Gnomon Exclusive Marathon Pilot’s Navigator Stainless Steel Vintage Automatic

For the first time, Marathon and Gnomon Watches have teamed up to create something special: the Pilot's Navigator series. This collaboration brings a fresh take on the classic Pilot’s Navigator with the vintage-inspired Stainless Steel Vintage Automatic. When I first held the new Pilot’s Navigator, I was immediately impressed by its rugged build and outstanding quality—proof of the passion Marathon pours into every piece. 
Here’s a little preview before we dive in—this watch is an exciting fusion of two iconic series: the Pilot’s Navigator and the OSAR. At first glance, it might not seem like a drastic evolution, but as we take a closer look, the details and design truly shine. It’s clear that both teams poured their passion and creativity into crafting something genuinely captivating. Let me share what makes this collaboration so remarkable.



About Marathon

Before delving into the details of these timepieces, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible legacy of Marathon. While the name might not be instantly familiar to everyone, for Canadians, Americans, and military watch enthusiasts like us, it’s a revered icon. For over 70 years, Marathon has been supplying officially issued timepieces to the United States and Canadian armed forces, earning its place as one of the last brands to uphold such a tradition. What began in 1904 as Weinsturm Watch evolved into Wein Brothers, and later, in 1939, Marathon Watch was born under Morris Wein’s leadership. By 1941, the company was crafting timing instruments for the Allied Forces and the legacy still upheld by the Wein family’s fourth generation today.

Marathon’s unique appeal lies in its seamless combination of military-grade durability and Swiss engineering precision. Their watches are built not just to endure but to serve, reflecting an ethos of uncompromising quality. Their modern interpretation of the 1960s MIL-PRF-46374G military watch is a testament to this heritage, bringing history and functionality into sharp focus. As someone who values timepieces with a story and a purpose, I find their journey as fascinating as the watches themselves.



Pilot’s Navigator Series

The Marathon Navigator (NAV) watches have a fascinating origin story that dates back to 1986 when they were developed in collaboration with Kelly Air Force Base. Designed to endure the extreme demands of high-altitude flight and even the possibility of ejection from a fighter aircraft, these timepieces were engineered to meet rigorous military specifications. Approximately 50,000 units were produced to meet government requirements, with lightweight fiber-shell cases and battery-powered movements ensuring reliability and practicality. Marathon’s sterile dial design was another thoughtful touch, keeping identities anonymous during overseas operations, while others featured government text or emblems for nations preferring labeled tools for ‘military use.’ Marathon’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to innovation have always been at the heart of the Navigator series. One standout example is their redesign of the grooves into an 'L' shape which is a thoughtful enhancement that ensures the sapphire crystal stays securely in place, even under the extreme high G-forces and air pressure of high-altitude conditions.

The latest NAV series sees Marathon revisiting its iconic design with a stainless steel case and screw-down crown, offering a modern update while preserving its military-grade DNA. This refresh exemplifies how the collection continues to stay relevant, effortlessly blending its rich heritage with contemporary innovation. Personally, this updated model has quickly earned a spot on my wish list, right alongside its original resin-cased predecessor—a testament to Marathon’s ability to captivate both die-hard mil-spec enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. 

If you guys like to find out more on the inauguration of the Navigator series, do read up on my teammate’s visit to their Headquarter in Switzerland here.



Marathon Pilot’s Navigator Stainless Steel Vintage Automatic-Gnomon Exclusive

The Gnomon Exclusive Pilot’s Navigator Stainless Steel Vintage Automatic represents the culmination of an idea that began when Gnomon Watches approached Marathon with a vision for collaboration. When I first laid eyes on this exclusive model, I initially mistook it for the Pilot’s Navigator Stainless Steel Automatic—understandable, given my prior hands-on experience with that model. However, upon closer inspection, the details set this watch apart.


