The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

I have a fascinating watch in my hands, and I'm delighted to review it for you.

This isn't just any watch; it's a piece of horological and military history. It's a Marathon General Purpose Mechanical (GPM) model, designed for the US Army just before Operation Desert Shield in Iraq and manufactured in September 1990. The fact that it bears the legacy of the collaboration with Gallet, a historic Swiss manufacturer, gives it an extra dimension and a unique soul.
Its 34.5mm khaki-colored fiberglass case is one of its most interesting features. It's incredibly light and discreet (29 grams when checked on the scale), making it extremely comfortable to wear. I love this functional aspect. The dial is very clean and clear, with 12- and 24-hour markings. The 'H3' symbol for tritium reminds me that it's designed to be read even in total darkness (it unfortunately no longer illuminates). Finally, its FHF hand-wound movement is a little treasure in itself. I love the little ritual of having to wind it every day; it creates a special bond with it.

The end of an era

Ah, the Moonswatch "Earth Phase"! It's like Omega and Swatch thought, "Hey, what if we took the icon of space exploration and disguised it as... something that started in a Tupperware factory?"
Honestly, this watch has about as much connection to planet Earth as an astronaut having a nightmare has to a fruit salad. "Earth Phase"? But where's the "Monday morning traffic jam" or "bitchy electricity bill" phase? No, instead, we get a lunar gray dial (ironically) with a small Earth sketch that looks like it was colored in by a five-year-old on a rainy day.
And that "Bioceramic" case! It looks like the result of an unnatural union between a Lego set and an expired yogurt. It's lightweight, sure, but it exudes the solidity of a house of cards in a light breeze. I feel like if I bang it too hard against a table, it'll disintegrate into rainbow unicorn dust.
Talk about the Velcro strap! It's so "casual" that I think it'll come off at the first vigorous handshake. And that plastic buckle... it looks like it was salvaged from a school bag.
But wait, there's a chronograph! Yes, because when you're observing the Earth from space (well, from your couch), it's absolutely crucial to be able to measure short intervals of time. Like, the time it takes for the cat to finish its food.
So, yes, it's an Omega Speedmaster... well, a kind of Speedmaster that's gone on a draconian diet and swapped its precious steel for biodegradable plastic (well, I hope so for the planet). It's a bit like taking a Rolls-Royce and giving it a cardboard body. The intention is there, but the result... let's just say you have to have a certain sense of humor (or be a very, very forgiving collector) to fully appreciate it.
In short, the Moonswatch "Earth Phase": for those who dream of going to the Moon, but who mostly feel like they've landed on another planet in terms of design and materials. But hey, at least it tells the time! (I hope so. I haven't dared check too closely yet, for fear it might fall apart.)


Rainbow Unicorn?

Highlights:
The timeless elegance of the Reverso: It's its DNA, its undeniable charm. This rectangular, pivoting case is an icon. We never tire of it. On the wrist, it has a stunning presence, both discreet and sophisticated. It's the kind of watch that whispers class rather than shouts it.
The dial, beautifully understated: This model has a clear, easily legible dial with elegant Arabic numerals. There's a certain purity to the design, no unnecessary frills. You can sense the attention to detail and the quality of the finish.
The movement, a high-flying mechanism: Jaeger-LeCoultre is a manufacturer with a great reputation. We know that inside, there's a well-designed, reliable mechanical movement. It's a heart that beats with precision, a guarantee of quality and durability. The practical side of the second time zone: If it's a Duo model, with a second dial on the back, it's a significant advantage for travelers or those with contacts abroad. You get two watches in one, in a way.
A certain prestige, a history: Wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre is no small feat. It's part of a rich watchmaking history, a tradition of expertise. It's a watch with a soul.
Weaknesses:
The price, of course: Let's face it, quality and prestige come at a price. A Jaeger-LeCoultre isn't a watch for everyone. It's a significant investment.
The strap is sometimes a bit stiff: On some models, the leather strap can take a little time to adjust to the wrist. At first, it may seem a little stiff. The case's sensitivity to scratches: Polished steel is beautiful, but it tends to show signs of wear over time, even from minor everyday impacts. It needs to be taken care of.
The style may not appeal to everyone: The Reverso's Art Deco design is iconic, but it may not suit the tastes of those who prefer rounder watches or a sportier style. It's a matter of personal preference.

