I have a number of Marathon's watch models in the collection. Currently, I got the GSOR (Government Search and Rescue) Dive watch, the GPM (General Purpose Mechanical) Field watch and the OFM (Officer Field Mechanical) Field watch. I have been eyeing the Navigator series for quite some time but the design then came only with a quart movement. The asymmetrical casing is a design feature that I love about the Navigator.
Recently, after visiting the Gnomon Watches website, I noticed that new collaboration between Marathon and Gnomon Watches for the Navigator is available for sale. What got me excited is the introduction of an automatic movement. I quickly made my order and since this is limited edition timepiece, I was also able to dictate the serial number that I wanted. It so happened that my 55th birthday has just passed and I though of getting the number to commemorate that event.
This collaborative piece is slightly different than the standard Marathon design. The lack of a date aperture as well as the elimination of the tritium tube are the two key differences unique to this new model. More about this later.
THE IMAGE BELOW IS THE LINK TO MY AFFILIATE STORE
The Collaboration
In 2024, Gnomon Watches proudly teamed up with Marathon to re-imagine their iconic Navigator series. Thus, the Navigator Stainless Steel Vintage Auto was born. This timepiece blends Gnomon’s input and the retro design cues from the brand’s history. Aged markers and hands (without the use of gas tubes) evoke a sense of nostalgia, while a subtle ghosted, double-signed “GNOMON WATCHES” at the dial’s base adds an exclusive touch.
Below is a sample of the Navigator by Marathon where one can see the tritium tubes, the date aperture at 4:30 as well as the 1 to 24 Arabic numerals beside the line hour markers.
Below is the limited edition collaborative Navigator between Marathon and Gnomon Watches. The tritium tubes, the date aperture as well as the scale and markers have either been eliminated or simplified. For illumination, MaraGlo™ luminous paint is used instead.
Marathon’s entry into the navigator watch realm began with their adherence to the MIL-PRF-46374G specifications, producing watches for the U.S. Army that have remained in service through several revisions. The distinctive asymmetrical case and military 24-hour dial became hallmarks of military-issue watches in the 1970s, as seen in the MIL-W-50717 mil-spec models that Marathon continues to honor today.
The origins of Marathon’s Steel Navigator trace back to its debut in 1986, designed by Jean Maurice Huguenin (current Chief Watchmaker at Marathon) and Leon Wein (father of Marathon President Mitchell Wein). Created in partnership with Kelly Air Force Base, the Steel Navigator addressed a specific need: a pilot’s watch capable of withstanding extreme pressure changes at high altitudes while maintaining impeccable legibility and accuracy. Initially issued to pilots and paratroopers on missions, including deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, around 50,000 pieces were produced. These were the first-ever quartz pilot watches made by Marathon, solidifying their role as the U.S. government’s sole supplier of pilot watches.
The Watch
The new Marathon Navigator Stainless Steel Vintage Auto marks a significant evolution from the original. This latest iteration, limited to just 100 pieces, introduces a full stainless steel case. With oversized hour markers and a Swiss Sellita mechanical movement, this version transforms the iconic Navigator into something different, yet similar. With improved impact resistance, altitude ratings, and a design geared for comfort, this tool watch is built to meet the rigorous demands of the military elite.
The Navigator, made from 316L stainless steel, features a unique asymmetrical shape, measuring 41 mm wide, 11 mm thick and 48 mm lug-to-lug length. Finished in a parkerized matte coating, the case has some semblance to the original MIL-W-50717 mil-spec designs, offering both vintage aesthetics and anti-corrosion properties. True to its military roots, the dimensions ensure sturdiness and a no-nonsense functionality fit for the field.
The straight walled chapter ring is polished. Transitioning to the flat black dial surface, there are two scales: the minute scale at the peripheral edge of the dial painted in white and the hour scale next to it. The
dial is kept clean and symmetrical, with lumed geometric hour markers to maintain a balanced design.
Subtle branding enhances its understated charm, with “MARATHON” and a
faint “GNOMON WATCHES” in dark grey at the bottom of the dial, creating an almost invisible effect that prioritizes readability while
preserving exclusivity. The syringe-style hands have rectangular slots filled with a vintage-inspired caramel-hued MaraGlo™ luminous paint. I like the fact that even the tip of the seconds hand (which is framed in red paint) was also given a dab of the same luminous paint, ensuring excellent legibility, even in complete darkness for over 24 hours.
