GSAR GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Red Maple Edition - Bracelet Ref. WW194006SS-1601

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.

Marathon GSAR GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Red Maple Edition - Bracelet Ref. WW194006SS-1601

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.

Manufacturing military-spec watches has been at the heart of Marathon's mission since 1941, making it one of the rare watch companies in the world to currently hold an active contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. With that pedigree, every Marathon timepiece is purpose-built and tough as nails, engineered to meet stringent military standards and endure the harshest of environments without flinching.

Made in Switzeland, Approved by US Government

In a nod to its deep Canadian roots, Marathon proudly integrates the red maple leaf, a long-standing national symbol of resilience, unity, and pride, into select models as a tribute to its heritage and close ties with the Canadian Armed Forces. One of the latest to carry both this symbolism and Marathon's battle-ready DNA is the Marathon GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Red Maple Edition, a no-nonsense dive watch that embodies this rugged spirit with unapologetic confidence.

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.

Full satin-brushed finishing throughout its 41mm case

The hefty 316L stainless steel case of the GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Red Maple Edition 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.

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 for uncompromised legibility even in dark lighting conditions.

Tritium gas tubes and MaraGlow™ that glows 24 hours

Diving into the dial, the GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Red Maple Edition features a sterile "NGM" (No Government Markings) layout that emphasizes simplicity and function. The Arctic Edition introduces a crisp white dial that serves as the perfect canvas for the vivid red second hand and the distinctive "red maple" emblem positioned at 12 o'clock—an eye-catching splash of color that enlivens the otherwise monochromatic palette. Enhancing legibility, the deep black syringe-style hands and bold Arabic numerals stand out sharply against the bright white background, delivering exceptional clarity at a glance.

When the lights are out, things get even better with 15 encapsulated tritium gas tubes with Marathon's proprietary MaraGlo™ illuminating 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. 


Manufactured in accordance to US Government

At the heart of the GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Red Maple Edition lies the Sellita SW200-1, a tried-and-tested movement equipped with Incabloc 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.


Matching the timepiece is a durable 316L stainless steel bracelet, crafted with 14 solid links and a double-screw link system that offers added security during intense, high-impact activities. This military-grade bracelet is the very same one supplied for official government use, delivering the kind of reliability and toughness demanded in real-world operations.

Backed by four generations of unwavering dedication from the Wein family, Marathon has consistently delivered exceptionally rugged Swiss-made military watches that have earned the trust of soldiers around the world. For civilians and the broader watch community, the GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Red Maple Edition presents outstanding value, offering professional-grade specifications and a design rooted in real-world utility. The addition of the red maple emblem on the dial is more than just a visual accent; it proudly symbolizes Marathon's Canadian heritage and its long-standing relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces. If it meets the rigorous standards of the military, it is more than ready to impress anyone seeking top-tier performance in a serious dive watch.

Video is not available