Marathon MSAR Medium Search and Rescue - Best 36mm Diver

[@surroundedbymorons3491]

best review of a diver's watch I've seen on UA-cam, someone that actually goes out in the water, opens the case back, explains the movement, the case, the strap. just awesome and very refreshing to the usual loaned watch reviews where they simply parrot of a spec sheet.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you so much for your comment! I only make a review of a watch until I have had enough time with it to make an honest review!

[@kevintkim4]

Great review! Got my MSAR and felt small at first, but it grew on me everyday to the point it's what I reach for daily

[@mr.ethings1545]

Glad you are loving your MSAR! Ya small watches for the Win!

[@geraldacevedo2003]

Big facts right now. Took over my garmin I use to wear all the time.

[@tcwhite0104]

Totally agree when I first bought the MSAR of the JSAR (JDD) I was a bit disappointed, but getting use to it a bit.

[@PWCDN]

Thanks for comparing it side by side with an SKX007. I have a SKX009 and was trying to visualize what the 36mm Marathon looks like on my wrist, now I have a good idea.

[@mr.ethings1545]

You're very welcome! Ya, i figured most of us will have or know the SKX family so its a good standard to use!

[@cheehee808_]

I own a black bay as well as a superocean but for day to day use, I usually find myself picking up my smol boi quartz msar. Mainly out of convenience cause it's always running, plus it's not bulky and it's durable as hell too and not super expensive so you can thrash it if you want. It's a very practical watch and it's not any smaller than a vintage day date or seamaster so unless you got a huge wrist you're fine

[@mr.ethings1545]

I love your use case. Automatics are great if you wear your watch often but if you have your watches in a rotation then quartz is nice to have a watch that is always ready to go (granted that you change the battery)!

[@tcwhite0104]

Great video I have a couple of MSAR's and LumiNox ICE-SAR and I feel they are very bright I can see them glowing from across the room.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Very nice! Never tried a luminox before!

[@threethrushes]

Purchased a GSAR 41mm Arctic a few hours ago. To echo what people say, it is much, much slimmer than people realise. It looks mahoosive in the videos, but in real life it's fine.
I was thinking of getting the 36mm, but the 41mm was fine.

[@mr.ethings1545]

41mm is definitely a safe bet for most people will average sized wrists since the lug to lug is not very long! Enjoy your Arctic GSAR!

[@zimmie1359]

Good content with real diving experience. Thanks!

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you very much! Just giving my honest opnions! I have a video coming up next week about how divers use their watches I hope you'll enjoy. Are you a diver?

[@cretan911]

sweet love the 36mm

[@TheGrenadier97]

Excellent watch and review. Always good to see a nice watch in a smaller size than usual.

[@mr.ethings1545]

I know right?! I think most people would like the 41mm cases but there are tons of 40mm divers out there. A 36mm 300 meter diver is like a David to all the Goliath dive watches out there!

[@Falcon-qu7ik]

You have some great content. Keep up the good work!

[@mr.ethings1545]

thanks so much man I really appreciate it! It's starting out slow but im trying to stay motivated! I have some more dive watch stuff coming out soon!

[@2K9s]

Pictures don’t do GSAR’s justice… they’re much slimmer and svelte than most people realize.
Thanks
Depending on manufacture year, the crystal is ar treated (proprietary) to cut down reflection, per mil-spec commission. Vs Hamilton that aren’t mil-spec proper and has zero ar on their crystals.
And Marathon replaces the gtls when sent in for service when needed.

[@mr.ethings1545]

I havent had to service my Marathon yet but yes the case design and short lug to lug measurements make the watch wear much smaller than it sounds on paper!

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

Good review! I’ve been looking at GSARs and just ordered one. Look forward to more of your content. Subscribed.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you very much man! I think the GSAR is the safest size. I heard it wears more like a 40mm which is perfect. I am tempted to pick up a GSAR but I already have the MM300 for my big boy diver. Im sure you will enjoy your Marathon!

[@Leturane]

Good job on the review, I really like the underwater shots. I was looking at this model and cant decide between 36&41 mm with that said my vote goes to the 36mm as for when I will get it it is another story hahaha

[@mr.ethings1545]

I have pretty small wrist and even then some have said it looks small on me so take that as you will. I already have larger dive watches so I was intentionally drawn to the small size.

