Marathon Red Maple Anthracite GSAR celebrates Canada Day
The Marathon Red Maple Anthracite GSAR celebrates Canada Day (Canada's birthday) and is a limited edition timepiece that tells a captivating story of history, service and pride.
Many years ago, Marathon embarked on a journey to create something truly special for the Canadian Department of Defence, inspired by the 140th year of Canadian confederation. The result was the Red Maple GSAR, a limited edition masterpiece that has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts around the world. It quickly became a sell-out success, leaving its mark on the watchmaking landscape.
However, during a recent examination of Marathon's NOS (New Old Stock) at their factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, they made a surprising discovery: a set of raw red maple dials, preserved and intact. They just knew they had to use them for something special.
These preserved dials have now been reincarnated in the GSAR Red Maple Anthracite. A limited quantity of just 72 watches was created, ensuring their exclusivity and rarity. This will be the last time Marathon will use these precious red maple dials, as such, it is guaranteed that this version will remain forever unique and irreplaceable.
The original Red Maple GSAR featured a distinctive red foil maple leaf reflective applique. These 72 timepieces will represent the final embodiment of that design choice, making them a true collector's item. Featuring a new caseback engraved with the Canadian Army motto “Vigilamus Pro Te” meaning “We Stand Watch for You,” this timepiece is a symbol of Canadian tradition and pride. The GSAR Red Maple Anthracite is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to excellence that the Marathon Watch Company represents.
And as part of Marathon's commitment to supporting communities in need, 5% of all sales will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross to provide wildfire relief in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
LET'S GO INTO THE DETAILS AND KNOW THE WATCH AND ITS VOCATION WELL:
The Marathon Search & Rescue (SAR) dive watch is built to ISO 6425 standards and manufactured to US Government MIL-SPEC specifications. Designed for use by search and rescue divers and issued to the United States Marine Corps, the Marathon Search & Rescue Dive Watch is a watch built to withstand the most extreme conditions.
The GSAR or "Government Search and Rescue" dive watch is officially issued to many military personnel in the United States and numerous NATO forces around the world. The NATO serial number is 6645-21-558-0133.
It is water resistant up to 30 ATM - 300 meters (1000 feet) underwater. Constructed from 316L surgical grade stainless steel, the watch is a high-quality, purpose-built timepiece that will reliably accompany you wherever you take it. The robust case, with solid countersunk crown guards, has been completely sandblasted and then treated with an all-black anodizing treatment that is three times harder than stainless steel, giving it a striking stealth appearance.
The matte black dial displays both 12-hour and 24-hour military-style time with a date window at the 4:30 position. The dial is protected with a scratch-resistant flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating to ensure that the dial can be easily read even under direct sunlight or deep underwater.
The extra thick 120-click unidirectional bezel features wide grooves that allow it to rotate in all conditions, even when wearing gloves underwater. While the black anodized bezel insert is engraved with white 60-minute markings for clear visibility and has a MaraGlo luminous triangular dot at the 12 o'clock position. The knurled screw-down crown is adjustable even with wet hands or while wearing gloves.
The Marathon GSAR Search and Rescue dive watch is handcrafted in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland to ensure the highest level of quality and precision in manufacturing. The watch is powered by a 26 jewel Swiss-made Marathon M2 automatic movement made by Sellita, which ensures a very reliable and precise timekeeping experience.
GSAR uses self-contained tritium gas tubes to ensure constant visibility in low-light situations. A gas tube is placed on each hour indicator and each vial-shaped hand. MaraGlo luminescence is used for the 12-hour bezel indicator. Tritium tubes are self-luminous gas tubes that contain an isotope of hydrogen, meaning they don't dim the brightness like regular photoluminescent paint which requires an external light source to create a glow.
The watch is equipped with a high-quality and extremely comfortable vulcanized rubber strap with the Marathon emblem engraved on one of the keepers.
The Marathon GSAR Search & Rescue dive watch combines military ruggedness with Swiss craftsmanship in a watch that will get the job done and look good doing it.
Key Parameters:
Laminated application of red maple leaves on the dial
Matte black dial with tritium gas tubes
Black anodized 316L satin stainless steel case
Black vulcanized rubber strap
Flat sapphire crystal
Swiss made Marathon M2 automatic movement
Limited edition of 72 pieces
Reference WW194006BK-0430
Technical data:
Swiss Made Marathon M2 Automatic Movement Made by Sellita - Bi-Directional Self-Winding Movement, 28,800 BPH Frequency, 4 Hz, 26 Jewels, Incabloc Shock Protection, 38 Hour Typical Power Reserve, Hacking, Manual Winding, Quick Date Adjustment
Date window at 4:30
Black anodized sandblasted 316L stainless steel case
Screwed black anodized 316L stainless steel caseback
Diameter 41 mm, 48 mm from handle to handle, 14 mm thick
20mm lug width with drilled lug holes for convenient strap changes
The dial features a red foiled maple leaf appliqué
Luminous dial: Self-illuminating encapsulated tritium gas tubes (H3 isotope) that illuminate without needing to be charged by an external light source
The 12 o'clock bezel triangle uses MaraGlo™ paint for low-light viewing
12 and 24 hour markers on the dial
Unidirectional 120 click bezel with 60 minute markers
Black anodized 316L stainless steel bezel with engraved black anodized insert
Knurled 316L stainless steel screw-down crown
Scratch-resistant flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance 300 meters/30 atmospheres
Vulcanized black rubber strap (20 mm) with signed buckle
NATO stock number 6645-21-558-0133 engraved on the case back
Each watch is individually numbered
Canada Day Limited Edition of 72 Pieces
Made in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland
2 year international factory warranty
