The History And Guide To Marathon Watches 

Windup Watch Shop

Jan 12, 2024

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.

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.

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 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.

Their range of mechanical options highlights the versatility of GP watches. They come in hand-wound, mechanical, and quartz variants, catering to different time-keeping preferences. In terms of practicality, these watches provide complete nighttime visibility, featuring luminous markers and hands that facilitate easy reading in low-light conditions. The design emphasizes functionality and simplicity, offering users intuitive features that enhance usability in the field. This combination of historical significance, durability, and practicality makes Marathon GP watches a reliable choice for those who seek high performance from their timepieces.

The evolution of Marathon's Canadian Search and Rescue Watch

Marathon Search and Rescue (SAR) watches are meticulously designed to meet the rigorous standards set by the Canadian Government, specifically for professionals engaged in Search and Rescue operations. Since its launch in the early 1990s, the SAR Series has become an essential gear for elite members of both the Canadian and U.S. military forces.

These robust tool watches can withstand submersion to a depth of 300 meters, ensuring reliability even in challenging underwater environments. They are available in three distinct sizes—46 mm, 41mm, and 36mm—to accommodate varying preferences and wrist sizes. Each model features knurled, screw-down crowns that provide enhanced water resistance and durability.

The watches include a unique unidirectional bezel that is fully hashed and marked with a 60-minute scale, allowing for precise time tracking during critical missions. The dials are designed for optimal readability under all conditions, utilizing tritium tubes and MaraGlo luminescent material for clear visibility in low-light environments.

Constructed from solid 316L stainless steel, these timepieces are built to endure harsh conditions, offering exceptional durability whether above sea level or submerged in water. Every aspect of the Marathon SAR watch reflects a commitment to quality and functionality, making it a preferred choice for individuals in demanding roles. 

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.

These watches are distinguished by their iconic asymmetrical case design. They are available in durable materials: 316L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and strength, or a high-impact composite fibershell, which offers an ultra-lightweight yet robust alternative. Each timepiece is protected by a sapphire crystal, renowned for its resilience against rapid changes in air pressure and scratches, ensuring clarity in all conditions.

Additionally, the watches feature a continuously glowing dial, providing excellent visibility in low-light environments, making them exceptional tools for aviators. The bi-directional bezel further enhances functionality by allowing users to conveniently track a second time zone, making the NAV Series a perfect companion for adventurers and pilots who demand reliability and precision in their instruments.

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