Evolution and return of the SAR-D
We’ve had the good fortune to get hands on with a lot of models from Canadian watchmaker Marathon over the last few years. The brand, founded in 1939, is a stalwart among tactical and military watch producers. The latest release—just last week—had fans queuing up three people deep at the Toronto Timepiece Show. The 41mm OSAR-D (Original Search and Rescue /w Date) is based on the emblematic dive watch launched in 2001 at the request of the Canadian Military, who required a timepiece robust enough to withstand the harsh conditions encountered by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Search and Rescue Technicians.
The newest version looks the part, and even includes a few upgrades.
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Key Features of the Marathon OSAR-D
The OSAR-D is rendered in a 41mm surgical-grade 316L stainless steel case and is water resistant to 300m. At 48mm lug to lug, with a case thickness of 14mm, it is a compact and athletic-looking diver. I particularly like the functionality of the prominent knurled crown—which has a wonderful tactile quality in winding and even as you screw it down. The tall bezel is also among the best in the business with a loud, tight 120 clicks and no back play.
Rather than use the traditional tritium tubes here, Marathon have opted for a MIL-SPEC dial with oversized, printed plot markers and MaraGlo—which offers that explosive initial glow loved by so many enthusiasts. Part of the reasoning behind this decision includes the fact that tritium cannot be used in certain sensitive situations, such as aboard nuclear submarines. Above this, there is a large cyclops aperture bolstering magnification of the date window below by 1.5x magnification.
On the other end of that smoothly operating crown is the Sellita SW200-1, a Swiss-made automatic movement based on the workhorse ETA 2824. It features 26 jewels, an eponymous date complication, and a beat frequency of 4Hz. The calibre also provides for 38 hours of power reserve and is equipped with an Incabloc® Shock Absorber.
Marathon sell the OSAR-D with a 3-piece rubber strap kit with the option of a 3-link oyster-style bracelet in 316L stainless steel.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 41mm Diameter 48mm Lug to Lug 14mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Unidirectional 120-click Bezel Screw Down Crown & Case Back 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Matte Black Dial Printed Markers Pencil Handset MaraGlo Luminova |
| Movement | SW 200-1 Incabloc Shock System 26 Jewels 28 800bph 38-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Three-piece Rubber Strap Kit or Stainless Steel Bracelet |
Marathon OSAR-D
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Final Thoughts
I wore this watch to the Toronto Timepiece Show last weekend and to the Marathon meet up afterward. While there, I discovered two things. The first is that the brand has a convivial and staunchly loyal community of followers—one that includes members of the military, both active and veteran. This says a lot about its watches. The second is that the OSAR-D is a little like a secret handshake. People would stop me to have a look and then flash me a glimpse of their own wrists where I would invariably find G-SARS, T-SARs, and SSNAVs.
The Marathon OSAR-D is a toolwatch through and through. Its dial is designed to be legible. Its bezel is designed to be easily manipulated. And its movement is designed to be accurate and reliable. This being said, the watch is also well built and nicely finished. The crown is a joy to operate. The loom is volcanic. If you are looking for well-sized and well-speced diver with true military provenance, look no further than the Marathon OSAR-D.
Pricing and Availability
The 41mm OSAR-D is available now, directly from the website. It retails for $1,380 USD with Marathon’s 3-piece rubber strap kit, or $1,680 USD on the stainless steel bracelet.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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My favorite from them
Nice article- enjoyed reading!
Cheers! Thanks for stopping by.