The Marathon Officer's Mechanical (also called GPM, for General Purpose Mechanical) represents an important part of the history of watchmaking, this modern watch being the direct descendant of the field watches that the brand developed for the Allied forces during the Second World War. World War. Although it is specifically designed for officers and infantrymen participating in land operations, it also offers something to excite civilian watch enthusiasts.
A functional and elegant design
The conical shape of the case, with its distinct lugs, is very pleasing and almost elegant. It's very well finished, with no sharp corners, and features an easy-to-grip crown, nestled between two shoulders for added protection. It could have been a dress watch if the dial wasn't entirely dedicated to functionality.
Its matte black color provides a striking contrast with the white numerals and indexes, making it very easy to read. To ensure that this is also the case in the dark, Marathon uses tritium gas tubes on both hands, as well as on the hour markers. The midday one has a different color so it is easy to identify. They are protected by a sapphire crystal placed slightly above the stainless steel case.
A size adapted to combat situations
In today's world, we may not consider a 36mm watch to be very military. In popular fiction, soldiers wear big, bold watches, but in real combat situations, it's essential to not have your wrist movements hampered by a watch that's too big. This ease of movement can cost fractions of a second, and sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
A robust mechanical movement
Although Marathon also offers the Officer's Mechanical in a quartz version, this one is equipped with Sellita's SW210-1 caliber. This hand-wound movement offers a power reserve of 45 hours and is renowned for being particularly robust. It is therefore perfectly suited to this Marathon, especially since the original field watches it made during World War II were, for obvious reasons, also mechanical.
A comfortable and authentic nylon strap
The Defstan nylon strap fits wrists large and small comfortably, and its hardware matches the finish of the case. On a watch like this, it also seems obligatory to have such a bracelet, as it is so closely linked to its performance and purpose, past and present.
The fact that it comes with a rich heritage, combined with the mechanical movement and expressive design, makes a compelling case for adding it to any collection. Especially since the US government requires optimal value for money for its (tax) spending, efficient production is an obligation. Thus, the Marathon Officer's Mechanical is offered at a very competitive price of 600 US dollars.
In short, the Marathon GPM perfectly embodies the essence of military watches, combining functionality, robustness and discreet elegance. Its timeless design, reliable mechanical movement and authentic nylon strap make it an ideal choice for watch enthusiasts looking for a versatile timepiece capable of withstanding the tests of time and the most extreme situations. Whether you are a history buff, a fan of mechanical watches or simply looking for a reliable and elegant watch, the Marathon GPM will seduce you with its undeniable qualities and its exceptional value for money.
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