[@JLUnit416]

I lusted after a Marinemaster 300 after doing a 180 on divers. I was aware of Marathon before, but I never seriously considered one until seeing this review. Now, I have an MSAR on the way. Partially because I want to support a Canadian business, partially because I think the Seiko would be a tad large but mostly because I know I would baby the Seiko.

[@mr.ethings1545]

The MSAR is a great choice especially if you like a nice compact diver! I hope this doesn't discourage you but I had a girl ask me last week if I was wearing a woman watch haha! But I find the small size with its big capabilities to be its appeal!
As far as having to baby the Marine Master, I would say don't worry about it! I would get a Marine Master hoping to flip or even retain its value. As a tool watch it has been great. I knock it around and have metal loops that scrape on the watch as I put on my gear and honestly you cant really tell, the watch and finishing has help up superbly!
Either way, I am sure you will enjoy your new diver!

[@JLUnit416]

@@mr.ethings1545 I actually got to a point where I thought, "I should probably own both", but reality set in....
Thanks for the content, though. I must have rewatched this review, as well as your MM 300 review like a half a dozen times.

[@mr.ethings1545]

@@JLUnit416 I am glad either way that I could help!
I honestly still go back and forth between the two. Marine Master is back on the wrist for the last week but it was all MSAR for the last few months! It says a lot that the MSAR holds its own against the MARINE MASTER!

[@JLUnit416]

@@mr.ethings1545 LOL, so I just finished rewatching it again (living vicariously through reviews while waiting for it to arrive, I guess) and I was reminded of another reason why I went with a Marathon; servicing.

[@mr.ethings1545]

@@JLUnit416 Oh you know this is a great point. I finally took my Marine Master to a Seiko Service center because I am not so confindent tinkering with the "Grand Seiko" movement inside.
After a month I go to pick up the watch and the bezel feels weird and mushy. I tell them that there is something off so they take it in the back to a technichian. He comes out and says its all done and he injected some grease under to bezel. No the bezel moves back and forth like Bi-Directional. I tell them that this is not normal, like I am having to explain to the tech that a dive watch cannot have a bi-directional bezel. I noticed on the receipt that they replace the click spring in the bezel so i tell them to just put the original back on. They take it back and then the tech comes out and says oops he used the wrong spring and put in a new one.
In the end the watch is fine but it was also over $200 to service. The marathon can be servicd by any competent watchman as it is a very common movement, the case can also easily be opened by yourself. Thanks for reminding me haha that is a very good point!

[@paulsmithchannel]

Excellent video. Very thorough. That watch is absolutely perfect for your wrist size. Looks beautiful.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you very much! Yes there aren't many new dive watches in this size!

[@kellymendonsa6442]

Good review , I just ordered one so this helped me feel I made a wise choice 👍👍👍

[@mr.ethings1545]

you definitely made a wise choice!

[@warsaw501]

This 36mm diver has not been received much attention from watch community while there were always need for small diver watch. Good review!

[@mr.ethings1545]

Yes I agree this watch and the Marathon Company as a whole! I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@pompeylad1977]

Thanks very much for the great review, very detailed, I was most interested in the size, I too have a 6.5” wrist have also have an SKX so took a screenshot to compare when I next wear my SKX, thanks very much, superb review 😁👍🏻

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you and I am glad you enjoyed the review! I like using the SKX007 as a comparison as I think most people that are fans of dive watches will have at least one of these in their collection!

[@pompeylad1977]

Totally agree, the SKX is a proper classic, a legend that most people have or know well so it’s a great comparison of scale ⌚️😁👍🏻

[@glowworker]

Wish a no date version was available. Also, love that it comes in white dial!

[@mr.ethings1545]

Yes! A no date would be awesome, at least the date doesnt replace any of the hour markers!
If I would do it again, I would get the White dial for my MSAR since white face will make the watch look larger, then get a black face for the larger size!

