Marathon GSAR Watch - any bad experiences ??

mckrob

mckrob

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I am looking at buying a Marathon GSAR watch, I've read nothing but glowing reviews about this watch.

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I am not looking for a recommendation for another make/model of watch, only curious if anyone has had any problems or bad experiences with their Marathon GSAR, or any other Marathon watch.


Thanks in advance.
Rob
 
I have a T-SAR and the only minor complaint I have is that on mine the bezel does not line up properly. If you look at the pic here you can see how the 30 does not line up with the 6 at the bottom. I didn't notice it at first until I read about other people having the same thing. Depending on where you buy it from if you get one like that you should be able to return it. Otherwise no problems with it at all :thumbup::thumbup:.
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I've never had a problem with my GSAR or Navigator's, and they get worn all the time. Go for it, you can't go wrong. :D :thumbup:
 
Got one myself and LOVE it ! ! ! If you can spring for the metal band it's a work of art :D
 
I've got the automatic version, my only complaint is without a watchwinder it will run down in about 36 hours. Other then that, best I've ever owned.
 
I wonder why the CountyComm price is so much higher than the stated price on the GSA website. Looking at the Chronograph, its 1375 on GSA and 2700 at countycomm.... are they making $1300 on the sale to us?
 
Usually, if I recall correctly, you have to be approved to buy or sell via GSA list, Countycomm can sell to us all.
 
Try www DOT westcoastime DOT com

He is awesome to deal with and usually has a few about including the new GIANT TSAR ! ! !
 
I've had several problems with it. As stated above the power reserve seems to be a bit short as far as ETA 2824's go, 36 hours seems about right, mine may even be less. I probably just got a unlucky one but it needed to be repaired a bit more than a year after purchase so it was out of warranty. I repaired it and had it lubed and regulated by a respected watchmaker. Now 8 months later the thing is skipping again as I wind it. Keeps decent time but I will have to send it in again and see what warranty is available. The tubes glow wonderfully.

The Chrono version is highly sought after and a bit difficult to get. Mine of course is the 3 handed version. I find the dial a bit crowded but prefer the glowing tubes to the less cluttered version that uses luminova on the hands. This is especially effective in very low light situations such as dawn where my Orange Monster for example will barely be readable even though initially of course the Monster glows quite intense. I keep the GSAR by my bed regardless of if I wore it that day or not.

The rubber band, (it is natural rubber) is one of the most comfortable I have ever worn. This is the only watch of this size 42mm that I have actually fallen asleep while wearing. The bracelet appears very popular, I don't own one but others seem to enjoy that large hunk of metal on their wrist.

If there was a date code on the back it means the watch was made to be sold to the public and not issued by a government. Hope this helps...
 
i have heard only good about marathon and plan to get one sooner or later for when i bike/hunt/etc & dont wanna wear my rolex, i prefer the ones with the band though vs the strap.
 
The TSAR sell to the GOVT for 367.00 So they are selling them to the public for a 100% markup. I email Marthon once and asked if they would sell to the public and they stated NO.
 
they might say they have a military dicount or something and civilians get the MSRP, maybe?
 
I had one. It was a very nice watch for the money, really a nice wrist presence. I think overall the quality is quite high for the money.
 
ok, a couple things, a few of you have mentioned the Gov price vs. the sale price. Well I can't speak for Marathon, but I know other companies will sell to the Gov on contract for barely above cost, so the price you all are seeing on the GSA website should be right around cost(the cost it took to make the watch) and then the sale price is how they make money

on to the watch, I bought mine used, and thus far I have loved it, especially the natural rubber band. I have always hated how plastic/rubber watch bands have those raised ribs, they do nothing but catch dirt and are uncomfortable to me. So the nice flat flexible Marathon band is superb. It glows very bright, and keeps time well. and it looks pretty dang snazzy too, I like mine alot.
 
I have the Marathon JSAR and love it. I am one of those guys who look for that "perfect" for me items, be it a edc knife, or bag, or pistol, watch, sunglasses, flashlight, ect. ect. ect.;) well I called of the search for the perfect watch when I got my JSAR. I added the stainless steel band for every day use and I love it. Zero problems with it so far. I would absolutely recommend Marathon watches. Get you a couple of extra bands for different occasions and you're good to go.
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damn those are good looking watches.

beauty is a subjective thing, but imho the marathons are the best looking watch around for less than $1200 or $1500, my favorite watch till ya get into the $1500 or so range then its a sinn diver, but to me they really look cool for ~$500 or so, a darned well made watch too FWIW a bud has had one for a few yrs now and no probs at all.
 
I have a Tsar and wish I had just gone for a Gsar as I eventually got into the hobby more and plopped down more money for an auto. Sadly the auto has painted lume and not tritium so it is a bit harder to read in the morning with out my glasses on.

The only thing close to a problem with my Tsar is the long crown at the 3'oclock position. With my skinny wrist it tends to dig into my hand when I am bending it... easily solved by wearing it tighter and higher.
 
I just wanted to thank everyone for their responses, I think the comments have confirmed what I alread knew from my research; Marathon makes a great product. Your comments have solidified my decision to purchase, I should have my new GSAR by the end of November, stay tuned for a review !
 
a deadly fart said:
I have a Tsar and wish I had just gone for a Gsar as I eventually got into the hobby more and plopped down more money for an auto. Sadly the auto has painted lume and not tritium so it is a bit harder to read in the morning with out my glasses on.

The only thing close to a problem with my Tsar is the long crown at the 3'oclock position. With my skinny wrist it tends to dig into my hand when I am bending it... easily solved by wearing it tighter and higher.
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You must have picked up the original SAR which has the Maraglo instead of the tritium. The G-SAR is the auto version with the tritium. I'd still like to pick up the SAR one of these days.
 
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