Serenity now!
Dawn is very peaceful. The moments when night withdraw to let day in is almost magical.
I can sit outside, read a chapter from a book, sip my coffee in peace, and marvel at the dawn of a new day. It gets better if I already made up my mind about the watch I'll be wearing and can gaze at the seconds ticking away.
Waking up early used to be the worst thing that could happen to me when I was still a teenager, but now? Oh yeah.
The teak table is still smelling of the oil I used to clean it yesterday, and I can't escape the feeling that it aged better than I did during the 20 or so years that passed since I bought it thinking that it would be great to have a nice outdoor set to use when I'm on the balcony.
In all probabilities, the Marathon MSAR will age better. It's the toughest looking watch that I own, and despite its diminutive 36mm diameter it looks like it could eat my G-Shocks for breakfast.
It's also extremely legible during the day and the tritium tubes will provide proper illumination even in the darkest night.
I used to think that the bracelet with its stamped clasp could be better, but I'm not so sure now because a milled clasp would have added weight and heft and the MSAR is already thick enough as it is.
And the best? The best is that it doesn't look like one of these generic divers that I find oh so boring.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Nice shots and write up ☕️That Marathon is a tough little cookie!
As the sun set here about an hour ago, I was just admiring the tritium on my watch. This model looks incredible in full day light and in pitch black darkness. It is fairly bland in between, but what’s wonderful is its infinite legibility, no matter the lighting conditions. As the light dims, the tritium comes through just enough to make the time clear at a glance every single time.
This is not a watch that appeals to me personally, but I like that it's all about business. Although my collection might argue, I lean towards tool watches and this fits the bill. Another thing that doesn't appeal to me personally is being up at dawn. It sounds great when you talk about it, but the only dawns I enjoy are the ones I see at the end of a long night. Those are magic. But at 51 I've still not gotten the knack for getting up early. To each their own I guess.
Loved reading this write up and I really really would love to add a GSAR to my collection at some point. A black dial next to my blue Pelagos would be killer 💪🏽
This is not a watch that appeals to me personally, but I like that it's all about business. Although my collection might argue, I lean towards tool watches and this fits the bill. Another thing that doesn't appeal to me personally is being up at dawn. It sounds great when you talk about it, but the only dawns I enjoy are the ones I see at the end of a long night. Those are magic. But at 51 I've still not gotten the knack for getting up early. To each their own I guess.
Getting up and early before dawn is something I learned to do but not to enjoy while I was in the army. It came back sometime like 10 years ago after I went through some major changes in lifestyle.
I used to be diabetic, which means that I had very low levels of energy, tired easily and often and would spend a lot of my time resting and sleeping. As soon as my diabetes reversed I got my energy back and now I wake up early in the morning feeling well rested and I can enjoy watching the dawn without feeling like a death row inmate being led to his execution.
Loved reading this write up and I really really would love to add a GSAR to my collection at some point. A black dial next to my blue Pelagos would be killer 💪🏽
IMO the Marathon SAR is better in its arctic white variant, the black version however looks more like a traditional diver.
I love my GSAR, but I have fallen more in love with my steel navigator. All the same build quality, and tritium, but thinner and more accurate.
Getting up and early before dawn is something I learned to do but not to enjoy while I was in the army. It came back sometime like 10 years ago after I went through some major changes in lifestyle.
I used to be diabetic, which means that I had very low levels of energy, tired easily and often and would spend a lot of my time resting and sleeping. As soon as my diabetes reversed I got my energy back and now I wake up early in the morning feeling well rested and I can enjoy watching the dawn without feeling like a death row inmate being led to his execution.
Congrats on the diabetes, that's not an easy thing to deal with. Glad you're able to enjoy your mornings, and I appreciate your early morning thoughts.
I've had the Artic GSAR in my list for a long time. I think I may end up prioritizing this over another Seiko Diver to be frank. They do look really great in pics. Still have not had a chance to hold one in my hands 😞
Great looking watch! Love the white dial and its chunky profile. Definitely an original design and not some re-hash of the ubiquitous cliche that costs a ton and reeks of haughty-scented snobbery.
I've had the Artic GSAR in my list for a long time. I think I may end up prioritizing this over another Seiko Diver to be frank. They do look really great in pics. Still have not had a chance to hold one in my hands 😞
I know it's not going to help a lot, so take it as it is. The MSAR doesn't feel or wears like a Seiko diver at all. First of all the build quality is much better, everything fit just as it's supposed to. Nothing feels like it's an afterthought, and even the brushing on the bracelet match the one on the case.
It's also a very different experience on the wrist because it's a tall watch and there are no shinny facets to distract the eye from the dial.
Great looking watch! Love the white dial and its chunky profile. Definitely an original design and not some re-hash of the ubiquitous cliche that costs a ton and reeks of haughty-scented snobbery.
There is indeed the unspoken advantage that no one will ever mistake it for a Submariner or a BB.
I know it's not going to help a lot, so take it as it is. The MSAR doesn't feel or wears like a Seiko diver at all. First of all the build quality is much better, everything fit just as it's supposed to. Nothing feels like it's an afterthought, and even the brushing on the bracelet match the one on the case.
It's also a very different experience on the wrist because it's a tall watch and there are no shinny facets to distract the eye from the dial.
That's precisely why I want it, to get something different from what I'm used to. Also they're a Canadian brand so that's appealing as well for us Canucks.
I want to have a tank on the wrist!
Great looking watch! Love the white dial and its chunky profile. Definitely an original design and not some re-hash of the ubiquitous cliche that costs a ton and reeks of haughty-scented snobbery.
