The History And Guide To Marathon Watches

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Windup Watch Shop

Sep 25, 2025

Marathon Watch traces its origins back to 1904, initially established as the Weinsturm Watch Company, later evolving into the Wein Brothers. In 1939, under the visionary leadership of Morris Wein, Marathon Watch was founded in the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada, with a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality precision timepieces across North America. A crucial chapter in the company's history began during World War II. In 1941, Marathon became a pivotal supplier of timekeeping instruments for the Allied Forces, providing durable and reliable watches to the U.S. and Canadian armed forces.

Fast-forward to today, and the company proudly remains in the hands of the fourth generation of the Wein family, who continue to uphold the legacy of excellence. Marathon specializes in a diverse array of precision instruments designed to measure time, temperature, and distance, all crafted with a focus on military robustness and Swiss engineering. This unique combination ensures that each watch offers unparalleled quality and accuracy.

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Marathon watches are designed to withstand the rigors of military conditions and meet the stringent United States Military Standard MIL-PRF-46374G. This dedication to excellence has earned them the distinction of being the sole supplier of timepieces to the United States Armed Forces, including esteemed branches like the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as NASA and the Canadian Armed Forces. Their reliability has also made them a favorite among law enforcement and government agencies around the globe.

Another remarkable feature of Marathon watches is their innovative use of tritium gas tubes, which significantly enhance visibility in low-light conditions, making them indispensable for military and tactical applications. Furthermore, Marathon has partnered with Jeep to develop the Jeep x Marathon collection, blending rugged design with functionality.

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As a proud family-owned business, the Wein family's involvement in Marathon extends to every aspect of the company, ensuring that the values of quality, craftsmanship, and durability remain at the forefront. The current Marathon collection is thoughtfully divided into three distinct lines, each representing the elements of land, sea, and air, catering to the varying needs of adventurers and professionals alike.

Some Featured Marathon Models

A Quartz mil-spec field watch with tritium tubes

Designed in Canada and manufactured in Switzerland, Marathon watches are designed to meet some of the toughest MIL-SPEC standards out there. The GPQ (General Purpose Quartz) watch is made for infantry units to withstand anything they may encounter in the field. The standard that defined the specs of the General Purpose Quartz watch was born out of military necessity, but it’s just as useful as a civilian. The GPQ is an all-purpose watch with a reliable Swiss Quartz movement, housed in a lightweight and high-impact composite case and some tough military vibes that’ll be right at home in your collection.

A mil-spec field watch with tritium tubes - INCLUDES A STRAP COMPASS

Marathon General Purpose (GP) watches have a rich history, inspired by the original field watches created by Marathon and distributed to Allied forces during World War II in 1941. These timepieces are carefully designed to meet stringent U.S. Military Standards, specifically MIL-PRF-46374, fulfilling the demanding specifications set by the military. They have a direct lineage to the well-known GG-W-113 specification established in the 1960s, which was essential for military durability and functionality. Engineered for officers and infantry personnel, Marathon GP watches are built to withstand the rigorous challenges faced in ground operations. They are available in two primary materials: durable 316L stainless steel and a lightweight, high-impact composite fiber shell, ensuring exceptional durability without sacrificing comfort.

Iconic asymmetrical military pilot watch with a synthetic case

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.

Iconic asymmetrical military pilot watch

The Marathon Navigator (NAV) watches were initially crafted in partnership with Kelly Air Force Base in 1986. They embody cutting-edge technology and design for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. The NAV Series showcases a collection of timepieces meticulously engineered to endure the rigors of high-altitude flight and the intense conditions associated with potential ejection from a fighter aircraft.

The evolution of Marathon's Canadian Search and Rescue Watch

The OSAR features a 41mm surgical-grade 316L stainless steel case water resistant to 300m, thanks in part to its large knurled screw-down crown. Though the SAR has come to be associated with its iconic tritium lume, the OSAR goes back to the original’s printed markers with MaraGlo. A large cyclops providing 1.5x magnification brings the OSAR’s date complication into quick view. The unidirectional 120-click bezel is full-graduated for those missions where minutes are critical.