Jaeger Lecoultre Gran’s sport reverso duo face

At the very beginning, I saw a post about a completely shady project named Goldgena Concept pop up in my Facebook suggestions. I decided to participate for fun and nothing else.
As the project progressed and the project's creators genuinely asked for our opinions on the watch's design, I became more and more involved.
The point of contention was the name change to "Code 41." Several of us were rebels who didn't want to change the name.
Then the time came to ask for funding for the project via Kickstarter, and I fell for this magnificent Code 41, a limited edition of 55 pieces.
Despite a movement "less noble than Swiss-made or German-made," I still happily wear this watch.
Lightweight, discreet, and unusual, it was a favorite of mine in 2016 and still is today. A little bonus: the PVD, which seemed fragile to me, is still there despite the passing years.
However, I'm wondering who to contact for after-sales service if it ever needs a little overhaul.
The hidden GMT function on the left counter is an original feature that's not often found and that you forget about when you wear it.

Code 41Anomaly Sheriff Edition

As a watch enthusiast, the TAG Heuer x Hodinkee Carrera Chronograph Seafarer immediately appealed to me. Here are my impressions:

What I like: The revisited heritage. This watch is a magnificent tribute to the iconic 1968 Heuer Seafarer. I love how TAG Heuer has modernized this vintage design while retaining its original spirit.
The opaline black dial with its blue counters is simply superb. It evokes the marine world and the spirit of adventure.
Useful complications: The tide gauge complication combined with the chronometer is a real asset. As a surfer, I know this function will be very useful for anticipating the tides.
The moon phase adds a touch of poetry to the watch.
The usefulness of complications doesn't stop at surfing; I plan to use it on my fishing trips, or even for mushroom picking. Technicality: The TH20-13 movement with its 80-hour power reserve is impressive. It's very practical to be able to leave the watch aside for a weekend without worrying about winding it.
The bidirectional oscillating weight is very efficient and allows for optimal winding.
The glassbox crystal is a detail I really appreciate; it gives the watch depth and a vintage look.
The strap: The braided rubber strap is both comfortable and durable, perfect for water sports.
The folding clasp with the "Easylink" is great to use over a wetsuit or when you've had too much at Grandma's.
Exclusivity: The fact that this is a limited edition (968 pieces) in homage to the Heuer 2446C makes this watch even more special to me.

What I don't like: The 42mm case size, which might not fit all wrists. I would have preferred to see it on a 39mm case (I have a 15.5mm wrist).
The weight and 14mm thickness may bother some people looking for a thinner, lighter watch.

What I would have liked: An additional black NATO strap with a blue stripe in the middle for winter use, and/or a leather strap like the original from 1968.

Why I bought it: As a collector, I'm always on the lookout for unique pieces steeped in history. The TAG Heuer x Hodinkee Seafarer perfectly meets these criteria. It's a watch that's elegant, sporty, and technical, with true maritime DNA.

In short, this watch is a favorite. It perfectly combines aesthetics, technical prowess, and history, and I can't wait to wear it on my next adventures.

TAG Heuer x Hondinkee Seafarer

The Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM00025 is a diver's watch with several interesting features. Its titanium case makes it remarkably lightweight and corrosion-resistant, which is an advantage for a watch intended for aquatic use.

The dial, with its distinctive texture, offers good readability, and the luminescent indexes allow you to read the time in low-light conditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel is a useful feature for measuring dive times.

The design of the watch, with its distinctive crown guard, is typical of Panerai watches. It is a watch that has a presence on the wrist and is suitable for those who appreciate robust and functional watches.

In summary, the Panerai Luminor Submersible PAM025 is a diver's watch with interesting technical features and a distinctive design. It is an option worth considering for those looking for a solid and reliable diver's watch.

Officine Panerai Submersible 025

Félix Baumgartner's achievement is what sparked my interest in Zenith, and more specifically in the El Primero. How could anyone not be impressed by this man who, in 2012, jumped from the stratosphere, reaching supersonic speed? And, the cherry on top, with a Zenith El Primero on his wrist!

