I had the auto version and found it to be accurate and robust, like all of these watches are.

From what I have read from others, the quartz version is practically indestructible compared to most other watches out there.

 

Quartz – Quick grab and go, beater, not having to worry about vibration, hits, shocks or knocks when you are jack-hammering, climbing, hiking, spelunking, shooting, fighting, etc (you get the idea…), battery change every so many years (3-5 years, not sure), no “real” maintenance.

Automatic – Grab and go (just check for accurate time and date if you didn’t use the watch for a few days), somewhat concern about vibration, hits, shocks or knocks but still a tough watch, service movement every so many years (3-5 years, not sure), “real and somewhat expensive” maintenance.

You pick your poison!!

I will go with the auto!!

 

I’ve got Marathon autos and quartz and TBH you can’t go wrong with either. Having said that I voted for the auto simply because I like auto that teeny bit more than quartz (we’re talking my remaining hair teeny)

 

If there is an automatic version of the same watch, I will always pick the auto. More charm

 

Thanks for the opinions guys, still deciding, but probably going quartz, only because of the weight tho. I have 5 watches with the SW200, (two I built myself), and have zero issues them, they all run great.

 

I'd go quartz for this one. No worries, just keeps running. Mechanical is cool though.

 

I went with the auto MSAR in no small part due to the lumed seconds hand, and to a lesser extent a preference for the MARATHON text vs. the M logo on the quartz. Don't think you can go wrong with either, though, and the quartz version will save you 1 mm of thickness vs. the auto.

 

I went with the auto MSAR in no small part due to the lumed seconds hand, and to a lesser extent a preference for the MARATHON text vs. the M logo on the quartz. Don't think you can go wrong with either, though, and the quartz version will save you 1 mm of thickness vs. the auto.

View attachment 17798088

41mm or 36mm?

The TSAR ( quartz 36mm) has the full text, but not the tritium seconds hand.

 

I believe Marathon uses the "MSAR" (medium) designation for all of their 36mm dive watches. Good call re: the text for both on the black dial versions. Interesting that they only use the logo on the 36mm Arctic white dial quartz.

 

The TSAR is my only quartz. It is my weekend grab and go. Never have to worry about winding or setting. I flip a lot of watches but this one will never leave my collection.

 

is the quartz loud? i had to return a swatch once cause it annoyed me to no end. for reference, i work in a quiet office

 

I had a 36mm quartz years ago and loved it. Convinced myself I needed to consolidate my collection to get something more higher-end, and I definitely regret selling, as prices are a lot higher now.

They are tall watches, even the quartz version. That is one of my only criticisms of the watch. And with a watch that is already small at 36mm, the increased height is much more apparent. For that reason I voted quartz. It's also just a tougher watch, which is kinda the appeal of Marathons.

 

I believe Marathon uses the "MSAR" (medium) designation for all of their 36mm dive watches.

You are correct. The TSAR is the quartz version of the 41mm with the GSAR the automatic. Good Catch. I saw the names, and totally spaced when the 36mm size was mentioned.

 

GSAR Polar for me...

because ticking second hands annoy me.

 

I had a hard time paying the premium for the automatic movement when quartz is available. I know some people are auto only, but I appreciate the cost savings of quarts and not having another watch to service.

 

Let us know your decision Bill. No wrong choice. Marathon makes very nice watches.

Good luck.

 

Quartz for this watch. It just makes more sense.
I do think every collector needs a quartz or two in their collection and this is one of the better models you could pick to fill that slot because it has genuine horological chops.
As a collector, I'd want my quartz to be more than just second-fiddles to my automatics.

 

Ok, just pulled the trigger on the Marathon TSAR quartz 36mm.
Photos when I get it..not like you’ve never seen one before, but this one will be mine…LOL!
Thank you for the insights guys!

 

Ok, just pulled the trigger on the Marathon TSAR quartz 36mm.
Photos when I get it..not like you’ve never seen one before, but this one will be mine…LOL!
Thank you for the insights guys!

I think it's a good choice. Quartz for a tool watch is the way to go.
But it has a lot of other good stuff going for it that makes it more than just a replaceable quartz beater, in my mind - the brand history, the tritium, the size...

 

Ok, just pulled the trigger on the Marathon TSAR quartz 36mm.
Photos when I get it..not like you’ve never seen one before, but this one will be mine…LOL!
Thank you for the insights guys!

You choose wisely Grasshopper!!!

Looking forward to pictures. I think you will be very satisfied with your purchase.

Good luck.

 

Great choice Bill. Congrats. You will love it.

 

Super excited to get it! Even dreamed a silly dream about it last night , 🤣😬

 

I've been seeing pictures of these Marathons lately and I never gave them a thought before but they're really starting to grow on me. I didn't know they had a 36mm version and I always assumed they were huge and thick (that's what she said, lol). Their proportions and fonts have a crispness to them I'm finding really appealing. Looking forward to hearing your opinions when you get it in hand.

 

I vote quartz. The FØ6 movement on my Navigator has barely lost or gained a second in three months. The ultimate grab-and-go. ETA: Great choice, OP!