Marathon GSAR Military Automatic Dive Watch Review: From Unboxing to a Month of Awesomeness

[@colinrichardson6663]

UA-cam is the new age panhandler.

[@degenerateWA]

Very creative comment!👍

[@tarasmathers7423]

These are the types of reviews that I enjoy. For me, with topics like this, presented in a very tasteful way....26 minutes is just not enough. If you've ever watched "The Urban Gentry," similar in approach, in terms of style, but also with a very classy feel to it. More than just specs, and the usual you see from so many reviewers. Many watches have a story to tell, with many different chapters. Some of those apply to it's overall history. Some apply to Marathons history. There are the ones that apply to you, as a consumer, the specs of it, and so on. For me, the channels I enjoy the most, are the one's that can show me, what makes this model, this brand, this style of watch, cool to you. You've got class with this channel, and I enjoy that. This is a watch built for real life "super-heroes." That can be enjoyed, and appreciated by all. I look forward to the day of you reviewing your first Grand Seiko. Great job #PRESTIGESYNDICATE

[@degenerateWA]

Always appreciate your feedback. I'm humbled to be compared to such a large channel like TGV's. I can say personally that I enjoy this type of review so much more because they truly become little projects of passion. Very time consuming to edit but the end result is something I am much more proud of🤘

[@BCallum]

Very nice watch. Pretty much at grail status for me. Loved the peek into your life that these type of videos offer. Your daughter is cute!!!! Mine are 35, 19, 16, so I miss those piggy back monents. That bracelet costs more that 3/4 of my watches. LOL Thanks!!!

[@degenerateWA]

You're a professional father🤘. Nothing but respect for that.

[@childrolland]

The dial looks buried so deep in the construction of the watch that the chaptering are reflected by the inner bezel. Actually, I like that - steel reflection. In my opinion, without a date window in a no-man-land location it would look better. A price tag of 1500 USD is steep, but the watch is listed under several specifications - ISO, military and so on. I doubt they are free of charge - most likely a subscription based (recertification in several years intervals). Could be a perfect watch for purposeful adventurers that like one-watch-to-rule-them-all concept (and a G-Shock as a spare :D). Great review - thank you, sir!

[@degenerateWA]

Great outlook. We definitely overlook the cost of certifications and all of the third-party groups involved that are not cheap. No date would be awesome for sure🤘

[@tarasmathers7423]

Oh, I almost forgot......IDK if you've ever tried it this way before or not, but being a bracelet guy myself, and having owned a fair number of different models that use the same type of bracelet sizing system as that, here's the method that works the best for me, I've found that spreading a towel or something soft out as a base, so as not to scuff the watch in any position. I then put the watch on the storage pillow that I store it on in my watch case (for example but it could even be for the box it comes in). The important thing is that it stretches the bracelet tight. I can then lye the watch face down, to perform the double sided screw driver procedure. What this does is allows me to rest my forearms, and depending on the size of the watch itself, even my wrists, and the heels of my hands. This allows me to keep my hands steady, and makes it much, much easier to apply even pressure to both sides of the screw. You only use this to loosen up, and tighten down any all screws. Meaning, loosen any/all intended screws first. Then start removing them. Then reassemble the entire bracelet (both sides). Put it back on the pillow, and then tighten them all down at once. If that makes sense???

[@degenerateWA]

That does make sense. I will for sure use that method next time, but hopefully I'll never have to deal with it again lol.

[@WINDINGCROWNS]

Marathon kick arse. I will eventually get one. So many watches and so little money. Damn it! One day ......one day.

[@degenerateWA]

Not having enough money is what makes the watch collecting hobby so sweet. If we were all billionaires there'd be no fun in it😁

[@TheGcbailey]

Hopefully going to pick this up this year. I own a scuba shop, but have never owned a dive watch. Had my eye on this one for a while. Might get it to celebrate our business expansion this year.

[@degenerateWA]

That's awesome, congrats and wishing your business much more prosperity in the years to come🤘

[@mountainsriversandtrees1474]

You will not be sorry for buying a Marathon. I have 3 automatics. They are absolute rock-solid.

