A Fan-Favorite Military Watch Brand Just Dropped an Incredibly Formidable Tactical Timepiece

Designed to thrive in some of the harshest environments, these blacked-out beauties are a worthy addition to the brand’s lineup.

Close-up of a black automatic watch with a textured black strap and white and green markers on the dial.

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By Sean Tirman

Published February 27, 2026

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Updated February 27, 2026

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Back in 2018, Marathon launched its original Anthracite SAR watch, designed for stealth and a tactical advantage during night missions. (“SAR” is “Search and Rescue,” by the way.) Stylistically, materially and functionally, the watch was exceptional.

Now, the brand has revived it, alongside two new editions (one with two distinct strap options), as a permanent part of its catalog in the Marathon Antracite SAR Unit. And these new takes are just as magnificent, if not more so, than their predecessor.

Three black Marathon wristwatches with black rubber straps laid on a speckled gray surface surrounded by firearm parts and ammunition. — The collection spans three Marathon watches, the MSAR, GSAR and JDD.

Always bet on black

Fans of Marathon will likely recognize these watches, if not stylistically, then by name, as they are all core parts of the brand’s lineup. The watch the series is based on is the middle child, the GSAR (for “Government Search and Rescue”), which is 41 millimeters in diameter.

The smaller version is the MSAR (for “Medium Search and Rescue”), which is a trendy 36 millimeters in diameter. And the largest of them, the JDD (“Jumbo Day Date”), is 46 millimeters. While they vary slightly in style and function, they do share some crucial common threads.

Black wristwatch with a black dial and white numerals worn on a wrist over a black sleeve. — The watches range in size from 36 to 46 millimeters, so you can pick the one that fits your wrist and style best.

Obviously, the watches are all blacked out (apart from their bezel markers, dial indices and numerals, and hands). But the color isn’t just a stylistic choice, it’s material. All three watches have durable black IP (ion-plating) armor on their 316L stainless steel cases, making them both anti-reflective and more durable than they would be otherwise.

And yet, that’s not where the story stops. The Swiss-made automatic movements inside the watches boast the same Anthracite coating and finish as the cases, making them similarly more durable and robust — a necessity for the rigors of search-and-rescue operations.

Three black tactical wristwatches with rubber straps arranged diagonally on a dark surface. — All three watches come with a rubber strap, but the 41 millimeter option also has a link bracelet option.

Search and rescue

As mentioned, all three watches are automatic, powered by Sellita movements, including the SW220 in the JDD and the SW200-1 in the GSAR and MSAR — all of which are fitted with Incabloc Shock Absorbers. All three watches are also good for depths of up to 300 meters, making them true divers (especially when paired with their dive timer bezels).

Other upgrades from the previous Anthracite SAR launch a few years back include upgraded MaraGlo illumination to pair with their tritium tubes. And all three models come with black rubber straps with Anthracite hardware (yes, the same IP armor as the case and movement).

Black Marathon wristwatch with green luminescent hands and markers worn on a wrist holding a flashlight. — All three models feature upgraded MaraGlo illumination and larger indices, making them easier to read at a glance.

You might notice, when checking out the Marathon site, that the listing actually shows four watches. That’s because the GSAR comes in two versions, but the only difference between them is that one comes with a rubber strap and the other has a link bracelet. That said, the link bracelet, like the case and movement, also gets the Anthracite treatment (which also explains the significant price difference).

No matter which size or strap you choose, all three of these watches are incredibly formidable. Perhaps that’s why, since the 1990s, U.S. and Canadian militaries and special forces have continued turning to Marathon to build their watches time and time again. Of course, you don’t have to be a government employee to find out for yourself.

Three black tactical wristwatches with black straps aligned on dark fabric with military gear and a red laser beam crossing them. — The watches’ rock-solid cases are built from ion-plated 316L stainless steel, protecting their automatic movements within.

Pricing and availability

The Marathon Antracite SAR Unit watches are now available on the brand’s site, priced from $1,900 to $3,250, depending on your model.

Black Marathon automatic dive watch with white numerals, luminous hands, and black rubber strap.

Marathon 36mm Anthracite MSAR Auto

Specs

Case Size	36mm
Movement	Sellita SW200-1 automatic
Water Resistance	300m

Starts at $1,900

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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