In the world of tactical gear, a military watch holds a special place. It’s not just about keeping time—it’s about precision, reliability, and the ability to function in environments where failure is not an option. The Marathon OSAR-D represents this philosophy perfectly. Engineered for performance, this timepiece reflects decades of experience in crafting watches for professionals who operate under pressure.
Whether you’re diving into the unknown, navigating through remote landscapes, or working in a high-risk environment, the Marathon OSAR-D is more than a watch — it’s a trusted partner.
The Story Behind the Marathon Watch
To appreciate what makes the OSAR-D so compelling, it’s important to understand the heritage of Marathon Watch. Founded in 1939, Marathon has been supplying military-grade timepieces to armed forces and government agencies for generations. Unlike many brands that market “military-inspired” watches, Marathon creates actual military-issue watches, trusted by professionals in the field.
Marathon watches are designed with input from those who rely on them: divers, medics, pilots, and special operations teams. That collaboration ensures every feature serves a purpose. The OSAR-D, short for Official Search and Rescue – Diver, is a perfect embodiment of this approach.
Built for Harsh Conditions
From the outside, the Marathon OSAR-D has a bold and utilitarian presence. It’s built using 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, a material known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic properties. This makes it ideal for extended wear in both land and marine environments.
With a 41mm case, the watch is solid but not oversized, offering a reassuring heft without compromising comfort. Its unidirectional bezel allows divers and professionals to track elapsed time with confidence—an essential feature in environments where accuracy matters.
The OSAR-D is water-resistant to 300 meters (30 ATM), meeting professional dive watch standards. The screw-down crown and case back reinforce its integrity against water and debris, ensuring the movement stays protected even during deep underwater missions.
Focus on Legibility
In critical situations, being able to glance at the time can be vital. That’s why the Marathon OSAR-D is engineered with legibility at its core.
The dial features bold Arabic numerals and oversized hands, designed for quick readability. The watch also uses tritium gas tubes—self-illuminating markers that glow without needing an external light source. Unlike conventional luminescent paint, which fades over time or requires charging by light, tritium maintains a consistent glow for up to 25 years.
This feature is particularly valuable for night operations, cave diving, or power outages, offering uninterrupted visibility in all lighting conditions. The sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance and clarity, enhances legibility while protecting the dial from wear and impact.
Swiss Precision Inside
At the heart of the OSAR-D is a Swiss-made automatic movement, the Sellita SW200-1. It’s a reliable and accurate engine that provides smooth timekeeping and a 38-hour power reserve. For professionals who prefer not to rely on batteries, this automatic movement offers peace of mind.
The movement features a hacking seconds function, allowing the wearer to stop the second hand when setting the time. This is especially useful for synchronizing watches during coordinated missions or operations.
For those who prefer quartz over automatic, Marathon also offers a quartz variant of the OSAR-D, renowned for its even greater timekeeping precision with minimal maintenance.
A Watch for More Than Just Professionals
Although the OSAR-D was designed with military and rescue teams in mind, it has become increasingly popular with civilians who value ruggedness and reliability in their everyday lives.
- Outdoor adventurers appreciate the durability and water resistance when hiking, camping, or navigating extreme environments.
- Divers and water sports enthusiasts benefit from the professional-grade dive specs and visibility underwater.
- First responders and emergency workers trust the OSAR-D for its resilience and readability in unpredictable situations.
- Watch collectors admire the OSAR-D for its authentic military heritage and functional design.
This is a watch that doesn’t just look tactical—it’s designed to function in real-life conditions where reliability matters.
Why the OSAR-D Stands Out in a Crowded Field
There are many rugged watches available today, but few are built to actual military standards. The Marathon OSAR-D sets itself apart by delivering authentic performance backed by decades of military supply experience.
Everything about this watch is purpose-driven. From the self-illuminating tritium markers to the corrosion-resistant case and Swiss movement, each element serves a practical role. It doesn’t try to impress with gimmicks—it proves its worth through durability, functionality, and simplicity.
And that’s what many users want today: a watch that does what it’s supposed to, without unnecessary features or distractions.