Description

Original Search and Rescue (SAR) Military Watch: Here is an original SAR watch made by Marathon Watch Company for a 2006 contract!  This was the last year of production for this famous version of the Search and Rescue watch.  First introduced in 2000, the  Marathon SAR was produced for Canadian Coast Guard units.  It became very popular with military and law enforcement units worldwide.  During 2006, the now-famous GSAR was introduced and by 2007 had completely taken the original SAR’s place.

This is the original SAR which was rated for 1000 foot submersion. It is a nice sized watch. The movement is an ETA 2824-A2. The crystal is sapphire – 2.8mm thick x 30.50mm diameter. The case is cut from solid 316L stainless steel and is approximately 46.0mm in diameter. The unidirectional bezel diameter is 41.10mm and case height is 13.85mm.

The steel back of the Marathon original SAR has full military markings. Screw down crown is deep knurled. The total weight of the watch head is 93.1 grams.  Supplied with an original steel bracelet with Canada maple leaf with some swirls from rubbing on the desk and daily wear (these could be polished out the next time the watch is serviced…I left them as they look in keeping with the vintage age of the watch).  The watch features an ETA 2824-A2 engraved with Marathon Watch Co. and an improved 120 click uni-directional rotating bezel (early SARs had a 60 click bezel….120 clicks allow for more precise timing alignment).

This example has been nicely cared for and appears to be completely original.  The hour, minute, and second hands have taken on a lovely slightly off white patina which makes the watch have a lovely vintage appearance.  The watch was purchased from the original owner who indicated the watch had been serviced twice since new.  The watch runs well and is in excellent cosmetic condition (see the previous comment about swirls on clasp).

 Nice example of Marathon’s original SAR!