What struck me was seeing this watch, an object of precision and refinement, withstand extreme conditions: incredible temperature variations, phenomenal accelerations... It was concrete proof of the El Primero's robustness and reliability.

More than just an ambassador, Félix Baumgartner was a true tester for Zenith. He pushed the watch to its limits, and it proved it was up to the task. This reinforced Zenith's image as a manufacturer capable of creating exceptional watches, both beautiful and high-performance.

Seeing the footage of his jump, with the El Primero clearly visible on his wrist, I thought to myself: "This watch is more than just an object; it's a symbol of self-improvement, courage, and excellence." And that's what made me want to own a Zenith El Primero. It's like having a little piece of this incredible adventure on my wrist.

Zenith El Primero striking 10th

The 116710LN is the embodiment of understated elegance. Unlike its two-tone bezel siblings, it stands out with its monobloc black ceramic bezel, a technical and aesthetic feat. This simplicity gives it a rare versatility, capable of adapting to any situation, from the most formal suit to an adventurer's outfit.

Beyond its aesthetics, the GMT-Master II is above all a tool. Its GMT function, a true horological complication, allows the time in two time zones to be read simultaneously. It's a nod to the pilots and travelers who made this watch a symbol of exploration and discovery.

Wearing a 116710LN is like wearing a piece of history. It's a connection to the legacy of Rolex, a brand that has left its mark on the history of watchmaking. It also affirms one's taste for beautiful things, those that stand the test of time without aging.

The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN is much more than just a watch. It's a concentration of expertise, history, and emotion. It's a piece to be earned, discovered, and passed down. In my eyes, it's the quintessential travel watch.

