When it comes to dive watches that excel in unforgiving environments, the Marathon GSAR (Government Search and Rescue) stands at the top of the field. Designed in collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces, the GSAR was created for one specific purpose: to withstand the extreme conditions of real-world search and rescue operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Every detail of the GSAR is informed by the demands of those who rely on it—not for fashion, but for function, survival, and performance under pressure. Here’s why the GSAR is considered one of the top dive watches for harsh conditions around the globe.
Purpose-Built for Military Search and Rescue
Unlike commercial or “military-inspired” dive watches, the GSAR was developed as an issued timepiece, designed specifically to support elite Canadian forces in complex maritime operations. This origin story defines the watch's DNA—every feature exists for a reason, and each component is engineered to deliver when it matters most.
Engineered for Deep Dive Environments
The GSAR is rated for 300 metres (1000 feet) of water resistance, making it more than capable of enduring high-pressure submersion. Whether navigating unpredictable surf, strong currents, or total darkness, this watch is built to perform in true operational environments.
Key to that underwater performance is the screw-down crown system. Featuring deeply knurled edges for improved grip, even with gloved hands, the crown secures the case against water intrusion using a multi-o-ring seal system. It’s a design built for endurance and security, no matter the conditions.
Unidirectional Bezel for Critical Timing
In diving and search-and-rescue scenarios, timing is everything. The GSAR’s oversized unidirectional bezel allows for precise elapsed time tracking. Whether measuring bottom time or timing a decompression stop, this bezel is easy to grip and operate—even while wearing bulky diving gloves.
The bezel’s solid clicks and robust construction reflect Marathon’s reputation for reliability. It’s not just a moving part—it’s a mission tool designed to help professionals execute with accuracy.
Visibility in Every Environment
When you're working underwater, in the dark, or during night operations, legibility is non-negotiable. The GSAR features a clean, high-contrast dial with tritium gas tube illumination—a self-illuminating technology that provides constant glow without requiring a charge from an external light source.
Unlike standard lume, tritium ensures uninterrupted visibility for up to 20 years, making the GSAR dial readable anytime, anywhere, including deep underwater or during blackout conditions.
Durable Construction That Protects the Movement
At the heart of the GSAR is a Swiss-made automatic movement, carefully housed in a 316L stainless steel case chosen for its exceptional corrosion resistance and toughness. This marine-grade steel provides outstanding protection from saltwater damage and mechanical shock.
The GSAR is also equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, safeguarding the dial and tritium tubes from abrasions or impact during field operations.
Trusted by Professionals Worldwide
The GSAR is not just a dive watch—it’s a tool trusted by military divers, rescue divers, and maritime personnel globally. Its reputation among professionals in the field proves it delivers when the stakes are high.
Every GSAR is hand-assembled in Switzerland, ensuring quality control at the highest level. And because Marathon supplies these watches directly under military contract, you can be assured it is built not for trends, but for absolute reliability.
Explore the GSAR Collection
If your work—or your passion—takes you into challenging marine environments, the 41mm GSAR Automatic offers a level of performance you can trust. Choose from models like the:
Each model is built on the same durable platform, giving you options in appearance without compromising performance.
From its tritium-illuminated dial to its 300m water resistance, screw-down crown, and durable steel construction, every aspect of the GSAR is designed to support those operating in the most extreme environments on earth.
When failure is not an option and seconds matter the most, the GSAR is the timepiece that professionals trust. Equip yourself with a watch designed for the mission.
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