The case, crafted entirely from 316L stainless steel, retains the iconic asymmetrical shape synonymous with the Navigator series. The upgrade from the previous fiber-shell construction to the stainless steel iteration is a game-changer, offering enhanced durability and robustness while maintaining a balanced, lightweight feel. With dimensions of 41mm wide, 48mm lug-to-lug, and a slim 11mm thickness, it’s a rugged yet refined tribute to the original MIL-W-50717 mil-spec design. The finely matte-finished case adds a touch of practicality and elegance, while the bi-directional bezel in black, featuring 12-hour markings, adds functionality inspired by previous Pilot’s Navigator models, designed with pilots in mind. From the robust screw-down crown to the 100m water resistance, every detail feels purposeful, staying true to the Navigator’s DNA. Marathon has done an impressive job sticking to the Navigator theme with the case design.


Taking a closer look at the details, particularly the dial, completely overturned my initial assumption. The dial alone is what truly left me in awe. Featuring the OSAR design, with its oversized hour markers, it immediately commands attention. 'OSAR,' short for 'Original Search and Rescue,' carries a profound sense of purpose, originally designed for military personnel tackling some of the most demanding roles.Covered under a sapphire crystal.

The OSAR dial brings a fresh perspective to the Pilot’s Navigator series, and there’s an interesting story behind why this change was made. When Gnomon Watches secured their collaboration with Marathon, Gnomon’s founder, Anders, suggested incorporating the OSAR dial into the Navigator case. This idea holds a special place for him personally, as his very first Marathon watch was an OSAR. Additionally, vintage markings have always been a hallmark of Gnomon collaborations, as the brand continues to champion vintage-inspired designs in the horology world. This design choice earned the piece the 'hybrid' title, as it leans more toward a diver’s dial, yet still fits seamlessly into the Navigator lineage. Despite the absence of numeral indices, readability remains excellent. The vintage oversized hour markers are not only visually striking but also incredibly legible, ensuring the watch stays both practical and stylish in any situation.


I couldn't wait to dive into the details of this dial design, it’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting aspects of the watch for me. The oversized markers and syringe-style handset, unique to the OSAR dial, make an immediate impact with their bold and purposeful design. However, what truly sets it apart is the balance of the finer details: the 'MARATHON' text proudly displayed at 12 o'clock, complemented by the discreet, almost invisible 'GNOMON WATCHES' in dark grey at 6 o'clock. This subtle touch creates an almost hidden effect, a quiet nod to exclusivity that feels incredibly special. It’s a gentle reminder that this is no ordinary collaboration but a timepiece with a story, that sets it apart from the rest.

True to the OSAR dial design, the hybrid Navigator replaces the tritium gas tubes found in previous NAV models with vintage-inspired caramel-hued MaraGlo™, typically found on the OSAR dial. This thoughtful update adds a new layer of character to the watch, and I can’t help but feel captivated by the warmth it exudes. Generously applied to the oversized hour markers, syringe-style hands, second hand, and even the triangle pip at the 12 o’clock position on the bezel, the aged lume is deeply nostalgic while not affecting the legibility. What’s even more impressive is that the glow lasts for over 24 hours, ensuring excellent visibility long after the sun has set.

Vintage-style lume, often referred to as "aged lume," has been a lasting trend in the watch world, and for good reason. It evokes a sense of history, where every detail feels alive with stories of adventures past. Personally, I find this aged lume irresistible; it imbues the watch with a richness and soul that stark white lume simply can’t match. On the hybrid Navigator, this design choice feels deliberate and harmonious, balancing modern functionality with vintage aesthetics. The soft beige tones, reminiscent of the 60s and 70s, add a subtle charm and timeless appeal. It’s as if the watch whispers tales of a life well-lived, transforming it into more than just a tool. The vintage design has really add a lot of bargaining chip to this piece being a must have watch for watch enthusiasts, can’t help but admire.



Another thoughtful detail is the absence of a date window, which keeps the dial clean and unmistakably military in style. On a compact 30mm-wide dial, a date window could have felt crowded, especially with those oversized markers already commanding attention.

The hybrid Navigator is powered by the dependable self-winding SW200-1 movement, a hallmark of reliability from the renowned Swiss manufacturer Sellita—a trusted choice among many Swiss watch brands. Traditionally, military-grade watches were synonymous with quartz movements, prized for their precision and durability. However, the introduction of an automatic movement into this realm has been nothing short of revolutionary which is a proud evolution that has drawn the attention of watch enthusiasts worldwide. Marathon takes this a step further by customizing an enhanced version of the SW200-1, merging military-grade toughness with refined performance. This thoughtful innovation makes it a perfect match for the Navigator series, combining heritage with modern sophistication.