The Discreet Elegance of an Icon

Marathon is a watch brand founded in 1939 in Montreal by Morris Wein; designed in Canada and made in Switzerland (La Chaux-de-Fonds), its watches supplied Allied forces from 1941 onward and remain associated with military specifications, NATO Stock Numbers (NSN), and night readability based on tritium and MaraGlo.
<h3>From Allied supply to modern MIL-SPEC compliance</h3>
Beginning in World War II, the company delivered timing instruments and watches to Allied forces, forging a direct link between operational requirements and the finished product, and that contractual relationship with armed services has defined the brand&rsquo;s DNA.
Over the decades, various references have been built to U.S. military prescriptions (e.g., MIL-PRF-46374G) and carry NSN identifiers used by procurement agencies, and this documented MIL-SPEC compliance sets Marathon apart from purely &ldquo;military-styled&rdquo; designs.
A key milestone is the pilot&rsquo;s watch developed in 1986 with Kelly Air Force Base, whose light, hardy case inaugurated a lineage dedicated to flight and parachuting, and this co-development with an air base embodies the &ldquo;need first, design second&rdquo; ethos.
<h3>SAR: a family mapped by sizes and powertrains</h3>
The &ldquo;Search &amp; Rescue&rdquo; range is easy to parse by contrasting diameters and movements&mdash;oversized for extreme contexts, mid-size for general duty, compact for smaller wrists&mdash;with quartz workhorses, three-hand automatics, and a big automatic chronograph, and this pragmatic layout helps buyers decide without getting lost in SKUs.
Dive-ready references employ 316L steel cases, unidirectional bezels, tritium indices complemented by photo-luminescent paint, screw-down backs and protected crowns, and the result is a &ldquo;tool-first&rdquo; package focused on ergonomics, resilience, and at-a-glance clarity.
Several models are built and tested to ISO 6425 professional diver criteria, typically to 300 m with codified readability, and where stated, that certification provides an objective benchmark for aquatic use.
<ul>
<li>Marathon GSAR &mdash; 41 mm automatic &ldquo;Government Search &amp; Rescue&rdquo;; 300 m, tritium + MaraGlo, engineered for professional duty.</li>
<li>Marathon TSAR &mdash; 41 mm quartz three-hand; reinforced legibility, simple upkeep, stable battery-driven accuracy.</li>
<li>Marathon MSAR &mdash; 36 mm (auto or quartz); same tool ethos in a compact footprint, 300 m water-resistance.</li>
<li>Marathon JSAR &mdash; 46 mm &ldquo;Jumbo&rdquo; quartz; XXL readability and high-torque quartz, 300 m, aimed at harsh environments.</li>
<li>Marathon CSAR &mdash; 46 mm automatic chronograph; timing to 12 h with decimal scale, 300 m, flight-friendly ergonomics.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Navigator: from 1986 fibreshell to the 41 mm steel SSNAV</h3>
The pilot&rsquo;s watch born of the 1986 program evolved into a &ldquo;Navigator&rdquo; line apart from the dive family, with light cases, sapphire crystals, screw-down crowns and fabric straps, and the appeal lies in a watch designed for altitude, pressure swings and gloved handling.
More recently the 41 mm steel &ldquo;SSNAV&rdquo; reintroduced a traditional case in both quartz and automatic variants, sometimes with date, while preserving the original emphasis on legibility and toughness, and this return to steel broadens daily wear without abandoning flight-tool intent.
<ul>
<li>Marathon SSNAV &mdash; 41 mm steel, high-accuracy quartz; 100 m, tritium tubes, 12-hour bezel for quick zone tracking.</li>
<li>Marathon SSNAV-D Auto &mdash; 41 mm steel, automatic; date at 4:30, screw-down crown, slim build for long wear.</li>
<li>Marathon SSNAV Arctic &mdash; &ldquo;Arctic White&rdquo; high-contrast dials tailored to very bright environments.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Clarity and endurance: H3 tritium and MaraGlo, two complementary paths</h3>
Most &ldquo;mission&rdquo; references rely on sealed tritium micro-tubes for night reading&mdash;self-powered and constant for years&mdash;eliminating dependence on prior light charging, and that steady low-level emission aligns perfectly with military needs.
Alongside, the brand deploys its proprietary photo-luminescent compound to complement or, on some models, replace tritium, glowing strongly for hours after exposure, and this MaraGlo solution neatly covers civilian scenarios where radioactive autonomy isn&rsquo;t essential.
The tritium / MaraGlo pairing also informs dial hierarchy&mdash;tube markers at cardinals, reinforced hands and contrasted bezel inserts&mdash;so that the &ldquo;one-metre, one-glance&rdquo; check remains valid, and that legibility grammar applies equally underwater and in the cockpit.
<h3>Positioning, indicative pricing, distribution and service</h3>
The lineup spans from accessible field and pilot pieces to specialised divers and the large automatic chronograph; by way of guidance: composite-case Navigators in the lower mid-band, GSAR around the mid/high, and CSAR clearly higher, and those tiers track material, movement, and functional complexity.
Design takes place in Canada with assembly in Switzerland (La Chaux-de-Fonds), sold direct via the official site and authorised dealers, with a standard two-year warranty and clear reference/NSN documentation, and this short channel streamlines after-sales and parts traceability.
Dial-marked editions (&ldquo;US Gov,&rdquo; &ldquo;Maple Leaf&rdquo;) sit alongside &ldquo;Arctic&rdquo; white-dial variants and occasional collaborations, letting buyers choose between strict tool execution and identity-driven signatures, and variety remains anchored by a common, real-use brief.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
At Marathon, product coherence springs from a simple rule: build for the mission first, then for everyday life. Buyers navigate quickly&mdash;SAR for water and intervention, Navigator/SSNAV for flight and field, GPM/GPQ for lightweight duty. Next comes diameter by wrist and context, then power (carefree quartz, automatic, or chrono) by service preference. Night reading&mdash;either constant or photo-luminescent&mdash;closes the loop. To align these cues with lived experience, a practical compass remains Dialicious customer reviews.
(Updated September 2025)

