Canada’s Marathon Watch and Jeep both a rich history of supplying the American armed forces right back to World War II.
That shared heritage has brought them together this year for a set of collaborative watches that highlight the ruggedness and military roots of the two companies.
The series draws inspiration from two iconic vehicles: the Willys MB, the first automobile used by the United States in World War II and the modern Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
Marathon Watch Company started making timing instruments for the Allied Forces’ infantry in 1941 and has infused that experience into two General Purpose (GP) Officer’s Series watches that feature a modern treatment of the original Marathon WWII-issued dial.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Series watches have dials inspired by Jeep dashboard instruments.
“We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Jeep,” says Mitchell Wein, president of Marathon Watch Company.
“Our new collection is all about honoring the rugged, authentic Americana spirit that both brands embody. Marathon’s legacy forged by my grandfather back in 1939 was all about crafting tough mission-ready timepieces for the Allied Forces. Now over 80 years later, we’re teaming up with the Jeep Brand and highlighting our shared military heritage in a truly special endeavor,” he adds.
General Purpose (GP) Officer’s Series has two 41mm field watches with dials that draw on the original Marathon WWII field watches.
Modern updates include a choice of type that is inspired by the Jeep Wrangler 1941 Limited Edition, a fresh black dial, and fully-lumed Aged-Radium numerals.
The 41mm watches come with a choice of a Sellita SW210-1 automatic movement for $650 or an ETA F06.402 HeavyDrive-PreciDrive quartz caliber for $500.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Series watches also come with a choice of quartz or mechanical movements, but are more expensive at $1,200 and $1,500, respectively.
Like all Marathon SAR watches, they are water resistant to 300 meters and have chunky 60 minute unidirectional dive bezels.
All of the collaboration watches have closed steel case backs engraved with Jeep’s motto: Go Anywhere, Do Anything in addition to Since 1941 as a nod to the shared military history between the two brands.
