While you have options between a bracelet and nato strap for the JDD, the model sent for review came with the standardized vulcanized rubber strap. While I am typically a fan of bracelets, the vulcanized rubber strap fits the bill properly for the JDD, as vulcanized rubber offers superior resistance to damage and exterior environmental elements such as Ozone, UV, and the harsh aggressions of an aquatic environment. The strap itself has a bit of flare with a flat black background and a raised carbon fiber design. Equipped with two floating keepers and a stainless steel buckle, the strap should accommodate wrists up to the 8” size comfortably.
I personally have a 7” wrist, and in my opinion, the JDD wears nicely. I do have to wear the watch a bit north on my wrist, as the crown does tend to dig into my hand with the overall 52mm width, but plays no negative effect on the overall comfort of the wear. Those with a 7.5-8” wrist, the JDD will certainly be in your wheelhouse and sit nicely on wrist.
As you can tell, the JDD by Marathon has been well thought out to withstand the toughest of conditions. My overall thoughts on the JDD are this: If you’re in the market for a watch that you can put to the test, and will withstand the test of time, this is the watch for you. From a dive watch to a tactical field watch, the JDD has superior construction, good power, a slightly domed sapphire crystal, tritium gas tubes, and basically will outlast the toughest conditions man can put to it. There’s a reason why Marathon is the only company supplying the U.S government with watches; they have perfected the durability in a timepiece. The retail price tag for the JDD on Marathon’s website is $1,361.30, but can also be found on TopSpecUS.com, who happens to be the only full-stocking authorized U.S. dealer of Marathon Military Watches, for $1,157.11. While spending a grand on a timepiece may not be for everyone, I believe the money is well spent. Once again, thank you to TopSpecUS.com for supplying the Marathon JDD sample for review.
Joe
Awesome review!
WatchReport
Joe,
Thanks for the kind words. You own a Marathon yet? If not, better get on that!
Top Spec US
Yea, come on Joe! 🙂
Duncan
Very nice review. I’d like to point out that for some reason, the vulcanized rubber strap is also vanilla-scented.
Kenneth Drysdale
Duncan,
Thanks for the kind words. When I first received the watch, I thought it was just me, but you’re right on point. The strap does have a vanilla sent to it. My watch box permanently smells like vanilla.
Andy Burns
I got a JDD 3 days later it fell from 12 inches on solid floor and the watch brock. No stacches. No broken glass just internls broken. This watch is not solid and distress very fast. And very gentle.
Bernie
This watch ticks all the boxes. Overbuilt. Tactical. Genuine NSN issued Mil specialist diving watch. Tool watch was designed for search and rescue and issued to specialist navy divers to complement their diving computers and to be worn over a wet suit. Favoured by the operator types, special forces and the likes. A genuine purpose built tool watch : there exists no comparable competitor to match the pedigree of the JDD. Personally I upgraded from JSAR to the JDD as I wanted the ultimate Genuine military diving watch and did not hesitate to pay a bit more to upgrade to the automatic. Finally some food for thoughts : gents when one day thou shall leave this world no one will fight over your Casio ! so get the best you can. JDD will need no upgrade,no battery changes , is not a fake wanna be SEAL poseur type o watch. It is the real deal and will accompany you in all your Travels , adventures, by your side through storms , divorces, battles , heck ! It will be your best friend. It’s overbuilt for you. It was not designed for you, it was designed for the Battlefield and real search and rescue Technicians ( SAR-Tech…you know ? ..the guys that jump outa helos into the sea to save lives ) so…No…No it will not ‘broke’
Scott in Texas
I have a GSAR with a build date of OCT 2005. It’s serial number is “0009”. I love it, but it’s getting long in the tooth. The H3 is now quite faint. Domestic watch service centers state that it must go back to Canada for reluminizing. Of course, Marathon Canada won’t return my emails.
I may just get a JDD and put the old GSAR away. My GSAR earned its bumps and scrapes, but is of little use when I can’t see the dial when it’s dark.