Marathon OSAR-D: Professional SAR Watch for Underwater Missions

When every second matters in underwater rescue operations, having a watch that won’t fail under pressure is essential. The Marathon OSAR-D delivers reliability and clarity even in the harshest environments, from deep dives to snow-blinded terrains. Built to meet the demands of Search and Rescue professionals, this Swiss-engineered timepiece combines rugged durability with precise automatic movement.

In this article, you will explore the OSAR-D lineup, highlighting its sturdy construction, purpose-built features, and versatile strap options designed for diving missions. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast seeking mission-ready toughness or a professional needing a dependable tool underwater, read on to discover how the OSAR-D stands out as a trusted companion in extreme conditions.

The Story Behind Marathon OSAR-D

When it comes to Search and Rescue timepieces, the Marathon OSAR-D (Original Search and Rescue with Date) carries a strong legacy that goes back more than two decades. Watch enthusiasts may recall the original 41mm SAR-D from the early 2000s, a model that quickly became the benchmark for mission-ready durability and clarity. 

Taking the SAR-D’s legacy a step further, the OSAR-D was officially introduced in 2024 with notable upgrades tailored for demanding missions.

The upgrades include improved MaraGlo illumination for better visibility in low light, larger indices for faster reading, and a cyclops date window refined for greater clarity. 

Recognizing that not all wrists or missions are the same, Marathon expanded the lineup with a compact 36mm and a jumbo 46mm in addition to the 41mm. To further improve legibility in bright or snow-blind environments, every size will also be available with an Arctic white dial.

Powering these models are dependable Swiss movements. The 36mm and 41mm versions use the Sellita SW200-1, while the 46mm edition is equipped with the SW600-B, delivering an impressive 62-hour power reserve. 

All models feature an Incabloc® Shock Absorber, reinforcing their toughness against impacts. With these advancements, the OSAR-D family blends military durability with Swiss precision, making it a reliable tool for any high-stakes mission.

Read also: Waterproof vs. Water Resistant in Watches: A Full Guide

What Makes a Good SAR Watch?

Search and Rescue (SAR) missions can take place in the harshest environments, whether it’s rescuing people at sea, navigating snow-covered terrain, or working through the night in unpredictable weather. 

In these conditions, every piece of gear must perform flawlessly, and a timepiece is no exception. It has to be a reliable instrument that supports professionals when every second counts. Here are some essential qualities that define a good SAR watch.

1. Water Resistance and Protection

A dependable SAR watch offers water resistance up to 300 meters, making it suitable for operations at sea. To reinforce this, it typically features a screw-down crown and case-back, ensuring the movement remains safe from moisture intrusion.

2. Superior Legibility

Readability can mean the difference between success and failure in the field. SAR watches typically feature luminous markers and hands, along with a clear date display, ensuring the time is easy to read in both daylight and low-light conditions.

3. Built for Durability

SAR watches are designed to withstand demanding missions. Thick cases, sapphire crystals, and rubber gaskets provide external strength, while internal shock resistance helps keep the movement accurate during impacts and harsh conditions.

4. Fit and Balance

A good SAR watch should feel comfortable and secure on the wrist. Smaller wrists typically match better with compact cases and thinner straps, while larger wrists can carry bigger dimensions. The strap should sit snugly without being overly tight, allowing the wearer to move freely without distraction.

5. Practical Functionalities

Some SAR models include extra features to make them even more mission-ready. Over-engineered rotating bezels allow for precise timing, robust bracelets enhance reliability on the wrist, and a magnified date window improves daily practicality.

Altogether, these qualities establish SAR watches as robust tools, capable of supporting professionals in high-stakes rescue scenarios and adaptable enough for broader military use.

Read also: How to Use Dive Watch Bezels: A Simple and Thorough Guide

Marathon OSAR-D Review: Standard Issue vs. Arctic Edition

The Marathon OSAR-D lineup is designed for versatility and reliability, but the collection is currently centered on two main editions: the Standard Issue with its classic black dial and the Arctic Edition with a high-contrast white dial. 

Both models are available in 41mm cases and come with the choice of a three-piece rubber strap kit or a stainless steel bracelet, allowing wearers to match the watch to their mission or daily routine.

Standard Issue (41mm Black Dial)

The Standard OSAR-D carries the timeless look of a black dial combined with functional upgrades. It features enhanced MaraGlo illumination, oversized indices, and a refined cyclops date window for clarity. Inside, the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement powers the watch, reinforced with an Incabloc® Shock Absorber for added resilience. Buyers can choose between the practicality of the rubber strap or the solid wrist presence of the steel bracelet.

