By Brent Robillard
A Familiar Road, Now Mechanical
You’ve worn the SSNAV Quartz as a trusted grab-and-go weekender (well, at least I have)—a rugged, highly accurate companion whose military heritage and quartz precision made it indispensable. Now, Marathon elevates the lineage with the SSNAV Auto, offering the same go-anywhere, do-everything DNA but with the soul of an automatic movement—something I suspect will have many enthusiasts similarly reaching for their wallets.
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What’s New, What Stays the Same
Legibility & Function: Tritium gas tubes (for perpetual lume), bi-directional 12-hour GMT bezel, and lug tapering for comfort are all present and exactly where you want them.
Movement: At the heart of the SSNAV Auto sits the Sellita SW200-1, a 26-jewel, Swiss-made workhorse with Incabloc® shock protection—introducing mechanical charm to the Navigator.
Performance: While quartz may outpace in precision, there’s something irreplaceable about the perpetual motion of an automatic—self-winding with every step and offering ~38 hours of reserve.
Heritage in Steel: The SSNAV Auto remains true to Marathon’s asymmetrical, 41 mm “bird-in-flight” case, crafted from 316L stainless steel with screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, and 100 m water resistance—designed to survive altitude swings and cockpit pressure changes.
Side-by-Side: Quartz SSNAV vs. SSNAV Auto
| Feature | SSNAV Quartz | SSNAV Auto (SW200-1) |
| Movement | Quartz (±10 s/year, heavy-drive HAQ) | Mechanical automatic with Incabloc shock protection |
| Feel & Interaction | Snap-accurate, zero input; lighter pocket tool | Living movement, winding feel, slightly thicker/more weight |
| Heritage & Practicality | Proven field workhorse | Adds soul with mechanical motion, minimal upkeep differences |
| Complications | No date (or quartz date) | Date at 4:30 (SSNAV-D Auto) or no-date variants available |
The new Arctic dial options, including both date and sterile (no-date) versions, deepen the appeal for enthusiasts—especially those who want something stripped-back or colour-break in their tool watch.
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What Makes the Auto Compelling, and Why You’ll Reach for It
1. Mechanical Appeal Without Sacrificing Toolkit Utility
Yes, quartz reigns in steadiness—but there’s a different kind of satisfaction when the rotor spins with your movement. The Auto maintains the SSNAV’s reputation for rugged functionality while inviting you into the mechanical realm.
2. Maintains Tool-Watch Soul
No unnecessary frills: the SSNAV Auto continues to serve—complete with ultra-legible tritium dial, bi-directional bezel optimized for gloved operation, and pressure-resistant sapphire—just as you loved in the Quartz version.
3. Accessible Mechanical Pilot Watch
Under $2000 CAD the automatic Navigator sits in a sweet spot—built to MIL standards, Swiss-made, heritage-driven, but relatively affordable compared to boutique pilot-mechanics.
4. Choice is Key
Whether you prefer the practical date version, the understated sterile dial, or the distinctive white “Arctic” variant, Marathon’s broader lineup means there’s a Navigator to fit your taste.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it. A lot of enthusiasts just want a mechanical movement. The smooth sweep of that second hand is a siren call they can’t ignore. The Marathon SSNAV Auto certainly gives us that. It takes the tool-watch virtues you cherished in your Quartz grab-and-go and wraps them around a mechanical heart, adding tactile life without compromising toughness or purpose. Although I won’t be trading in my Quartz, for those drawn to mechanical charm or seeking a daily tool with real heritage movement, the SSNAV Auto is a logical—and welcome—next chapter.
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Pricing & Availability
The new Marathon SSNAV Automatic retails for $1495 CAD to 1840 CAD, dependent on your strap choice and the date/no date option. For more information, please visit the brand website.
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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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Keep up the good work!
Leaving comment is giving me errors but let’s try again. I hope to add a momentum to my humble collection, I like the idea of having Canadian brands when I can, if I like the designs. I have a few Redwoods, the Wayforth voyager, plus some Seikos and G-Shocks. I just need to figure out what gap k can find in my lineup style wise. The new dress watch looks nice too.
Canadian tool watch that just looks great.
One of these will definitely find my way into the collection – I love the shape of the case on the wrist which I was surprised based on the photos. Just need to decide if I want Automatic or Quartz
I own the quart, and it is a great watch. Highly accurate. But I suspect some will appreciate that second hand sweep and the hassle-free aspect of never having to replace the battery.
I’m ever hopeful for a SSNAV auto in that blue the quartz has without a date
I would love one of those, Marathon is amazing. Regret not buying one when I had the chance
I think I definitely need to get my hands on one of these and add a Marathon to my collection. Super awesome that it’s a Canadian company too!
I particularly like the Arctic dial👌🏼
Beautiful watch with such great military provenance! I’d genuinely be in a dilemma as to whether to go with the quartz for its issued authenticity or the automatic because of my enthusiasm and love of mechanical timepieces… so maybe both 😉
The logical conclusion 😉
When it comes to utilitarian watches that can take whatever you throw at it, Marathon is always top of mind for me. Thanks for the write up as I’ve been trying to decide between a piece from them or CWC.
Cheers!
Hope this helped!
I’ve been really debating this watch for months now, probably closer to years. It’s such a great piece, but I need something a little more office capable too, and this feels a little too utilitarian. This article really makes me want it a little bit more though. Great read!
Thanks for the feedback! Cheers