JDD NGM Diver Automatic 46mm - Bracelet Ref. WW194021SS-0109

Marathon Watch might be new to some, but not to military watch fanatics like us. This Swiss watchmaker has been well-received by collectors as one of the few brands that craft timepieces for militaries, including the United States and Canadian armies, for almost 70 years.

Delving into the rich history of this watchmaker, we discovered that the brand we now know to be Marathon was founded in 1904 as Weinsturm Watch, which was later renamed Wein Brothers. In 1939, Morris Wein founded the brand and supplied fine timepieces famed for their precision throughout North America. Since the 1940s, Marathon has been manufacturing time instruments for the Allied Forces. 

Marathon JDD NGM Diver Automatic 46mm - Bracelet Ref. WW194021SS

Today, the horological baton has been passed on to the fourth generation of the Wein family, strengthening the brand’s reputation by producing a wide range of instruments that measure time, temperature and distance. Marathon watches combine military durability with Swiss engineering and craftsmanship to ensure the highest quality and precision. All these traits can be seen in the Marathon Jumbo Day/Date we are introducing today.

The Jumbo Day/Date Automatic has a hefty 46mm diameter, a height of 17mm and a lug-to-lug of approximately 55mm. Yes, this is a big watch, and it is unashamed of being one. Despite its large size, the wristwatch wears rather well and is comfortable on the wrist, although it will take some getting used to. It is indeed a no holds barred “look-at-my-chunky-sports-watch” timepiece.

Made in Switzeland, Approved by US Government

However, the mammoth nature of the wristwatch is not without reason. The Jumbo Day/Date is built to military specifications and certified as a Government Search and Rescue (GSAR) timepiece issued to GSAR personnel. The larger dial aids in readability for such personnel, helping them complete their missions successfully. The 316L stainless steel case is entirely satin-brushed to add to its tool-ish nature.

As a dive watch, the Marathon Jumbo Day/Date Automatic also has a unidirectional dive time bezel to help track elapsed time. Unlike standard dive watches, the Jumbo Day/Date bezel is extra-high and is designed to be used with gloves. The matte black dial features Arabic-numeral indices throughout, except for the 3 o’clock position where a rapid-change day/date aperture is present. Syringe-style hands are used here, while a 24-hour counter is printed on the chapter ring. The wonderfully knurled screw-down crown and caseback give the timepiece a healthy 300m water resistance. A piece of scratch-resistance sapphire is also affixed atop the dial, adding to the watch’s durability. 

Full satin-brushed finishing throughout its 46mm case

Marathon has applied 16 encapsulated tritium gas tubes with MaraGlo™ on its hour markers and syringe-style handset, allowing one to view the time with maximum legibility even when you are in the dark for more than 24 hours as there is a constant emission of light. The tritium gas tubes make charging conventional Superluminova by external light sources redundant and can last up to 25 years. 

Powering the Jumbo Day/Date Automatic Bracelet is the tried and tested Swiss ETA 2836-2 movement. The ETA 2836-2 movement has been in use for decades and is the cousin of the famed ETA 2824-2 calibre used in many watches, the only difference being an extra day complication. It has 25 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH and has a power reserve of roughly 42 hours.

Tritium gas tubes and MaraGlow™ that glows 24 hours

Marathon has paired the Jumbo Day/Date Automatic on a 22mm stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is thick and robust, which suits the profile of the timepiece, allowing it to wear comfortably on the wrist without feeling top-heavy. The bracelet tapers ever so slightly to a signed Marathon folding clasp. 

All in all, Marathon timepieces are manufactured with the utmost care and undergo stringent quality checks before they are launched. This attention to detail and finesse is embodied in the Jumbo Day/Date Automatic, which bears testament to the expertise of the Swiss watchmaker. The Marathon Jumbo Day/Date combines military toughness with Swiss craftsmanship in a watch that will get the job done and look good doing it.

Video is not available