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How much does it cost to replace tritium gas tubes on Marathon watches?
I asked about replacing the 14-year old tritium gas tubes on my 2010 quartz Pilot's Navigator and here's the numbers for those of you who are curious:
The rough estimate for tritium tubes replacement is as below: $65 USD (hands replacement) + $55 USD (dial replacement) + $55 USD/$155 USD (installation charge based on the movement condition) + $29.95 USD (Shipping) + taxes if applicable.
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Chris Abraham
Just a guy with some Seikos, Citizens, Casios, Garmins, G-Shocks, a CWC, Marathons, two Suunto COREs, and a bunch of cheap Chinese homages.
Arlington, VA, USA
Member since
Last active: 2 days ago
6
watches
in collection
7.50”
/
19.05 cm
Wow! :o Are you going to replace/repair? Is option to get a new model?
Wow! :o Are you going to replace/repair? Is option to get a new model?
I have the new model (on the right, right there, in the photo) but I really love the bubble crystal and the vibe of the 2010. The lume still works but I might. If I send it in, I can wear my new one. Ha ha ha!
Not bad at all 😊🫡
Not bad at all 😊🫡
Especially compared to the tier 1 Gucci class super Swiss unicorns and their multi thousand dollar servicings!
Wow! :o Are you going to replace/repair? Is option to get a new model?
Feels cheap based on this
They forgot to subtract the market value of the old dial, assuming they'll keep it.
Seems fair TBH.
The only cool thing about the marathon watches is the tritium. It's like with my pistol: shoot that Trijicon without the glow! Ha ha ha!
I'd understand not wanting to get them replaced if you have many watches and don't care about lume, but if you only have a few watches and require lume, a couple hundred bucks every 15-20 years for perpetual legibility is absolutely fine by me.
Hell, I like their watches and the tritium so much, I'd probably happily buy a new one every 15-20 years, but don't tell them that.
I'd understand not wanting to get them replaced if you have many watches and don't care about lume, but if you only have a few watches and require lume, a couple hundred bucks every 15-20 years for perpetual legibility is absolutely fine by me.
Hell, I like their watches and the tritium so much, I'd probably happily buy a new one every 15-20 years, but don't tell them that.
Well, I bought a new one and hate the flat sapphire crystal--the way it looks--and hunted down a 2010 model with the dome mineral crystal because I think it's cooler. Like I said, that brand new one on the right is mine too. I think it was made in 2023 and sold to me new in 2024. I don't like the flat crystal. So, replacing by buying a new one is not what I want, oddly. I just want the tritium restored to new if it diminishes too much (or, do it now in case the Marathon brand doesn't last forever... it happens).
Well, I bought a new one and hate the flat sapphire crystal--the way it looks--and hunted down a 2010 model with the dome mineral crystal because I think it's cooler. Like I said, that brand new one on the right is mine too. I think it was made in 2023 and sold to me new in 2024. I don't like the flat crystal. So, replacing by buying a new one is not what I want, oddly. I just want the tritium restored to new if it diminishes too much (or, do it now in case the Marathon brand doesn't last forever... it happens).
It does get more complicated if you prefer an older model, but fortunately their dials are pretty much the same between models. If they're still around, you'll probably be able to get that old Nav a new dial and hands when you want.
It does get more complicated if you prefer an older model, but fortunately their dials are pretty much the same between models. If they're still around, you'll probably be able to get that old Nav a new dial and hands when you want.
And I am that guys who prefers "restomod" cars to "restored" cars... put an LS376/525 into my 1974 Triumph TR-6? If it fits, why not! Vroom! A LS376/525 into my 2001 530i BMW? Yes, please! I know, it's so offensive but, hey! I don't mind if I keep the 2010 shell and get a new dial and hands... don't tell anyone!
Between 205 to 305 dollars to replace dial and hands is daylight robbery from marathon
This is the cost according to their pricelist on the Marathon website. Their pricelist looks pretty reasonable except for the Canadian shipping costs.
Wow thats sounds cheap if it includes the new tubes.
Between 205 to 305 dollars to replace dial and hands is daylight robbery from marathon
Well, they are TRITIUM gas tubes so I guess it's a little bit of a specialist thing. They need to afford big LEAD blankets for their watchmakers... and all the cancer treatments and hair and nails restorations.
This is the cost according to their pricelist on the Marathon website. Their pricelist looks pretty reasonable except for the Canadian shipping costs.
Well, what I shared with you was a direct quote based on my particular piece. So, I guess I didn't look deep enough on the website myself.
Well, what I shared with you was a direct quote based on my particular piece. So, I guess I didn't look deep enough on the website myself.
from that list, I'm not sure if installation costs are included. I suspect, if you send your watch in for service, then there is no additional installation cost. But if you are just replacing the hands for new tritium tubes, then you might need to add servicing costs. A few years ago, I had my Tissot serviced and I found out the cost of a new crystal and caseback gasket was extra. It wasn't expensive, but I was just annoyed they had to ask for more money after I had already agreed to the service. To Marathon's credit, they do tell you everything that is included with their service. Then the extras, such as hands, crystals, watch faces are added separately.
from that list, I'm not sure if installation costs are included. I suspect, if you send your watch in for service, then there is no additional installation cost. But if you are just replacing the hands for new tritium tubes, then you might need to add servicing costs. A few years ago, I had my Tissot serviced and I found out the cost of a new crystal and caseback gasket was extra. It wasn't expensive, but I was just annoyed they had to ask for more money after I had already agreed to the service. To Marathon's credit, they do tell you everything that is included with their service. Then the extras, such as hands, crystals, watch faces are added separately.
It says it all right here: