JSAR Jumbo Diver's Quartz - Bracelet Ref. WW194018SS-0107

Marathon Watch might be new to some, but not to military watch fanatics like us. This Swiss watchmaker has been well-received by collectors as one of the few brands that craft timepieces for militaries, including the United States and Canadian armies, for almost 70 years.

Delving into the rich history of this watchmaker, we discovered that the brand we now know to be Marathon was founded in 1904 as Weinsturm Watch, which was later renamed Wein Brothers. In 1939, Morris Wein founded the brand and supplied fine timepieces famed for their precision throughout North America. Since the 1940s, Marathon has been manufacturing time instruments for the Allied Forces. 

Marathon JSAR Jumbo Diver's Quartz - Bracelet Ref. WW194018SS

Today, the horological baton has been passed on to the fourth generation of the Wein family, strengthening the brand’s reputation by producing a wide range of instruments that measure time, temperature and distance. Marathon watches combine military durability with Swiss engineering and craftsmanship to ensure the highest quality and precision. All these traits can be seen in the Marathon Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR) we are introducing today.

The Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR) is a big watch, and it is unashamed of being one. It has a hefty 46mm diameter, 17mm height and a lug-to-lug of approximately 55mm. Despite its large size, the wristwatch wears rather well and is comfortable on the wrist, although it will take some getting used to. It is indeed a no holds barred “look-at-my-chunky-sports-watch” timepiece.

Made in Switzeland, Approved by US Government

However, the mammoth nature of the wristwatch is not without reason. The Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR) is built to US Government specifications and certified as a Government Search and Rescue (GSAR) timepiece issued and worn by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The larger dial aids in readability for such personnel, helping them complete their missions successfully. The 316L stainless steel case is entirely satin-brushed to add to its tool-ish nature.

As a dive watch, the Marathon Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR) also has a unidirectional dive time bezel to help track elapsed time. Unlike standard dive watches, the Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR)  bezel is extra-high and is designed to be used with gloves. The matte black dial features Arabic-numeral indices, while smaller printed 24-hour markers lay beside the indices. 

Full satin-brushed finishing throughout its 46mm case

Syringe-style hands are used, and the tips of the hands and index at twelve are painted orange to help readability. A colour-matched date aperture can be found at 4.30, adding a helpful complication that does not mess up the dial’s proportions. The wonderfully knurled screw-down crown and caseback give the timepiece a healthy 300m water resistance. A piece of scratch-resistance sapphire with anti-reflective coating is affixed atop the dial, adding to the watch’s durability. 

Marathon has applied MaraGlo™ on the hour markers and syringe-style handset, allowing one to view the time with maximum legibility even when you are in the dark. While not like tritium that will glow for more than 24 hours, Marathon’s proprietary luminescent material can shine for 8 hours on a full charge, which is more than enough to last through the night. The lume on the hands’ tips and twelve-index are orange, allowing for easy orientation and readability even in the dark. 

MaraGlow™ that glows 24 hours

Powering the Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR) is a Swiss-made high-torque quartz movement, the ETA F07. The ETA F07 is a jewelled quartz movement with an end-of-life indicator whereby the second hand will tick once every two seconds to signify that the battery needs replacing. While some might scorn the use of a quartz movement, it offers far better accuracy and reliability than your standard mechanical calibres. These factors are crucial to mission success for the US troops issued with the timepiece and thus make the ETA calibre F07 an excellent choice. 

Marathon has paired the Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR) on a 22mm stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is thick and robust, which suits the profile of the timepiece, allowing it to wear comfortably on the wrist without feeling top-heavy. The bracelet tapers ever so slightly to a signed Marathon folding clasp. 

Manufactured in accordance to US Government

All in all, Marathon timepieces are manufactured with the utmost care and undergo stringent quality checks before being launched. This attention to detail and finesse is embodied in the Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR), which bears testament to the expertise of the Swiss watchmaker. The Marathon Jumbo Diver’s Quartz (JSAR) combines military toughness with Swiss craftsmanship in a watch that will get the job done while looking good.