[@jonirwin7316]

I live 2 hours from Marathon head office. Got the Maple Leaf on the dial & bracelet. Thanks for the review.

[@degenerateWA]

Very cool. Thanks for the positive feedback🤘

[@Trapvision3D]

That melody just added such a chill vibe to this video.

[@degenerateWA]

That's just how I roll bro😎

[@demounit]

this watch is insanely gorgeous. I want one so badly but I don't think I could justify the purchase right now...

[@degenerateWA]

I wish I had purchased mine 2 months earlier s the price increased a few hundred dollars in 2022

[@marcelovasconcellos6067]

Not really my kind of watch, but wow, what a review, amazing the work you put into it!

[@degenerateWA]

Thank you for the support. Much appreciated🤘😎🤘

[@leoayon1]

Congrats and thanks for your great review ! straight forward and to the point
I also own the MSAR ( 36mm ideal for 6.5 wrist ) and from my collection including other tool pieces like Rolex , Tudor,
Doxa , Seiko , G shock MRG etc ,,and also the marathon steel navegator , for sure its my all time favorite choice as a GADA watch

[@user-hh4ly2xy6s]

Great review. I love to see it in action! Out in daily use. That adds so much to a review. Not just a desktop review. Nice work.

[@degenerateWA]

That's awesome man, means a lot thank you🍻

[@pepere2205]

Thanks for the detailed review. Best feature of a NATO strap is that if one of the spring bars fails, the watch is retained.

[@degenerateWA]

fortunately I've never experienced a failed spring bar... yet. Hopefully let's keep it that way.

[@brianmsahin]

Great review and gorgeous watch. I got one last year and use it for diving in the Mediterranean! It's one of my favourite divers. I really see this one as a pure diver but it's great to see how flexible use it is from your video. For our other activities, trekking and mountaineering in the Taurus Mountains, I always use my G-Shock Mudmaster. With compass, temperature guage, toughness and other functions I recommend it! By the way, the analogy was great!!

[@degenerateWA]

Can't go wrong with a G Shock or a Marathon, both are solid and excellent choices🤘🤘🤘

[@thetimebombardier]

nice review dude, you put a lot of work into that one!! never been sure of marathon as many peeps say that bits fall off etc but I still love the design and the steely good looks, I'm sure one day i will find a second hand one that pushes me over the edge :D

[@degenerateWA]

Appreciate the positive feedback. Hopefully that day comes soon🤘

[@mdexterc2894]

I want to get the quartz version. It's more affordable and the black stainless strap should fit

[@reverendfportnoy482]

Great video and I am now reassured that I will be very pleased with my purchase earlier today of the GSAR with Government marking on a black dial. I didn't want the rubber band and had them replace it with a black Marathon NATO strap. I will order a leather NATO strap too at a later date. Now I am excited and can't wait until its received! later this week (hopefully). Thanks for the video. ,U.S. Army-Retired (Enlisted with various MOS''s so I had to work for a living)

[@degenerateWA]

You will be pleased with it. I'm so pleased with mine that I am considering the JDD next.

[@degenerateWA]

@@happydogg312 The internet seems divided on this topic. Many claim that the difference between NATO and Zulu is not the ring style but rather the strap style (the argument being that NATO is a dual-layered strap and Zulu only having a single strap passing through the lugs).
I have spent some time trying to find a verified source to confirm or invalidate these claims however I have not yet found a legitimate source for this. Any recommendations for that info would be greatly appreciated.

[@deanspeer1]

Great upload, this is how you review a toolwatch like a Marathon.

[@degenerateWA]

Appreciate the feedback, really means a lot🤘

[@marcgoldbergdogtrainer]

Good video! I bought this watch and after a year foolishly got bored, missed it so I bought it again used on eBay. But I lucked into a newer one with the new box and younger (stronger) Tritium tubes. I may put it away for months at a time but I’ll never sell it. It’s a really handsome watch that can take abuse.

