TSAR: A quartz movement powerhouse with exceptional water resistance and long-lasting tritium illumination, ideal for low-light dives.
GSAR: An automatic movement timepiece with a classic dive watch aesthetic and a date function, perfect for divers who value mechanical complexity and a timeless design.
Introduction
For serious divers and adventure seekers, a reliable wrist companion is paramount. Marathon watches, renowned for their military-grade toughness and functionality, offer two compelling options – the TSAR (Tritium Self-Activated Illumination) and the GSAR (Government Search And Rescue).
But with both boasting impressive features and rugged construction, choosing between them can feel like navigating a coral reef. Fret no more! This comprehensive guide delves into the history, technical specs, design aesthetics, and user experiences of these two dive watches, helping you select the perfect underwater partner.
History
Marathon Watch Company, established in 1904, has carved a niche for itself in the world of military and law enforcement timekeeping. Their commitment to quality and durability has resulted in watches that meet or exceed rigorous government specifications. Both the TSAR and GSAR carry this legacy forward, offering exceptional functionality for professional and recreational divers alike.
Technical Breakdown
Now that we’ve explored Marathon’s heritage, let’s dissect the technical aspects of these two robust divers:
Movement:
TSAR: Employs a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement. Quartz movements are renowned for their accuracy and low maintenance requirements. They excel at keeping precise time even under extreme conditions.
GSAR: Features a robust Swiss-made automatic movement. Automatic movements rely on the wearer’s natural movements to wind the mainspring, eliminating the need for battery replacements. They offer a satisfying mechanical experience for watch enthusiasts.
Materials and Construction:
Here’s a table to compare the key construction details:
| Feature | TSAR | GSAR |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel | 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating | Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating |
| Water Resistance | Up to 300 meters (1000 feet) | Up to 300 meters (1000 feet) |
| Illumination | Tritium Tubes (self-illuminating) | Luminescent Paint on hands and markers |
Both TSAR and GSAR: Utilize surgical-grade stainless steel for exceptional corrosion resistance, ensuring the watch performs flawlessly in saltwater environments. They boast scratch-resistant sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings for optimal underwater clarity.
Both models are water-resistant up to an impressive 300 meters (1000 feet), making them suitable for recreational diving and even technical diving with proper training.
The Key Difference: Illumination
TSAR: The defining feature of the TSAR is its tritium tube illumination. Tritium tubes are small gas tubes containing tritium, a radioactive isotope that emits a continuous glow without needing external light or battery power. This self-illumination provides excellent readability in low-light or no-light dive conditions, crucial for safety and navigation.
GSAR: Relies on traditional luminescent paint on the hands and markers for illumination. While luminescent paint glows after exposure to light, its effectiveness diminishes over time in darkness. This might necessitate the use of a dive light for optimal readability in low-light situations.
Design and Aesthetics
Dial Design:
TSAR: Features a minimalist dial design with bold markers and hands for easy underwater legibility. The tritium tubes strategically placed on the hands and at key hour markers ensure excellent low-light visibility.
GSAR: Maintains a classic dive watch aesthetic with a slightly more complex dial layout. It incorporates luminous paint on the hands, markers, and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. While still functional underwater, the dial might appear busier compared to the TSAR’s minimalist approach.
Case and Bracelet:
Both TSAR and GSAR: Sport a rugged and functional case design built for withstanding the rigors of diving. They come equipped with comfortable and durable straps, often options like rubber or nylon, that can be easily adjusted for over-wetsuit wear.
Brand Image:
Both TSAR and GSAR: Embody the Marathon brand image – Military-grade toughness, functionality, and a no-nonsense aesthetic. However, the TSAR, with its focus on tritium illumination, might hold a slight edge for divers who prioritize low-light readability and a more utilitarian appearance.
User Feedback
TSAR: Divers rave about the watch’s exceptional water resistance and the unparalleled legibility provided by the tritium tubes in low-light conditions. The quartz movement is praised for its accuracy and low maintenance requirements. Some users might find the minimalist dial design a bit sterile compared to the GSAR.
GSAR: Owners appreciate the classic dive watch look and the satisfaction of an automatic movement. The date function is a welcome addition for daily wearability. A few users might find the reliance on luminescent paint for illumination less convenient compared to the self-illuminating tritium tubes of the TSAR.
Common Problems
TSAR: While the quartz movement is reliable, replacing the battery at its end-of-life requires a trip to a qualified watchmaker to maintain the watch’s water resistance.
GSAR: Automatic movements, while admired for their engineering, require periodic maintenance at authorized service centers, which can be expensive. Additionally, automatic movements might be slightly less accurate than quartz movements.
The Final Lap
Here’s a quick decision tree to help you identify your ideal dive watch:
Prioritize low-light readability and long-lasting illumination: Go for the TSAR.
Value a classic dive watch aesthetic and a date function: The GSAR might be a better fit.
Demand exceptional water resistance and a reliable timepiece for harsh environments: Both TSAR and GSAR excel in this regard.
Prefer a low-maintenance watch: The TSAR’s quartz movement might be more convenient.
Appreciate the mechanical complexity of an automatic movement: The GSAR offers a satisfying ownership experience.
Budget is a major concern: The TSAR generally has a lower price point compared to the GSAR.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both the Marathon TSAR and GSAR are exceptional dive watches, built to withstand the pressures of the deep. The TSAR reigns supreme for its unmatched low-light readability with tritium tubes and a focus on pure functionality. The GSAR offers a classic dive watch aesthetic, an automatic movement for watch enthusiasts, and the convenience of a date function.
No matter which Marathon you choose, you’re getting a reliable and robust timepiece that will be your trusted companion on countless underwater adventures.
FAQs
1. Are both TSAR and GSAR watches good for everyday wear?
Absolutely! Both watches are incredibly durable and stylish enough for everyday use. The TSAR’s minimalist design might be more versatile, while the GSAR’s classic dive watch aesthetic offers a timeless look.
2. Which Marathon watch has a longer battery life?
The TSAR utilizes a replaceable battery that typically lasts several years depending on usage. The GSAR, with its automatic movement, doesn’t require batteries but needs periodic servicing to maintain accuracy.
3. Do Marathon watches come with a warranty?
Marathon offers a warranty on their watches, but the specific terms might vary depending on the model and retailer. It’s best to check with the retailer or Marathon directly for warranty details.
4. Can I replace the strap on a Marathon watch?
Yes, both TSAR and GSAR come with standard lug widths, allowing for easy strap replacement with a variety of options like rubber, nylon, or even metal bracelets.
5. Is the tritium illumination in the TSAR radioactive?
The amount of tritium used in the tubes is minimal and poses no health risk. Tritium tubes are also self-illuminating and do not require any external power source.