Adding to the exclusivity, the military standard caseback is proudly engraved with the serial number, emphasizing individuality, alongside the 'GNOMON WATCHES' logo. Again, this distinct detail highlights the unique collaboration between Marathon and Gnomon Watches, making this timepiece truly one-of-a-kind. Did I say that its hell of a big deal when a true military watch brand placing another legit company on its watches?

Military standard caseback engraved with serial number and Gnomon logo

Strap enthusiasts will appreciate the three options Marathon offers for this piece, where all of them befits a true military theme and usage: the signature nylon DEFSTAN strap with steel hardware, the Ballistic strap with a soft keeper, and the three-piece rubber strap. The nylon straps, known for their durability and waterproof properties, come in two colorways: classic black and desert tan. Personally, I prefer the ballistic strap where the tail can slide back through the soft keeper which minimize bulk and provide snug fit. Instead, some may prefer the DEFSTAN strap with double keepers where the tail is meant to go over the first keeper and thread into the second keeper closest to the buckle. Each strap caters to different preferences, making it easy for anyone to find their ideal match.

The hybrid Navigators with ballistic straps in two colorways

Hybrid Navigators with DEFSTAN straps

I also understand that some might prefer the rubber strap over the nylon options, and Marathon has been continuously refining their rubber straps over the years. From the earlier versions supplied by Italian manufacturers to the current fully Swiss-made three-piece rubber strap, this evolution has taken Marathon to another level, a vision passionately shared by Mitchell Wein, Marathon’s current president. Personally, I’d say the rubber strap outshines the nylon straps in terms of waterproofing, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently engage in water activities like diving or swimming. It’s a practical and durable option for anyone seeking a strap that thrives in wet conditions with ease

Also, I would like you guys to check out how much effort Marathon has had placed into creating a whole new rubber strap just for their timepieces here.

The hybrid Navigators pairing with three-piece rubber strap

Regarding the price, Marathon and Gnomon have chosen to keep it in line with the latest Pilot’s Navigator series. Despite being a limited edition of only 100 pieces and an exclusive collaboration, they didn’t try to inflate the price, something I truly admire. It’s a conscious decision that makes this incredible timepiece accessible to a wider range of collectors, allowing more enthusiasts the opportunity to add one to their collection. 

I’m sure the question will inevitably arise: “With these changes, can this piece still be considered a military watch, as used by the US or Canadian government?” My answer is a resounding yes! When it comes to reliability, Marathon has always adhered to strict military-grade standards, and this piece is no exception. While the numeral indices have been replaced with oversized markers, the legibility remains uncompromised—day or night, thanks to the exceptional lume. The watch is designed to adapt to various environments, whether in the field or during nighttime operations. Furthermore, its 100m water resistance ensures it can withstand military demands, from missions in dense forests to underwater operations. With these robust characteristics, there’s no doubt in my mind that this hybrid Navigator meets and exceeds the standards of a military-grade timepiece.

In every sense, this special edition vintage Navigator captures the essence of what makes collaborations like this so extraordinary. By reimagining the design with a vintage fusion through the dial, Marathon’s unwavering dedication and Gnomon Watches' passion for curating exclusivity and timeless craftsmanship bring a fresh and distinctive face to the Navigator collection. Every thoughtful detail, from the engraved serial number to the 'GNOMON WATCHES' logo, reflects the pride, individuality, and significance that each piece embodies, making this collaboration something truly unique in the world of horology.


As someone who admires both functionality and artistry in a watch, this collaboration feels deeply personal. It's a timepiece that not only performs under any condition but also carries a story of collaboration, passion, and a shared vision between two great names. This is the kind of watch that sparks conversation and leaves a lasting impression at every glance on the wrist. 




Gnomon Exclusive Marathon Pilot’s Navigator Stainless Steel Vintage Automatic
Case diameter: 41 mm
Height: 11 mm
Material: 316L Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: SW200-1
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours

Straps: Desert tan or Black DEFSTAN/ Desert tan or Black Ballistic/ 3-piece Rubber
Limited edition: 100pcs
Available only at Gnomon Watches.