La marque&nbsp;Serica a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2019 par J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget et 3 amis &agrave; Paris, en France. Le nom Serica vient d'une r&eacute;gion perdue au bout de l'Extr&ecirc;me-Orient que les Grecs et les Romains avaient baptis&eacute;e ainsi. Ce lieu fait &eacute;cho &agrave; la gen&egrave;se de la marque, qui vise &agrave; concevoir des montres m&eacute;caniques de qualit&eacute; au style n&eacute;or&eacute;tro, pr&ecirc;tes &agrave; vous suivre aux confins du monde.
La gamme comprend des montres telles que la <a title="Page Serica 4512" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, la <a title="Page Serica 5303" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> et la <a title="Page Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. L'une des particularit&eacute;s de cette marque est que son nom n'appara&icirc;t nulle part sur le cadran, afin de pousser le passionn&eacute; &agrave; acheter un design, des finitions et des proportions, et pas seulement un nom. En juillet 2023, Serica a lanc&eacute; la Serica 5303 COSC une version chronom&egrave;tre certifi&eacute;e par le Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres.
Leur avant-dernier mod&egrave;le est la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a> surfant sur les bases de la 1&egrave;re r&eacute;f&eacute;rence de la marque, la Serica 4512. Cette 6190 &eacute;pouse les codes stylistiques de la marque, des anses lyres, un choix de cadrans diff&eacute;rents et la possibilit&eacute; de choisir la position de la couronne &agrave; 3 heures ou en mode "Destro" &agrave; 9 heures. Cette Serica 6190 est &eacute;quip&eacute; du calibre Soprod M100 certifi&eacute; COSC (Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres) &agrave; l'intar des productions actuelles des autres mod&egrave;les 5303 et 8315.&nbsp;
Depuis le 21 novembre 2024, Serica propose une nouvelle collection tr&egrave;s audacieuse...&nbsp;Une montre habill&eacute;e sortant des sentiers battus nomm&eacute;e "Parade" sous la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence 1174. Ces 4 chiffres, comme toutes les autres r&eacute;f&eacute;rences Serica, propose une symbolique issue du nombre d'or ou divines proportions dont le ratio entre la longeur et la largeur sont de 1,174... Une nouveaut&eacute; propos&eacute;e en pr&eacute;-commande &agrave; 1,490 &euro; pour une livraison pr&eacute;vue en Mars 2025...
<h2>Quel est le prix d'une montre Serica ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Serica &eacute;voluent et diff&eacute;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre 990 &euro; et 1,890 &euro; selon les mod&egrave;les et finitions. Le mod&egrave;le GMT de la marque, Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre co&ucirc;te 1,890 &euro; tandis que le dernier mod&egrave;le lanc&eacute; par Serica, la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">6190</a> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; 990 &euro;.
Serica est ind&eacute;pendante et produit environ 5,000 montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Serica fait partie du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises">Top 10 des marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises les plus populaires</a>, ainsi que du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_micro_marques_de_montres">Classement des meilleures micro-marques de montres</a>. Pour choisir le mod&egrave;le Serica qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une ressource essentielle pour &eacute;valuer les diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients
(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2024)

The brand Serica was created in 2019 by J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget and 3 friends in Paris, France. The name Serica comes from a lost region at the end of the Far East that the Greeks and Romans named it like this. This place echoes the genesis of the brand, which aims to design quality mechanical watches in a neo-retro style, ready to follow you to the ends of the world.
The range includes watches such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. One of the particularities of this brand is that its name does not appear anywhere on the dial, in order to encourage the enthusiast to buy a design, finishes and proportions, and not just a name. In July 2023, Serica launched the Serica 5303 COSC, a chronometer version certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a> surfing on the bases of the brand's first reference, the Serica 4512. This 6190 follows the stylistic codes of the brand, lyre lugs, a choice of different dials and the possibility of choosing the position of the crown at 3 o'clock or at &ldquo;Destro&rdquo; mode at 9 o&rsquo;clock. This Serica 6190 is powered with the Soprod M100 caliber COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Certification) certified, like the current productions of the other 5303 and 8315 models.&nbsp;
Since November 21, 2024, Serica has been offering a very daring new collection... A dress watch off the beaten track called &ldquo;Parade&rdquo; under the reference 1174. These 4 figures, like all other Serica references, offer a symbolism derived from the golden number or divine proportions whose ratio between length and width is 1.174... A novelty offered for pre-order at &euro; 1,490 for one delivery planned for March 2025...
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Serica watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Serica watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between &euro; 990 and &euro; 1,890 depending on the models and finishes. The brand's GMT model, Serica 8315 GMT Chronometer costs &euro; 1,890 while the latest model launched by Serica, the reference&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">6190</a> is offered to &euro; 990.
Serica is independent and produces around 5,000 watches per year, all models combined. Serica is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Top 10 most popular French watch brands</a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_micro_watch_brands">ranking the best micro watch brands</a>. To choose the Serica model that best suits you, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190 reviews</a> or <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315 reviews</a> are an #1 resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.
(Updated December 2025)