[@megasoid]

Why would you not consider a tritium watch which glows for 24/7 over the course of about 25 years with no external charge needed? The Seiko's glow will be dead and gone long before night is over. I own a Marathon general purpose watch and wonder why I didn't go this route sooner. Good review, thank you.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you for your comment! I agree mostly with what you're saying but the biggest let down for me was when using the watch during night dives. It could also be because it is the smallest sized Marathon diver, but the little tritium tubes were really hard to see underwater.
With traditional lumed dive watches, on a night dive you will hold the flashlight up the lumed watch face or even our lumed depth gauges/lumed compasses without looking directly at the light. Then you will turn the light away as not to ruin your night vision and then look at the bright freshly charged lumed hands of the watch/gauge to read it. This is something you cannot do currently with the MSAR. Only the Pip is lumed. It would be cool if they made the hands a mix of tritium/lume paint.
BUT as a military watch, with land movements at night under night vision or in a low light environment (submarine) i believe that tritium is a better choice than lume!

[@adamsmithproperties2528]

Love marathon watches, great stuff

[@mr.ethings1545]

Agreed! I bought the Marathon GPM, loved it and a week later bought the MSAR!

[@TheHarjaap]

Amazing video! Thanks for this.

[@mr.ethings1545]

You're very welcome! Thank you for taking a look!

[@Adrian_999]

I am thinking about getting a SAR … i am just not convinced yed whether i want automatic or quartz…. i mean the whole idea of the watch is to be made for the hard jobs… i figured a quartz movement could be the better fit for this … did you try to put yours through some „difficult situations“ and could you tell me how that automatic movement holds up?

[@mr.ethings1545]

the most difficult situations I put my MSAR through would be things like diving with is more strain on the case than the movement. If you are worried about stain on the movement then you are probably more concerned about vibrations. If think you will be encountering sudden shock to the watch then I would say the definitely quartz is more reliable.
Not only are there less parts to break but also heavy shocks and vibrations will mess with the automatic movement. If you are looking for something rugged that will tell the time reliably...get a gshock hahahha but in all honestly the quartz is more reliable but i havent had anything wrong with my auto TBH i feel more enjoyment looking at my Auto movements then my quartz.

[@Adrian_999]

@@mr.ethings1545 Thank you for the reply!
I agree 100% that a quartz watch is never as cool as a mechanical one. I wouldnt mind getting some little scratches on the case if i had that watch i am more concerned about for example the vibrations when riding a Harley…

[@mr.ethings1545]

@@Adrian_999 if you're concerned about the survivability of an automatic watch while riding your Harley I'm sure it will be fine. You might have some deviation in your accuracy but I have no doubt the watch can take it!

[@Adrian_999]

@@mr.ethings1545 Thanks a lot thats what i wanted to hear haha… i dont mind the accuracy being off a little as long as i dont have to get the movement fixed all the time. i think i ll get me one some time.

[@CleverSmart123]

Great detailed review, thanks!

[@mr.ethings1545]

thank you very much for the kind words!

[@DarthPlaya]

Good video, Thumbs up given. One con: It's a shame you didn't have a different watch to compare it to. Maybe something else with Trit Tubes. Continuously comparing it to a watch with traditional lume like the Marine Master is unfair and is like comparing an apple to an aardvark!

[@mr.ethings1545]

Agreed, I am disappointed that I also didnt get to test it on a night dive before doing the review, organizing diving trips has been a little difficult lately. The only tritium watches I have for now are from Marathon.
If its any consolation, I absolutely love my MSAR, I have been wearing it everyday for the last few months, except when I switch to my Marathon GPM when I play tennis!

[@yentingchen]

This would be a perfect everyday diver if it had AR coating.

[@mr.ethings1545]

But without the AR coating, it makes a great signaling mirror for rare Search and Rescue emergencies hahahh

[@challenger516]

Nice new channel, subscribed

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you so much Patrick, I really appreciate that! 🙏🙏🙏

[@choiceindot]

it's a shame that the 23 and 13 inside the watch is not symmetrical with the number 19 and 17..

[@JorgeLopez-en4ux]

I just ordered Mine

[@mr.ethings1545]

You're going to love it! Im wearing mine now! Just know that it will will wear a little small. The only thing about this watch that I hear people complain about it that it being smaller than they expected. I have 6.5 inch wrist just FYI and I think its just right! Maybe a little small but I like that

[@hansspiegl8684]

Very, very helpful review! Thank you!

