A Fan-Favorite Military Brand Gives Its Beloved Pilot’s Watch a Next-Gen Upgrade

Marathon’s history dates back to 1904, although the brand as we know it today was founded in 1939. Either way you slice it, the horological outfit has a rich, long tradition. Furthermore, crafting watches for the world’s top militaries has also been a core part of the brand’s business.

In fact, its timepieces are used by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, the Air Force’s Pararescuemen and special operations personnel to this day.

Today, one of the brand’s most beloved offerings is front and center, serving as the jumping-off point for a new innovation. The new Marathon Navigator NAV and NAV-D CeraShell watches represent a brave new frontier for the brand.

Marathon

Flight of the Navigator

Developed in collaboration with Kelly Air Force Base in Texas, the Marathon Pilot’s Navigator has been a staple of the brand’s catalog since its initial release in 1986. The purpose of the watch was to craft a specialized, durable timepiece especially for pilots and parachutists, a goal it reached with flying colors (pun intended).

This new release comprises two models, which are largely similar but do have some distinct, if minor, differences. For instance, both watches are 41 millimeters in diameter with a tonneau-shaped case and shielded crown.

Marathon

They also both have an aluminum bidirectional rotating GMT bezel with a new radial-mounted tritium tube insert offering improved visibility and protection. And both watches come with a durable nylon strap, although there are other options available for an upcharge.

Both watches even utilize a reliable, durable quartz movement, although this is where they differ slightly. The NAV has an ETA F06.105 HeavyDrive Quartz movement, while the NAV-D has an ETA F06.115 HeavyDrive Quartz movement. The difference? The latter has a date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers.

The date watch also has the Marathon logo above the hands and a red-tipped seconds hand. Beyond that (and a $40 price difference), they’re identical.

Marathon

A new frontier

I did promise that these watches offer a new innovation, and I wasn’t lying. However, it’s not really something you can see. You might not even feel it if you were to compare and contrast previous Navigators with these two new options. That’s because it comes down to how the case is constructed.

You see, since the ’90s, these watches have come with a composite fibreshell case, which is ultralight and high-impact, making it perfect for pilot’s watch applications. However, this new version swaps that for a proprietary material the brand is calling CeraShell.

Marathon

The new composite is similarly rugged; however, it features a completely new composition of bio-sourced plastic and ceramic powder. But here’s the kicker: while this new material boasts the same durability, it’s even lighter than before without compromising toughness.

The model also now features removable spring bars, making strap swaps much simpler. And it gets a sapphire crystal that’s resistant to temperature changes, tritium dial markers for low-light visibility and more.

Marathon

Availability and pricing

The Marathon Navigator NAV CeraShell and Marathon Navigator NAV-D CeraShell are now available on the brand’s site for $550 and $590, respectively.

Marathon

Marathon Navigator NAV (CeraShell)

Specs

Case Size	41mm
Movement	ETA F06.105 HeavyDrive Quartz or ETA F06.115 HeavyDrive Quartz
Water Resistance	60m

• $550 at Marathon (NAV)
• $590 at Marathon (NAV-D)

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