[@degenerateWA]

A must have for collectors for sure. It's one of those watches that no matter how many times you get rid of, will always leave a lasting impression.
On a separate note, I spent all my time on UA-cam a few weeks ago binge watching your Omega SMP 300 videos

[@maddmatt9239]

Quam's watch center in Spokane fit my steel bracelet on the spot for $10. I'm sure your town has a great Mom and Pop watch store. Best $$ spent! Nice people.

[@rlav2000]

Outstanding review. Thank you for posting!

[@degenerateWA]

That's awesome, much appreciated 🍻

[@cuckooforwatches382]

Nice brushed finish on this piece. Really cool watch 😎

[@degenerateWA]

I agree. Hard to not like. Jam packed with charisma and character🤘

[@Brian-ee1gx]

Regarding the thickness, this was intentional. One of the stipulations of the military contract was that the bezel be easily manipulated while wearing diving gloves.

[@degenerateWA]

Makes sense

[@WesWatchRoom]

Great work with the review mate, honestly I thought this was way bigger but was pleasantly surprised when you said the actual sizes. I thought there's no way I could pull this off but I think I could. Not like I can afford one though 😂. Keep the great content coming.

[@degenerateWA]

The JDD is probably what you were thinking of, which is quite a large watch. I believe those sit at around 45-48mm. I think you could definitely pull this watch off🤘

[@justintimewatches7171]

Love it. 7 and half to three eights I think 41 would fit me. Love it

[@degenerateWA]

It's a very cool watch for sure

[@djackson8319]

Great Review my friend!!!! Awsome Review!!!!!

[@degenerateWA]

That's awesome, much appreciate🍻

[@mydogsparty]

Could you provide a link to where you got the Green NATO watchband along with the size you ordered?

[@kndvds1492]

How does this movement compare to a Ronda 715?

[@degenerateWA]

No idea, never owned a watch with a Ronda 715. Sellita movements are pretty good. Nothing special but reliable enough.

[@tcwhite0104]

Great video and review. I've got the Anthracite model with 120 click bezel of this watch and love it.

[@degenerateWA]

Very nice👌

[@996porsche4]

Great review and please do more reviews how about a review on the larger Jumbo Date day?

[@degenerateWA]

I would not mind owning that watch at all🍻

[@hankyang]

Military press to test out the military dive watch, perfect.

[@degenerateWA]

😎🍻

[@matte2160]

FYI, the pip on the Marathon Navigator is tritium. Don’t know why they didn’t do it on the GSAR

[@degenerateWA]

Interesting. That would have been a welcome addition on the GSAR.

[@jackdillon4467]

Great video! I have one on the way with the rubber strap!! I just subscribed to your channel!

[@degenerateWA]

Excellent. Great pickup and welcome🤘

[@dannypatwalmer]

Perfect review about a nice Timepiece! Thank you for your in-depth lesson about this tank! ;-)

[@degenerateWA]

That's awesome man, appreciate the positive feedback💯

[@jackdillon4467]

Best review I’ve seen on this piece!

[@degenerateWA]

Wow, very high praise. Much appreciated and means a lot🤘

[@Trapvision3D]

🤣" i don't know what I'm saying" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@degenerateWA]

For real bro. I can't recommend it but at the same time it's such a good bracelet that I sort of have to.

[@Trapvision3D]

That nato is a ok 👌 I personally like nato straps so that green is awesome.

[@degenerateWA]

Yup, I knew right away it had to happen

[@eyalbar-kayama8701]

Very good review- tank you!!!
I love your baby tuna seiko.

[@degenerateWA]

Awesome, thanks for stopping by🤘

[@kevinjames2154]

Always a pleasure to watch SIMUCOM 🔥👊🙏

[@degenerateWA]

Pleasures all mine brotha🤘

[@SolicitingViolence]

Great review, looking at grabbing one in a couple weeks possibly. I'm a first time viewer, I was just curious, what's your rate?

[@degenerateWA]

I was an ETVC. Now a 6280 LDO

[@Stucknthe80z]

Your videos keep getting better and better.. Would be cool for you to do a EDC video as well.

