GPQ Government Black Quartz Ref. WW194009BK - NOS

Marathon has a strong partnership with the United States armed forces and has consistently made watches for them, according to military specifications. This particular Marathon GPQ (General Purpose Quartz) Government Black Quartz Ref. WW194009BK is a no-nonsense field watch designed and was once officially issued to GSA and Homeland Security. Made less than 1000 pieces in 2004, these remaining new old stock models are now available at Gnomon Watches. Of course with a brand new battery inside. It incorporates a robust case that is almost indestructible, and a performance-driven high-torque quartz engine for extreme precision during coordinated military operations, or even your coordinated bus ride with your friends.

Marathon GPQ Government Black Quartz Ref. WW194009BK

Military watches unceasingly draw the fascination of watch collectors from all over the world with their 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. Wristwatches 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.

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 is 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.

Made in Switzeland, Approved by US Government

Producing military-spec watches for the military has been one of the core focuses of Marathon since 1941. The brand is one of the world’s only watch companies to hold a current contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. With that said, all of Marathon’s purpose-designed timepieces are tough as nails, constructed to strict military requirements, and can be fully functional even in adverse conditions.

In line with military specifications, the Marathon GPQ is housed in a lightweight, Biwi Unibloc case. Therefore, it is a highly-impact resistant fibershell case construction that is truly built for task. Measuring with a compact case diameter of only 34mm, a lug to lug distance of 41mm and a thickness of 12mm, this is a compact military field watch that will remain incredibly comfortable on the wrist throughout the entire day, a design trait especially crucial for long and gruelling military missions.


Staying faithful to the original GG-W-113 specifications from the 1960s, the sleek and symmetrical case profile strikes a pleasing balanced appearance as a result of its tonneau-shaped case and short lug design. The fibershell case of the General Purpose Quartz also has a passive matte finish. This matte finish aids in protecting infantry positions as this finish does not provide a reflective surface that would occur on a normal metal case. Accompanying its 16mm lug width, the supplied black heavy-duty nylon strap ensures the watch stays secure on the wrist.

Based on the GG-W-113 specifications since 1960s

The case only gets a breakthrough from its symmetry by its protruded sand-blasted push-pull crown for easy manipulation. Its L-shaped lugs are flushed with the overall case, and further feature the drilled lug holes to allow easy strap change. Since inserting the dial is from the front and only battery replacement on the back, this allows the GPQ to achieve water resistance that satisfies the specifications of the military. Right on the caseback, we get the essential government markings and specifications engraved. These provide credentials on the GPQ as manufactured following the specifications of the US Government. All that said, it's certainly safe to say that it will fit in the lives of both watch collectors and the military.

Underneath the flat scratch-resistant acrylic crystal - true to the ones used by the troopers. The Marathon GPQ Government Black Quartz Ref. WW194009BK presents a clean and sterile matte black dial that only displays elements that are absolutely essential. Arabic hour numerals and secondary 24-hour markers are crisply printed in white for maximum legibility.

 The only extra dial text would be “US Government” aptly printed at the bottom, showcasing the watch’s rich military and government heritage.

Tritium gas tubes and MaraGlow™ that glows 24 hours

Speaking of legibility, reading the time on the Marathon GPQ in dark lighting conditions would not be a problem too. The indices and hands are painted with a generous coating of MaraGlo. It emits a bright green luminescent and when charged, the MaraGlo can last for as long as 8 hours.

Underneath its robust exterior, the Marathon GPQ NGM is driven by the Swiss-made Caliber ISA1198 high tractor movement. It is a high-torque quartz movement, with a daily deviation of -0.3/+0.5 seconds. Unlike the typical run-of-the-mill quartz movement, the ISA1198 high tractor movement is built with largely metallic parts for additional durability. When it’s time for a battery change, the movement is equipped with an EOL (End-of-Life) indicator for accurate timekeeping.

Manufactured in accordance to US Government MIL-PRF-46374G

In all, Marathon products are manufactured with the utmost care and go through various quality control measures. This attention to quality is presented in the Marathon GPQ Government Black Quartz Ref. WW194009BK, combining military toughness with refined craftsmanship from their military watches of yesteryears. Military-style tool watches are becoming increasingly popular in the market, where consumers have a whole range of options to choose from. However, not all of them meet the high standards of the US Government whilst still being able to stand out with their unique design unlike anything else on the market. The Marathon General Purpose Quartz stands out from the rest in this way from day one. Marathon watches are always built with a purpose and offer startling value for money for us watch collectors.