Marathon General Purpose Mechanical is a field watch whose exact modern commercial launch year is uncertain, developed by Marathon (Canadian company with Swiss manufacture) in the lineage of U.S. MIL-PRF-46374 and GG-W-113 watches; it targets robust, readable daily use, with fibreshell or steel cases, 12/24 dial, high-contrast hands, and straightforward mechanical calibers that are easy to service.
<h3>Field silhouette: 12/24 dial, tritium and readability</h3>
The design prioritizes instant legibility: bold Arabic numerals, a clear minute track, high-contrast hands and 12/24 markings so time can be captured at a glance; recent versions pair a flat sapphire crystal with autonomous tritium T25 tubes (sometimes complemented by the brand&rsquo;s photoluminescent paint) to ensure constant visibility indoors and out, day and night, with no pre-charge.
This &ldquo;tool-first&rdquo; approach also shows in the matte, anti-glare surfaces and typography that remain readable from any angle.
<h3>Fibreshell/steel cases: size, water resistance and comfort</h3>
Two families coexist: the 34 mm high-impact fibreshell GPMs (very light, 16 mm lugs, pressure crown) and the 36 mm parkerized 316L steel &ldquo;Officer&rsquo;s&rdquo; (more wrist presence, same 16 mm lugs, pressure crown); the former emphasizes ultra-light comfort and discretion, the latter adds traditional metal feel and added shock stoutness, with indicative field ratings (&asymp; 3 ATM for fibreshell, &asymp; 5 ATM for steel) suitable for daily splash exposure rather than aquatic use.
Short lugs and DEFSTAN/NATO straps keep the watch planted on the wrist even when you move quickly.
<h3>Manual &amp; automatic movements: ETA/Sellita/NH35A</h3>
Depending on variant, the GPM uses a Swiss hand-wound (ETA 2801-2 or Sellita SW210-1) on steel models, or a Japanese automatic NH35A on fibreshell models; Marathon opted for proven, easily regulated mechanisms with straightforward upkeep, so the user experience stays consistent: simple, accurate and readable timekeeping with practical autonomy for daily wear or rotation.
Whichever the drive, the goal is reliable, low-maintenance time that suits real-world field constraints.
<h3>Chronological milestones and key models (2018&ndash;2025)</h3>
(2018) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Officer&rsquo;s Steel NGM:
Steel reissue rooted in the historic specifications, 36 mm parkerized case, sapphire, 12/24 dial and &ldquo;No Government Markings&rdquo; for discreet civilian wear; a Swiss hand-wound caliber, 5 ATM rating and DEFSTAN-style strap deliver a simple, mission-ready package for urban or field use. The overall experience is that of a classic &ldquo;steel&rdquo; feel with autonomous night visibility via T25 tubes and maintenance kept to essentials compared to non-useful complications. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194003SS-NGM.
(2019) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Officer&rsquo;s Steel US Gov:
36 mm steel variant with &ldquo;US Government&rdquo; dial text, again hand-wound, with sapphire crystal, matte dial and tritium markers; the pressure crown and solid back keep the watch sober, MIL-PRF-46374 compliant, and aimed at users who want military purpose without decorative excess. Perceived quality benefits from the parkerized finish and rigid head, well balanced on easy-swap 16 mm straps. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194003SS-0101.
(2020) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Black 34 mm Standard Issue:
Arrival of the 34 mm fibreshell GPMs: ultra-light composite cases, sapphire, T25 tubes and a dual-winding automatic movement; designed for heavy outdoor use, they combine thermal comfort, scratch protection from sapphire and constant visibility while preserving the &ldquo;tool&rdquo; spirit with non-glossy graphics. The 3 ATM rating targets rain and splashes rather than swimming, which suits most field and daily scenarios. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194003BK-0101.
(2021) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Sage Green 34 mm US Gov:
Fibreshell execution in &ldquo;sage&rdquo; with &ldquo;US Government&rdquo; text, 34 mm, sapphire, automatic caliber and T25 luminous tubes; the signature 12/24 layout remains, with a more &ldquo;camouflage&rdquo; visual character that pairs naturally with green or black DEFSTAN straps. On-wrist feel is nearly weightless, which is appreciated in missions or prolonged wear during warm weather. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194003SG-0003.