Curious, what do you consider to be watches that are cliche, cost a ton and reek of haughty-scented snobbery? I don’t think i have ever experienced that sort of a reaction to a watch, a least not snobbery. I associate that with people not brand marketing per se. Thx.
IMO the Marathon SAR is better in its arctic white variant, the black version however looks more like a traditional diver.
I am a huge fan of the arctic configuration especially with its red second hand! I’m a touch heavy on white dials in my collection at the moment though so sacrifices may have to be made…
I've had the Artic GSAR in my list for a long time. I think I may end up prioritizing this over another Seiko Diver to be frank. They do look really great in pics. Still have not had a chance to hold one in my hands 😞
I own a GSAR black dial variant gifted to me by my wife. I gave my brother an Artic GSAR for a major Milestone Birthday because I love it. He tells me all the time I am jealous LOL 😆... and that I am!. The artic is awesome. Honestly, my GSAR is awesome! I have & had many Seiko & GS divers. Their dive pieces are so addictive. I love my SKX as much as my MM300. I digress on Seiko. IMO the GSAR is worthy of a space in your watch collection AND will find itself on wrist a lot. I wore the GSAR on an 18 day vacation to Italy last month (I've never taken more than a week vacation in my life before) I keep it simple when traveling for work or vacation = 1 watch. Why worry about extra watches being stolen or damaged? I chose the GSAR 41 mm because the 41mm does not wear like my other 40 to 40 plus case sized watches. The watch wears somehow more compact. On wrist it feels 39mm to 40mm "ish" .... if that makes sense. The rubber strap is super rugged. The look and feel of the strap is above its pricepoint. The watch is understated brush finish. There is no bling . A GSAR is Toolry = no polish but you can dress up or down with this watch. Of course there were no worries jumping in the Adriatic with my watch on. The 12 & 24 hours dial setting is handy in Europe. Date function and a rotating bezel (the bezel rotation has a feel that is distinct Marathon. It's not Seiko style or Submariner and/or anything in between. It feels aluminum and I can't describe it any differently as I am not a professional writer. That said, it's unique and awesome to me) Traveling often requires remembering the date & needing a reminder for when a train departs etc. The rotating bezel was helpful. I could have picked many other watches from my collection but my Marathon GSAR was the only watch that came to mind: it was the perfect choice. If you don't have a Tritium lume watch the Artic will be a treat to see in the middle of the night when you wake up to colored lume. Seiko divers have that big boom of lume when the lights first go off. Tritium is different. It has its own cool factor. I say all this because I read your posts & know you are a passionate collector. We all budget for great watches. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Artic GSAR. IMO It is worthy of bumping another Seiko on the priority list. You will be very happy having something unique on wrist.
I absolutely love my Marathon GSAR and wish I had an Artic. I own a GSAR 41mm and it wears more like a 39mm to 40mm. Such an incredible watch
I own a GSAR black dial variant gifted to me by my wife. I gave my brother an Artic GSAR for a major Milestone Birthday because I love it. He tells me all the time I am jealous LOL 😆... and that I am!. The artic is awesome. Honestly, my GSAR is awesome! I have & had many Seiko & GS divers. Their dive pieces are so addictive. I love my SKX as much as my MM300. I digress on Seiko. IMO the GSAR is worthy of a space in your watch collection AND will find itself on wrist a lot. I wore the GSAR on an 18 day vacation to Italy last month (I've never taken more than a week vacation in my life before) I keep it simple when traveling for work or vacation = 1 watch. Why worry about extra watches being stolen or damaged? I chose the GSAR 41 mm because the 41mm does not wear like my other 40 to 40 plus case sized watches. The watch wears somehow more compact. On wrist it feels 39mm to 40mm "ish" .... if that makes sense. The rubber strap is super rugged. The look and feel of the strap is above its pricepoint. The watch is understated brush finish. There is no bling . A GSAR is Toolry = no polish but you can dress up or down with this watch. Of course there were no worries jumping in the Adriatic with my watch on. The 12 & 24 hours dial setting is handy in Europe. Date function and a rotating bezel (the bezel rotation has a feel that is distinct Marathon. It's not Seiko style or Submariner and/or anything in between. It feels aluminum and I can't describe it any differently as I am not a professional writer. That said, it's unique and awesome to me) Traveling often requires remembering the date & needing a reminder for when a train departs etc. The rotating bezel was helpful. I could have picked many other watches from my collection but my Marathon GSAR was the only watch that came to mind: it was the perfect choice. If you don't have a Tritium lume watch the Artic will be a treat to see in the middle of the night when you wake up to colored lume. Seiko divers have that big boom of lume when the lights first go off. Tritium is different. It has its own cool factor. I say all this because I read your posts & know you are a passionate collector. We all budget for great watches. I can wholeheartedly recommend the Artic GSAR. IMO It is worthy of bumping another Seiko on the priority list. You will be very happy having something unique on wrist.
Thank for the detailed review! Indo have another Tritium dial with a Ball Marvelight and I really do enjoy it. It's the best of both worlds, analog time telling without having to charge lume or press a button any time of day or night.
I was already sold on it tbh but this definitely inspires me more haha. Thanks.
Thank for the detailed review! Indo have another Tritium dial with a Ball Marvelight and I really do enjoy it. It's the best of both worlds, analog time telling without having to charge lume or press a button any time of day or night.
I was already sold on it tbh but this definitely inspires me more haha. Thanks.
I've been looking at Ball watches for a while. Please let me know if you like them . The finish looks amazing
I've been looking at Ball watches for a while. Please let me know if you like them . The finish looks amazing
I will do a long form review and tag you in it 👍
I will do a long form review and tag you in it 👍
Perfect Brother thanks!