during underwater missions, equipped with a substantial 30 ATM (300m) of water resistance, resistance to magnetism, resistance to corrosion as well as excellent resistance to shock and extreme temperatures.
The hefty 316L stainless steel case of the GSAR Government Diver Grey Maple Automatic - Bracelet Ref. WW194006BRACE-CA-MPL is definitely built like a tank with beefy squared crown guards and a chunky 14mm-thick case. Despite its aggressive appearance, wearability is surprisingly good on the wrist with a case dimension of 41mm and a lug to lug distance of 48mm. The case is finished with a fine satin brushing throughout to minimize any unnecessary reflections that may hinder the performance of missions.
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Full satin-brushed finishing throughout its 41mm case
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One of the most essential functions of dive watches includes its ability to track time with the use of a diving bezel. The thick 120-click unidirectional bezel on the GSAR houses considerable grooves that allows for a firm grip even while operating using diving gloves underwater. Inserted in the bezel lies a black anodized insert with a 60-minute format as required by military use. At the 12 o’clock position, the bezel features a luminous triangle pip treated with Marathon’s proprietary MaraGlo™ for uncompromised legibility even in dark lighting conditions. The watch is supplied with a 316L solid stainless steel bracelet with a diver’s extension, a perfect complement to the tough build of the GSAR.
From a historic watch manufacturer based in Canada, the GSAR Grey Maple Automatic - Bracelet Ref. WW194006BRACE-CA-MPL pays tribute to their own roots with a grey maple leaf logo proudly applied under the 12 o’clock hour marker, representing the beautiful country Canada where Marathon is based.
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Tritium gas tubes and MaraGlow™ that glows 24 hours
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When the lights are out, things get even better with 15 encapsulated self-illuminating tritium gas tubes lighting up the dial without the need of the charge from a light source. These gas tubes are essentially glowing constantly around the clock. The tritium gas tube used at the 12 o’clock is distinguished with a vibrant orange glow in contrast with the rest of the tubes that glow with a green hue, giving the piece wonderful orientation with just a glance down at the wrist. The date wheel is tucked neatly between the 4 and 5 o’clock Arabic numerals with a matching white background, an ingenious integration that does not obstruct any elements on the dial. Keeping the dial crystal clear even after long hours in combat, it is protected with a flat piece of sapphire crystal, offering incredible resistance to scratches.
At the heart of the GSAR Grey Maple Automatic - Bracelet Ref. WW194006BRACE-CA-MPL lies the Marathon M2 self-winding movement based on the ever-reliable Swiss Sellita SW-200 automatic movement, a tried-and-tested movement equipped with Novodiac shock absorber for enhanced durability, a fitting ‘workhorse’ engine for Marathon’s robust watches. This 26 jewel movement operates at a beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hertz) with hand winding and hacking capabilities and a power reserve of 38 hours. Behind the watch, the movement is held in place with a screw-in case back with essential government specifications and military numbering engraved - a mark of being a true military-issued timepiece.
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Manufactured in accordance to US Government NSN 6645-21-558-0133
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With four generations of remarkable dedication from the Wein family, Marathon has consistently produced incredibly tough Swiss-made military watches that are worn and trusted by countless soldiers. For civilians and the watch community, the GSAR Grey Maple Automatic - Bracelet Ref. WW194006BRACE-CA-MPL offers amazing value for a diver watch with such specifications and a purpose-driven design. If it's good enough for the stringent requirements of the armed forces, it certainly will not disappoint the rest of the world with its top-class performance.