(2021) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Desert Tan 34 mm NGM:
&ldquo;Desert Tan&rdquo; variant without government markings, conceived for bright, dusty environments; the 34 mm fibreshell case shrugs off minor knocks, the sapphire crystal resists scratches and T25 tubes provide steady night reading, all on a ballistic-nylon strap. This execution suits those who value lightness with a colorway less common than black or green. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194003DT-0103.
(2023) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Black 34 mm NGM:
Black fibreshell &ldquo;No Government Markings&rdquo; version for users who prefer an uncluttered dial yet identical functionality; in practice, you get sapphire, T25 tubes, an automatic caliber and 3 ATM, in a 34 mm format that slips under cuffs and virtually disappears thanks to its very low mass. This is a sensible gateway into the GPM universe. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194003BK-NGM.
(2024) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Officer&rsquo;s Steel (Incabloc):
Update to the 36 mm Officer&rsquo;s with Incabloc shock protection noted on its Swiss hand-wind movement, plus sapphire and 5 ATM as before; the matte parkerized finish tames reflections, legibility is unchanged and upkeep remains simple, preserving a reliable, recognizable and durable field instrument. The 36 mm/16 mm proportions suit a wide range of wrists. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194003SS-0101.
(2024) Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Jeep Willys 41 mm (SSGPM):
Jeep Willys-inspired 41 mm interpretation in 316L steel, sapphire, Swiss hand-wound movement and dial typography referencing Jeep; it honors shared &ldquo;field&rdquo; heritage while keeping 12/24 readability and autonomous night visibility, now in a contemporary footprint (20 mm lugs). This suits wrists wanting more presence without betraying the utilitarian brief. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical WW194033SS-4001.
<h3>Advice: size, materials, water, legibility and straps</h3>
Wrist &amp; size: 34 mm fibreshell fits slender wrists or anyone prioritizing discretion and lightness; 36 mm steel adds heft and a more &ldquo;classic&rdquo; feel, while 41 mm caters to modern presence, especially if you rotate with larger watches.
Visualize the watch under a cuff and in bright sun: the right size is the one you forget when moving.
Materials: fibreshell insulates from heat/cold and minimizes mass&mdash;great for long days or hot weather; parkerized steel yields denser feel and added surface toughness, with the impression of a solid &ldquo;block&rdquo; on the wrist.
Choose by priority between invisible comfort and a robust object feel.
Water use: fibreshell GPMs are around 3 ATM (hand-washing, rain, splashes), steel Officer&rsquo;s around 5 ATM (a touch more margin); neither is intended for swimming or diving, though both tolerate daily water exposure very well.
If water is frequent in your routine, treat the GPM as a &ldquo;dry-use&rdquo; watch and pick a dedicated diver for the pool.
Legibility &amp; lume: T25 tritium tubes glow without charging&mdash;handy at night or in dark rooms; complementary photolume adds a quick boost when light is available, without compromising legibility at rest.
This pairing delivers constant readability with zero pre-action, perfectly in line with the tool brief.
Straps &amp; compatibility: 16 mm (34/36 mm) or 20 mm (41 mm) in DEFSTAN or ballistic nylon, swapping in seconds; the watch &ldquo;locks&rdquo; well on single-pass straps, and a small strap kit (black, green, tan) adapts the visual signature to your setting without owning multiple watches.
Own at least two straps to cover office and outdoor roles with no fuss.&nbsp;Other customers&rsquo; opinions are essential.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Marathon General Purpose Mechanical is for anyone wanting a true field watch: readable, easy to maintain, tough and coherent in design&mdash;whether the ultra-light 34 mm fibreshell, denser 36 mm Officer&rsquo;s steel or the more present 41 mm edition; your choice hinges on wrist/size balance, weight tolerance and how often you encounter water.
The &ldquo;tool&rdquo; signature stems from the 12/24 layout, sapphire, T25 tubes and matte graphics, backed by proven movements that regulate easily; to finalize, weigh your use-case against real-world feedback and consult Dialicious customer reviews.
(Updated September 2025)

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