Arctic Edition (41mm White Dial)

The Arctic OSAR-D shares the same technical specifications as the Standard Issue but introduces a striking white dial. This design greatly improves legibility in bright or snow-covered conditions while maintaining the rugged feel of the Standard model. Like its counterpart, it comes with both strap options, giving users the flexibility to adapt to their lifestyle.

Future Expansions: 36mm & 46mm (Coming Soon)

Marathon has also announced two new case sizes to broaden the series: a compact 36mm for smaller wrists and a commanding 46mm powered by the Sellita SW600 with a 62-hour power reserve. Both Standard and Arctic versions will include these sizes, but they are still coming soon.

Altogether, the OSAR-D family balances proven durability with modern versatility. For now, enthusiasts can choose between the 41mm Standard or Arctic Edition, each available with strap or bracelet configurations, while awaiting the upcoming size expansions.

Available Marathon OSAR-D Models at Gnomon Watches

For watch enthusiasts and professionals seeking robust, mission-ready timepieces, Gnomon Watches offers the full range of Marathon OSAR-D models. Each variant is engineered with Swiss precision, military-grade durability, and functional design to meet the demands of Search and Rescue operations. 

Whether you prefer the classic black dial of the Standard Issue, the high-contrast white dial of the Arctic Edition, every OSAR-D model delivers reliability and performance under extreme conditions.

Take a closer look at the OSAR-D lineup, featuring both rubber strap and stainless steel bracelet options, so you can select the setup that matches your mission requirements and style.

1. Marathon OSAR-D Original Search and Rescue with Date (Bracelet & Rubber Strap)

Military-inspired tool watches are built to withstand extreme environments, and the Marathon OSAR-D Original Search and Rescue with Date delivers that mission-ready toughness in both rubber strap and stainless steel bracelet options.
Housed in a 316L stainless steel case measuring 41mm in diameter, 14mm thick, and 48mm lug-to-lug, the OSAR-D offers a robust yet balanced profile. The case features full satin brushing to minimize reflections, squared crown guards protecting the screw-down crown, and a screw-in caseback engraved with official government specifications. With 300m water resistance, the watch remains dependable in demanding underwater and field conditions.

Its unidirectional 120-click bezel, with deep grooves for grip, an engraved insert, and a luminous triangle at 12 o’clock, ensures reliable timing precision. Beneath the flat sapphire crystal with a date magnifier lies a highly legible dial, featuring MaraGlo luminous markers, syringe-style hands, and a red-accented depth rating for enhanced visibility.

At its core, the watch is powered by the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with Incabloc Shock Absorber, providing hacking, hand-winding, and a 38-hour power reserve, engineered to withstand mission-critical shocks and stress.

The OSAR-D offers two configurations to suit different needs:

• Three-piece rubber strap kit: Lightweight, durable, and designed for comfort, even when worn over wetsuits.
• Stainless steel bracelet: Fitted with a folding diver’s extension and engraved clasp, ensuring secure wear and practicality in underwater missions.

With either option, the Marathon OSAR-D Original Search and Rescue with Date pairs Swiss precision with military-grade durability, making it a reliable companion for professional divers in every underwater conditions.

2. Marathon OSAR-D Original Search and Rescue with Date Arctic Edition Rubber

In extreme environments, from snow-blinded terrains to demanding underwater missions, a reliable tool watch is essential. The Marathon OSAR-D Original Search and Rescue with Date Arctic Edition Rubber delivers mission-ready toughness and Arctic-level legibility for watch enthusiasts who require both clarity and resilience.

Measuring 41mm in diameter, 14mm thick, and 48mm lug-to-lug, its 316L stainless steel case features a brushed finish, paired with a screw-down crown and sapphire crystal to ensure maximum protection. 

The high-contrast white dial enhances readability in bright or snow-blinded conditions, with MaraGlo luminous markers and a date window at 3 o’clock. A uni-directional bezel allows for precise timing, while the watch is water-resistant to 300 meters, making it ready for demanding underwater operations.

Inside, the Swiss Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with Incabloc Shock Absorber ensures dependable accuracy and durability in harsh conditions. Completing the package is a 20mm three-piece rubber strap kit, offering secure and comfortable wear for professional use.

Final Thought

In extreme conditions, a dependable watch can make all the difference, and the Marathon OSAR-D rises to that challenge. Designed to withstand the pressures of underwater operations and rescue missions, it combines a robust stainless steel case, precise Swiss movement, and luminous markers to ensure readability and performance when it matters most.

With its versatile strap options and rugged construction, this watch meets the demands of both professionals and watch enthusiasts who value reliability and durability. The OSAR-D delivers mission-ready performance with Swiss engineering at its core, showing that endurance, clarity, and craftsmanship can coexist in a single, dependable design.

Read also: 7 Best Dive Watches Under 1000: Get One for Your Next Dive