[@degenerateWA]

That means a lot bro, appreciate it. I'm not opposed to an EDC show and tell someday🤘

[@uliilu1430]

Fantastic review - thank you!

[@degenerateWA]

That's awesome, appreciate the positive feedback

[@yogiyoda]

Good review. FYI, the quartz versions are slimmer

[@degenerateWA]

Very cool. Unbeatable accuracy and in a thinner package = much more practical for military application.

[@angelosantos5160]

Looks amazing with nato strap 💪

[@degenerateWA]

Right? Very cool🤘

[@kenneyli5707]

Just ordered one as I was watching this review. So excited to get it!

[@degenerateWA]

I'll call Marathon for my commission 😁. Great pick up, you're going to love it

[@B-leafer]

Q?
Does this GSAR watch sit as high on your wrist as a tuna, or baby tuna?

[@degenerateWA]

Answered with a short: ua-cam.com/users/shortsvQEpL1ccvD0?feature=share

[@loveyou211ful]

For a couple hundred dollars you get a bracelet comparable to the omega or Rolex bracelet which by the way are about a thousand to fifteen hundred, so don’t complain.

[@degenerateWA]

That's not how that works lol

[@bigwill4284]

Hello from the UK I just got my first marathon tsar 41. 2 words bad ass 😜

[@degenerateWA]

Very accurate way to describe it🤘😎🤘

[@kennethjackson6811]

Love the wife comment… 😊

[@garyz0611]

I have the MSAR 36mm quartz version which is not as thick conning in at 12.25 mm but the automatic in the same size is 14mm. You would think the quartz version in 41mm would be thinner than the automatic but it’s the same size.

[@degenerateWA]

You'd think. That would have been an added benefit of opting for quartz over the auto.

[@michaelkepes6125]

​@@degenerateWA the quartz is thinner than the auto but it's the tritium tubes that add the extra night.
One last thing for a watch of that price and Marathons rep for toughness "a true tool watch" the stamped clasp is a no-no
I want to say I really enjoyed your video
Content excellent filming great be well

[@degenerateWA]

@@michaelkepes6125 That's awesome man. I appreciate the positive feedback, definitely makes my day💯

[@thirsteekid]

Where did you buy the green nato strap?

[@degenerateWA]

I usually buy my straps from Ritche straps on Amazon

[@Trapvision3D]

That is a gorgeous watch though.

[@degenerateWA]

The GSAR is thicc AND a 10🤘

[@gsqmedia]

Great review!

[@degenerateWA]

Thank you, much appreciated🤘

[@Trapvision3D]

You did a lot of yard work 🤣

[@degenerateWA]

Every week on Sunday. Backyard Baptist is my church🤘

[@TheSteelAddiction]

Where are those nato straps from? Thanks and great review

[@degenerateWA]

I buy most of my NATOs from Ritche straps on Amazon. Theyre great quality and super affordable

[@cliffdrewyor5543]

Awesome content brother👊🏼💯🔥😎

[@degenerateWA]

Thanks brotha🤘😎🤘

[@realblackbetty2204]

Maybe I missed it, but what's the lug to lug? thanks and great vid :)

[@degenerateWA]

Appreciate it. Can't remember off the top of my head. Please refer to the "dimensions/weight" chapter listed in the description and/or timeline

[@Trapvision3D]

Slicing up something good!!!

[@degenerateWA]

In this house we live off of the 3 main macronutrients: butter, bacon, and gravy 🤘

[@TOMMYBIGTIME]

Great editing and hash tag brotha!!! #PrestigeSyndicate #BIGTIMEGANG #DaLifestyle

[@degenerateWA]

Thanks brotha🤘. And together, with our powers combined, we are... The #WATCHKINGS 😎👑. Dunno if that's a thing already but would be real cool if it wasn't

[@TOMMYBIGTIME]

@@degenerateWA I like it a lot

[@aznddog]

Outstanding review sir.

[@degenerateWA]

Awesome, thanks for the positive feedback🤘

[@Trapvision3D]

I love the glow.

