Designed in Canada and manufactured in Switzerland, Marathon watches are designed to meet some of the toughest MIL SPEC standards out there. Even if you don’t find yourself regularly jumping out of planes and undergoing rapid pressure/altitude changes, the Navigator can withstand these harsh environments with ease. Originally created to accommodate pilots, parachutists, and law enforcement, Marathon’s Navigator still makes an excellent addition to the everyman’s collection. After all, who doesn’t like a good, tough military watch design.
The Navigator’s 41mm asymmetrical case is made from a highly shock and sweat resistant fiber composite that keeps it light and out of the way, and features a bi-directional 12-hr bezel for tracking a second timezone. It’s also backed with a 316L stainless steel case back with easy-access battery compartment. You can choose from Black, Sage Green, or Desert Tan, each on a coordinating ballistic nylon mil strap. The case itself 13mm thick and features a matte steel push/pull crown at the 3 o’clock position that nestles in the case side, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal up top.
The dial is clean and legible, featuring both a 12- and 24-hour scale. Each hour marker is highlighted with an inset tritium tube that will glow in the dark without any exposure to light, thanks to the radioactive gas inside. Running around the dial, you’ll find a bi-directional 12-hour bezel that can be used to count hours or track a different time zone.
Inside the case, is ETA’s F06 high torque quartz movement with three jewels. This reliable and tough movement will tick for 5 years before needing a battery swap, making it an excellent grab-and-go watch for your collection. It features a standard hour/minute/second hand set with a date option. On the date model, you’ll find a few extra frills like a red-tipped seconds hand the Marathon name adorning the dial.