The Marathon Watch Company’s origin dates back to Weinsturm Watch, that was founded in 1904, later becoming the company we are now familiar with today in 1941. I have always been a fan of the watches produced by the Canadian based company. Most people who follow various watch blogs and forums are quite familiar with their offerings such as the JSAR, TSAR and GSAR, but many may not be quite as familiar with the Navigator series. Navigator models are relatively affordable, functional, and built for some abuse; perfect for military, law enforcement personnel, and the weekend warrior. One of the models in the Navigator series, the Marathon Duvdevan Pilot Watch, is the official licensed watch for the Duvdevan Special Forces unit of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).
Now that we have some company history and model background let’s move on to the watch specifics.
Duvdaven Navigator Pilot’s Watch Specifications:
Diameter 41mm
Desert tan case & strap
Easy-set date function
High altitude 35000 ft
Movement: High Torque Quartz with EOL (End of life indicator for battery)
Encapsulated tritium (Isotope H3) light sources
Water resistant up to 203 ft. and dustproof
Retail: $272
The case is a fibershell high impact material rather than stainless steel. Because this model is designed specifically for military and law enforcement, which will most certainly get knocked around, the fibershell is a much more affordable option than stainless steel. It would be much more difficult to live with dents and dings in a stainless steel case that would cost much more initially. The case, including the crown, measures approximately 43mm, 47mm lug to lug and just slightly over 12mm thick.
The case sides are truly unremarkable, as they should be, based on the intended use. There is no need for any flashy machining or engraving. The crown measures about 6mm in diameter and is the push/pull variety. No crown play is present on this example and the function positions function as they should based on the movement. I would like to point out a fantastic aspect of the case design. Like other Marathon models, the Navigator has drilled lugs, which utilize a straight lug bar for strap attachment. The lug bars slide out with adequate resistance, so no worries at least initially with the bars just falling out.
Jon
Plastic case, plastic crystal, quartz movement, nylon strap, hideous color, all for $300? The tritium lume is nice, but no thanks.
Bruce
If you’re somebody that wants a reliable watch steady movement in a work environment perfect watch I actually have one. I have to walk through metal detectors and it doesn’t go off I’m not worried about it getting damaged it’s a work men’s watch, not a Submariner. You can actually get it brand new for a hundred and fifty.
X2Eliah
I agree with Jon, this doesn’t seem like a good deal, considering how you can get any generic quartz noname beater for, what, 10$ or so?
Also, the “duvdevan” constantly reads as “dude van” to me.
ShaksBestwatchbrands
I agree with the above. Not my favorite color in a watch. I wonder how many people have bought this? Pass on this.
ShakD.
Cedric Satterfield
These Nav watches are great. Ive owned several in various iterations in the last 10 years as they add and shed features and cosmetics, and every one of them is still in the field, with a new owner, still running, and my trade/resale value was almost the same as new. They are hard wearing, easy to maintain, easy to buff out scratches, and don’t fog up or fail at altitudes. Wonderful watches.
dan cotton
well,yes if you’re after a weekend warrior ‘beater’ you can get a piece of shit quartz crap for 3 quid If you want a milspec watch with specific,tested and proven qualities then this is it The duvdevan wasn’t made for its looks,but for a specific brief It can withstand ‘real’ wr of 200 ft,not 200m don’t wash with it wr Ordinary watches bugger up at g forces and altitude,but if it’s the fashionistas you’re doing battle with,go elsewhere 100 odd quid for a military tested watch is a steal and you should be grateful it’s available to civvies It’s light,easy to fix,long battery,accurate,can handle any shock,but in the winebars of soho,it won’t do much for you You can even put a ‘real’ strap on it if you want to?Bloody hell,civilians whineing about a military watch not looking the part Please,don’t buy this The chinese quartz crap watches need you to purchase their shiny crap
Bruce
Well said! I work at a fast pace environment and it gets dinged all the time I don’t worry about 1 bit. I like the fact that it looks like a normal lunch but I know what’s making it tick and when the guy next to me chose up with the new Timex and I still have the same watch on it makes me feel a little good inside same battery same strap. However, the chap next to me is buying a new watch every year you pay what you get for.
Bruce
Sorry for the misspelling I was using voice to text.
dan cotton
Hesalite crystal for pressure forces,fibreshell for shock and knocks,design for light,un-obtrusive wear in a combat situation As an ex-sapper,its non-mag sig would have been far better than the crap they issued us with 95% of all sappers went to silvermans and bought watches they could trust their lives on Buy a jagarar,pretty watch,jag-offs