[@degenerateWA]

Tritium is legit, very cool stuff

[@jdiaz813]

Cool! I'm thinking about getting this watch. What is your wrist size ?

[@degenerateWA]

Great choice. My wrist is 7.5"

[@ChrisWilletts]

Great Video.. loving your style of review.. Very informative. Marathon make Amazing Watches, I've owned a Navigator in the past and loved it..

[@degenerateWA]

Thank you so much. The positive feedback is always much appreciated🤘🤘🤘

[@termit520]

As time goes by, I'm starting to pull on the rational side more and more. Before anything, I have to say that Marathon is beautiful, I love Marathon very much, there's nothing on that watch without reason, that's a real tool, a real deal. But to be honest, I don't know any search and rescue team in the world (and I know really a lot of specialised guys from those services), civilian or military team, which will get such a flashy thing. It's not too flashy, but...first, a SS bracelet is useless because of the main rule - less weight, more hapiness. I don't know any government in the world which will give a more than 1000 USD watch with an SW200 to the soldier, or to the rescue team member...doesn't matter what's his rank...James Bond is the only (fictional) character that can get Rolex or Omega from the government....but that's why you can see that only in the movies. Visibility of that watch in the dark is great, I know that from the experience. By the way, that Marathon's cardboard box cheap style is starting to be disgusting....for that amount of money I didn't expect that they will send anything in a box that is cheaper than a......fly catcher cardboard box...that's some their joke.
Again, I'm talking from the rational side but off course, I love Marathon and I think that watch is one of the best in the industry below or around 1000 USD, it's impossible to get something better.
Good video
Like

[@degenerateWA]

The SPECWAR Sailors I've worked with never wore a GSAR. Most of them rocked regular G-Shocks but I do know there are some commands that issue them (just not sure which ones lol). Ive only ever seen 2 GSAR's at the commands I've been attached to.

[@brokenhalo.728]

How come the ones on the website don’t say “US Government”?

[@degenerateWA]

You can choose either a blank dial or with US Government, the maple leaf, or the USMC EGA emblem on it.

[@Trapvision3D]

That b roll 👌

[@degenerateWA]

That's also how I roll... That's how I... B-roll 😎

[@greatfallskam]

So do you have to wind this GSAR watch to keep time or is it completely Automatic?

[@degenerateWA]

It is a hand-winding automatic watch which means that you can use the crown to hand-wind the mainspring and/or the bi-directional rotor can wind the mainspring through your movement. It's recommended to gently hand-wind no more than 15-20 cycles of the crown and then allow the watch to wind itself throughout the day. Turning the crown quickly and harshly will wear down the watch unnecessarily.

[@greatfallskam]

@@degenerateWA I assume you can just leave it it in Automatic mode when wearing? Thanks.

[@degenerateWA]

@@greatfallskam yes

[@solidus1995]

I love my GSAR but clasps are absolute shit. If I'm paying full price for this watch I dont want it on a clasp. The clasp on mine broke on day 2 of owning it. It's been on a rubber nato without issue ever since.

[@degenerateWA]

that sucks man, I'm sorry to hear. What was the issue? The pins or something else?
Mine has been fine but I will never NOT think that the bracelet is grossly and criminally overpriced.

[@t28mcd]

​@@degenerateWAagree, they price the bracelet as if it was 24 carat gold 😂

[@reesebroekhoven3962]

Nice spyderco autonomy my man you don't need to torture knives to review them just look at Nick Shabazz I don't think he's ever actually used a knife tbh. Just watch some of his reviews and listen to what he says I think you'll agree. And honestly shhhhh I think his wife cuts his food for him

[@ddanj0331]

Cool video. Looking at this watch myself. You Korean? We need more muscular Korean men out in society lol!!

[@degenerateWA]

I am Korean. I don't know if muscular would be a good description of me but I'll take it

[@ddanj0331]

@@degenerateWA receiving my gsar tomorrow. Freaking stoked!