Protecting the dial a flat sapphire crystal with beveled edges. The glass is placed slightly higher than the edge of the bezel. Having the bezel as well as the beveled edge should provide some protection from side impact.
Although the movable bezel looks like a dive watch bezel, because it is a watch for navigators, the bezel is bi-directional. It is equipped with a black steel insert and 12-hour markings and is designed for tracking another time zones.
The distinctive asymmetrical case is common of military-issue watches in the 1970s, as seen in the MIL-W-50717 mil-spec models. Instead of just creating small extensions as crown guards, the whole right side of the casing has become one gigantic crown guard by extending the body from the upper right lug to the bottom right lug. The sterile crown is a screw-down to help in the water resistance capabilities of the watch which is 100 meters.
The lugs on the Navigator has a width of 20 mm. Curved downwards, the lugs help to keep the watch tightly on the wrist. The lugs also have pass-through holes to help disengage the spring-bars easily.
There are a few options of straps that one can opt for when making the purchase through Gnomon Watches. I chose the desert brown ballistic nylon strap as I think this would be good pairing with the watch. Note that the strap is only kept in place via friction unlike a NATO strap. Not sure how safe it would be for the watch but I supposed with their experience in such things, it must be safe. I like the elongated strap-guide used. Instead of having two, just having one long one has the same effect.
Like all Marathon watches, the screw-down case-back has a lot of information. Underneath the case-back is the Sellita SW200-1. This movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hertz and has 26 jewels. It also has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. It is considered to be an ETA2824 clone. The SW200-1 is an update to the original caliber SW200. The SW200-1 was introduced at least as far back as September 2012 with updates to the technical information as recently as April 2021. Many reputable watch companies are using this movement as an alternative to the ETA mechanism due to it being more economical and readily available.
The lume of this watch is not as long lasting as having tritium tubes but the MaraGlo paint does get the job done if given ample time to absorb the sun's rays. Below is the lume shot of the watch.
The Wearing Experience
The first thing that strikes you about this watch is its vintage-inspired design. The stainless steel case, paired with a matte black dial and cream-colored luminescent markers, exudes a classic pilot watch vibe. The collaboration with Gnomon Watches brings a unique flair to the design, making it feel special and exclusive. The ballistic nylon strap is a highlight of this timepiece. It’s rugged, durable, and incredibly comfortable to wear. The strap’s texture and color complement the vintage aesthetic perfectly, and it feels lightweight on the wrist, making it ideal for all-day wear. The strap is also easy to adjust, ensuring a secure fit for any wrist size.
Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.For those who appreciate a blend of heritage and functionality, this watch is a must-have. It’s a testament to Marathon’s commitment to quality and Gnomon’s eye for detail. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or someone looking for a reliable everyday watch, the Pilot Navigator is an excellent choice. It’s a watch that not only looks great but also feels great to wear, making it a worthy addition to any collection.
The Purchasing Experience
The order via the Gnomon Watches website was seamless. I was able to use a discount coupon to make the purchase amount smaller. Apart from that, Gnomon Watches also gave a number of freebies with the purchase. These are (1) a signed traveling pouch, (2) a signed micro polishing cloth, and (3) a luminous signed patch.
The watch-box that came with the watch is a rectangular metal box quite similar to an ammo bax.
Inside where one can find the watch as well as other documents.
Specifications
Maker: Marathon
Collaborator: Gnomon Watches
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Window: Sapphire crystal
Diameter: 41 mm
Lug-to-Lug Length: 48mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Height: 11 mm
Weight: xx gm
Dial: Black
luminous MaraGlo
Bezel: Bi-directional
Crown: Screw-down
Strap: Desert brown ballistic nylon strap
Water Resistance: 100 m
Movement: Sellita SW200-1 with Incabloc® Shock Absorber
Jewels: 26
Frequency: 4Hz beat rate (28,800 BPH)
Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours
Vendor: Gnomon Watches
Purchase Date: 13 February 2025
MSRP: RM4,837.00
Purchase Price: EM4,095.22 + RM117.32 (taxes)
Serial Number: 55/100
Warranty: Two years
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