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you very much I am glad you enjoyed the review!

[@FeralCompanions.]

Great review. I just got mine and it is running a -5 seconds a day. I wanted to regulate it a bit. Did you replace the gasket when you cracked open the case? And if so, which size is the gasket? Thanks.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you very much! Mine was also running a little slow. No I didnt replace the gasket and I opened and closed it a few times. I put a little silicone grease on it the first time and that was it. If youre familiar with diving, its the same kind of treatment you would give your underwater torch or camera housing!
Havent dont deep suba diving with it, but have taking it free diving to 15 meters and havent had any problems!!

[@ryan.dabbles]

Curious to know what thickness wetsuit + glove combo you’re using. I dive with a 7mm wetsuit and a pair of 3mm gloves and I want to know if the diver’s extension is long enough for me to use diving.

[@mr.ethings1545]

oh, I think my wetsuit alone is 3mm and gloves maybe 1.5 - 2mm. I think you will definitely need to move to a silicone or nato strap to get that kind of extension

[@patrickmilbank4105]

Brilliant review great content 👍

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you very much! I hope to be hitting the water again soon so I can create more content!

[@spartyjames5231]

Good review! Thanks!

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you very much! And thank you for checking out the channel!

[@oliverallen5324]

Complete service is $290. Tritium(H^3) has a half life of 12 years, so a service every 10 years or so will do you fine and keeping it looking and feeling new.

[@mr.ethings1545]

oh thats great to hear! $300 every decade is not too bad hahh!

[@almog3875]

Without shipping 👀
I wonder how much it is for people overseas to send it.

[@patricktettero5964]

Hi
I have the arctic 36mm.
I feel the crown a bit rough when winding and it's wind when it screw in. How is your wind and thougts about the crown action?

[@mr.ethings1545]

It's definitely rougher than my Seiko Marine Master but I would say it's on par with my Longines using an ETA movement which is similar to the movement in the Marathon so I don't think you have anything to worry about. But in general, it's discouraged to hand wind auntmatic watches. A few turns with the crown to get it started then it's better to let the internal rotor do the rest of the winding. Cheers!

[@choond]

Great video! 👍

[@mr.ethings1545]

thank you very much! So sorry for the late reply. I try to replay to all the comments and I usually do. I just recently found that UA-cam has a section where they have all the commonts that have not been replied to and I missed so many!

[@kingcold7138]

Nice review! How do the bracelet edges feel, are they sharp?

[@mr.ethings1545]

Thank you. No the bracelet edges are not that sharp!

[@bozartg]

Once your eyes adjust, H3 works much better than lume. Also, the odds you'll be using this watch 25 years from now is low.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Ya the likely hood that I wouldnt have fallen in love with another watch in 25 years in nearly impossible hahah

[@jamessanders2525]

Does the vulcanised rubber band still smell like vanilla?, the msar quartz I had years ago had a band that smells like vanilla haha

[@TexasBulldog74]

When i first took the back off my GSAR to better regulate the movement that freaking ring fell out and scared the hell out of me LOL

[@mr.ethings1545]

Hahah I know what you mean! I used to work on cars and bikes and it seems whenever a bolt or nut falls it just disappears into another dimension if you're not visually tracking it! hahaha Alwasy helps to not have a cluttered station

[@Matt28NJ]

Apologies if I missed it - what size wrist do you have?

[@mr.ethings1545]

No problem! I have 6.5 inch (16.25 cm) wrists

[@elchibrolito4217]

Are the numbers on the bezel easy to read while diving ?? They seem quite small...

[@mr.ethings1545]

They are small relative to larger watches but they are not hard to read at all! But it should be noted that I have 20/20 vision!

[@elchibrolito4217]

@@mr.ethings1545 thanks

[@manzencow9582]

Chrystal on mine is unevenly set on the 9 o'clock side.

[@mr.ethings1545]

oh no! If you get a crystal press or take it to a watch repair person they maybe able to level it out for you. It is not hard to remove and reseat a watch crystal! I hope it works out!

