Marathon Watch Sapphire Navigator Swiss Made Military Issue Pilot's Watch with Date, Tritium, Sapphire Crystal, Steel Crown, Battery Hatch, ETAF06 Movement (41mm)

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The dial is very legible thanks to the white hands, and the tritium in the dark is just so much fun! It's not super bright (the tritium tubes are small after all), but once your eyes have adjusted to the dark, the dial is plenty visible. Sapphire crystal. Though, personally I prefer the acrylic glass as it's a lot easier to maintain (to polish off the scratches, etc.) Thankfully, the flat sapphire crystal doesn't protrude much. It's almost flushed with the rotating bezel, so this should help protect the crystal. I prefer the no-date, sterile version, but I suspect the movement is the same as the one used on the date version (takes two pulls on the crown to stop the movement). The Marathon Pilot's Navigator combines military durability with Swiss craftsmanship. An accurate timepiece that will satisfy you for years. Designed in Canada and manufactured in Switzerland, Marathon watches are designed to meet some of the toughest MIL SPEC standards out there. Even if you don’t find yourself regularly jumping out of planes and undergoing rapid pressure/altitude changes, the Navigator can withstand these harsh environments with ease. Originally created to accommodate pilots, parachutists, and law enforcement, Marathon’s Navigator still makes an excellent addition to the everyman’s collection. After all, who doesn’t like a good, tough military watch design.

I had the older version (one with the acrylic crystal) and I have to say this new model contains a lot of improvements, although I think it's still far from perfect.MIL-SPEC: Manufactured in accordance with MIL-PRF-46374G Type III, Class 1 US Government Specification. SWISS MADE: Proudly handmade in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland since 1939. Uses ETA F06 high-torque 3 jewels Quartz movement with EOL (End-of-Life) indicator.

On the wrist, the Navigator wears very well. The asymmetrical case looks bigger than it feels and the added bulk of the bezel gives it a lot of mass. Yet, it’s also fairly thin and the lug-to-lug is relatively short, so it will fit smaller wrists. Aesthetically, it’s simply very cool. The classic military elements mixed with the vintage feel of the domed crystal, finished off with the modern resin case come together for a unique watch. Accuracy. No need to belabor this point but quartz is super accurate and that is important in a business where seconds count. My Navigator's accuracy greatly exceeds the published limits, which are already awesome. I've been a watch enthusiast for over a decade, and a professional aviator for over 22 years, yet it's just now that I feel I've found a few truly "it" watches. First disclaimer: I only speak for myself and my own experience as a Naval Flight Officer (think "Goose" from Top Gun), and mileage varies WIDELY here. I do not speak for the Navy, the government, or any other organization, and this personal review is not a product endorsement. Second disclaimer: the best modern watches for professional flying are digital multifunction watches (yes, analog has its merits and I prefer it, but I'm under no illusions about what makes the best tool). Ok with that out of the way, I've been looking for a perfect analog flying watch for a long time. Let me describe why I feel the Navigator makes my list. Included with the Pilot's Navigator is a 20 mm waterproof nylon strap made under Military specification MIL-S-46383B, Type III. Metal crown. On the previous version the crown was plastic. It's still a non-screwdown crown, however.The Navigator Class of Wristwatches was developed in conjunction with Kelly Air Force Base in 1986, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of timekeeping technology. Even today, the Navigator remains a formidable timepiece, having undergone rigorous revisions in 2019 to enhance its durability and reliability. Of course, Marathon makes plenty of mechanical watches with GSAR, TSAR and CSAR lines, so it’s not like they are against the idea. In fact they recently released a very cool limited edition that uses NOS Benrus ETA 2801 manual movements. We’ll be reviewing that one in the coming months, so keep an eye out.