This is probably one of the finest watches to have a tribute paid to the best fighting force on the planet, the U.S. Marines. Many post 9/11 armed service members were lucky enough to be issued a TSAR, GSAR, or JSAR type watch made by Marathon. This watch looks and is very similar to the pre-9/11 Seiko watches that can be found on wrists like General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.. However, there is a major difference in these watches that add to the hard corps tribute, Tritium. The tritium tubes give the watch that little something that was always missing from the Seiko watches, and every grunt knows how important it is to be able to view your watch in zero darkness. The Diver’s Automatic uses self-contained tritium gas tubes to ensure constant visibility in low-light situations, a gas tube is placed on each hour marker and hands and uses MaraGlo for the 12/24-hour bezel marker. Tritium tubes are self-illuminating gas tubes, which contain an isotope of hydrogen, meaning they will not dull down in brightness like normal photo-luminescent paint, which requires an external light source to create a glow.
The watch still comes in the GSAR variant, but instead of saying US Government the watch has the Marine Corps’ Eagle Globe and Anchor. Additionally, inscribed on the side of the 316L surgical grade stainless steel are the words U.S. Marines. Is that kinda boot? Yes it is, but when you have served for 15 years, and have been out just as long, the watch is a nice touch and a remembrance of those great days in the Corps. The use of the EGA and the inscription is not over the top and any Lance Commandant would be ok with wearing. The watch is water-resistant down to 30 ATM – 300 meters (1000 feet) submerged. It uses a scratch resistant, sapphire glass crystal to ensure that the dial can be read even under direct sunlight, or deep underwater.
The Diver’s Automatic is made in La Chaux de Fonds Switzerland to guarantee the highest level of quality and accuracy in manufacturing. Inside the Diver’s Automatic is a Swiss made, 25 jewel ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, that guarantees you a reliable and accurate timekeeping experience. The watch comes with a vulcanized rubber strap but a nice leather NATO type strap, or a steel bracelet type.
Specifications:
- Movement – Self-winding Automatic with 25 Jewels
- Scale Range – 1-12 (13-24)
- Luminous Features – Tritium (H3) gas tubes & MaraGlo™
- Case – 316L Stainless Steel
- Submersible – 30ATM
- Bezel Type – Counter Clockwise dive bezel
- Crystal – Sapphire
- Crown – Screw-in
- Dimensions – 41mm diameter/ 14mm thickness
- Strap – 20mm black vulcanized rubber