[@manzencow9582]

@@mr.ethings1545 marathon actually offered to send me a new one after this one arrives back to them. Great company.

[@mr.ethings1545]

@@manzencow9582 ya they really are top notch! There is a pretty great Marathon Watch Group on Facebook that's fun! You should check it out!

[@whyFINAL]

Funny enough, it was life span of the tritium that put me off :-Dbcs maybe im looking for more simple watch, that can (with proper service) stay with me whole life and i can pass it on my children someday :) …. but still amazingly good looking watch tho! I was so close from buying it…. maybe ill try just some second hand quartz version for fun :) I just like the tool/tactical look!

[@mr.ethings1545]

I totally hear you. For an item that I want to last "forever", knowing that the tritium will eventually go dark is a turn off. Luckily their are so many alternative in the dive watch space. For something robust but not too expensive, Citizen makes some great pieces!

[@whyFINAL]

@@mr.ethings1545 So far my favorite/dream watch is new Longines Hydroconquest 39 mm with ceramic

[@mr.ethings1545]

@@whyFINAL for your spec, I think this watch suits you more!

[@boston961]

Great review !! Do you think the 36mm would be good on a 6 1/2 inch wrist ? . Many thanks

[@mr.ethings1545]

no problem! I have around a 6 1/4 inch wrist and some people have even said it looks small on me so if youre a little concerned with the size I am sure you will be happy with the 40mm version

[@boston961]

@@mr.ethings1545 thanks for the reply , just spoke with marathon UK and they advised the 41mm with my wrist size

[@mr.ethings1545]

@@boston961 oh ya 41mm perfect!

[@boston961]

@@mr.ethings1545 kinda concerned about the weight as looks pretty junky but going to go for it lol

[@thetimebombardier]

nice review mate, I've been thinking about getting a marathon for a while but many people say their qc isn't great, how's your experience with it several months later?

[@mr.ethings1545]

Hello! I have not had any bad experiences with marathon at all but every company deals with lemons. In my experience the company responds well to complaints. They are even active on the marathon fb page!

[@thetimebombardier]

@@mr.ethings1545 nice one thanks mate :)

[@cartesian_doubt6230]

Not sure why you'd buy a 36 and not a 41.

[@danielhovet5675]

you send them the watch and they replace the tritium.

[@mr.ethings1545]

Ya im sure they will. Its not like the glow in the dark paint they use in other watches dont also fade over time

[@aquaxbat]

What’s your wrist size?

[@mr.ethings1545]

Hello! At the time of the video my wrist was around 16 cm(6.3 inches) i believe

[@aquaxbat]

@@mr.ethings1545 thanks!

[@brianbuchert1521]

The lume on watches in my opinion are worthless! It all dims in just a short amount of time and to be honest the tritium tubes in my luminox are just as bright than my seiko after a cpl hrs

[@mr.ethings1545]

I think for what this watch was designed for (military) it is really perfect as the watch hands are always visible to the wearer. Not too bright and not too dim. On my seiko marinemaster, i have had it where I have gone into a movie theater during the day and the lume is actually too bright and even distracting to people around me. I can imagine the being a real no no in a "tactical" situation. Luckily i don't have that problem hahah

[@jimwashington860]

Pressed clap?

[@mr.ethings1545]

The clasp? It's stamped steel

[@jimwashington860]

What size is the clasp I want to replace with a milled one

[@ryanmontisnlp]

That clasp is such a disappointment, especially in 2022. We're seeing proper fully-milled clasps on $150 Chinese watches and they put that cheapo stamped nonsense on a $1000+ Swiss-made watch that is otherwise outstanding. A shame.

[@mr.ethings1545]

agreed that I would have like to see a better clasp especially at that price. On the up side, the clasp has never failed me in all my activities but yes at that price it is a let down. The worst part is the very thin metal used on the locking latch on the clasp :( I love marathon and hope they can make improvements in this area in the future

[@ryanmontisnlp]

@@mr.ethings1545 Agree with you, brother. Marathon does exceptional work. I suspect they just haven't updated the clasp from a time when such designs were still more acceptable and common on mid-tier watches. Would probably pull the trigger on an MSAR today if it had a proper clasp (and ideally a red maple leaf arctic dial).