[@bigpapa998]

To expensive for selita 200 and tool watch

[@degenerateWA]

it's certainly not a value watch but there is also value in it for certain collectors. There are so many great options out there in the $150-$1000 price range.

[@alexprendido2023]

Tritium or c3, what do u prefer?

[@degenerateWA]

Hard to say. Both have their strengths. Tritium wins for practicality but C3 also last the whole night. Tritium is really hard to take lumeshots of and isn't that the only reason why we care about lume?😎

[@matte2160]

Tritium. Hands down. All day, every day.

[@TeaandTickers]

That NATO is actully a ZULU strap ..

[@degenerateWA]

It's actually neither if we're going to go off of official/technical requirements. We use branded terms to describe something (i.e. Kleenex, Q-tip, Dremel, Jubilee)

[@TeaandTickers]

@@degenerateWA I thought Zulu had the 5 stronger rings like yours does?

[@degenerateWA]

@TeaandTickers the main identifier of a Zulu-style strap would be the thicker/rounded loops, whereas a NATO has slimmer/rectangular loops.
There's also claims that a Zulu strap is simply a single-pass version of the original G10 strap; still with the thicker/rounded loops.
Personally I call all straps like this NATO straps more for convenience. At the end of the day, unless the strap is made to spec with an associated NSN, all straps like this are really just NATO/Zulu *style* straps.

[@TeaandTickers]

@@degenerateWA yup and yours has those thicker rounded loops which why I think it’s a Zulu not nato

[@degenerateWA]

@@TeaandTickers zulu-style. Similar to saying a 92FS and M9 are the same; they're not.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

The marathon bracelet is way overpriced! A Strapcode bracelet with straight end links looks great great on my GSAR, for 1/3 the price

[@degenerateWA]

Marathon is crazy with their pricing that's for sure.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

@@degenerateWAalso the strapcode has a milled clasp not a stamped clasp so its a considerably better bracelet

[@seabiscuit726142]

"The watch sits high on the wrist..let's put it on a NATO strap!"

[@degenerateWA]

That is indeed what happened

[@leeisa6384]

Great review! And, this has made it worse for me to decide between Sinn 556i or this Marathon…hahaha! Anyone can help me out here? :)

[@degenerateWA]

By sheer awesomeness, GSAR all the way. For a more subtle a better "everyday" style I would go for the 556

[@leeisa6384]

@@degenerateWA Thanks for the advice bro!

[@JogieGlenMait16]

The review format has changed for the better, eh?

[@degenerateWA]

I don't know about that, but I'm glad to hear the positive feedback. Thank you🤘🤘🤘

[@Trapvision3D]

#prestigesyndicate

[@degenerateWA]

#DALIFESTYLE #BIGTIMEGANG #PRESTIGESYNDICATE aka the illest most-unstoppable force of watchfams since time immemorial 🤘😎🤘

[@Darkangel-sw9lm]

The 41 is too small for your wrist. You should be wearing the 46

[@Trapvision3D]

Oil rig bro???? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@degenerateWA]

You'd be surprised how many people I served with that are working for oil companies lol

[@AGC828]

Quitting knife reviews----they guys that do thte haredly 'torture test' them....most donmèt . Perhaps one or 2 Yters cut rope, and some paper...eheh....saw one guy cut rubber hose with.....but most simply open close the pocket-knife 50 times per video like htey have OCD and open boxes. :) You probbably just had to work on your cntentétalking points..... Or find out how best to 'sell the product' when talking about it...likewise this watch.....Nothing wrong with wearing it doing chores....but does it really prove antying abut itès durablityÉ
Itès a DIVE watch rated for 300m...you should have went 'deep diving' :)) Wwear it into a pool at least....no oneès done that makig dive watch reivews....ironic. Have your wife or kids hose you down :)) then see how the watch did....hsould be fine since it is claimed to be able to withstand 300m water pressure....

[@Trapvision3D]

YOU'RE A RAPPER 🤣

[@degenerateWA]

I've been known as P Daddy Kim in my past life. That was a long time ago...

[@choond]

Great review!

[@degenerateWA]

Thank you, much appreciated🤘