Side by side

Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's AutomaticvsGrand Seiko SBGJ249

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic
MarathonGSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic
MSRP $2,100
SBGJ249
Grand SeikoSBGJ249
MSRP $7,700

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic41mm
SBGJ24939.5mm
Power Reserve
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic40h
SBGJ24955h
Water Resistance
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic300m
SBGJ24930m
MSRP
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic$2,100
SBGJ249$7,700

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Diver
GMT
Diameter
41mm
39.5mm
Thickness
14mm
14.1mm
Lug-to-Lug
48mm
46.9mm
Lug Width
20mm
19mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
30m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Anthracite
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
9S86
Power Reserve
40h
55h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,100
$7,700

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic

The Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic is widely praised for its legibility, comfort, and exceptional tritium illumination, with reviewers highlighting its utilitarian, military-equipment feel and a 41mm case size considered ideal. Owners appreciate its grippy bezel and the 300 meters of water resistance provided by the screw-down crown, deeming it a solid value for a Swiss-made tool watch. Some owners report quality control issues, with one user needing to warranty two watches, and another notes the GSAR wears taller than other models, leading to occasional bumping. The reliable ETA 2824-A2 movement is a consistent feature. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic highly for its bright tritium lume and robust, no-nonsense tool watch design.

Grand Seiko SBGJ249

Grand Seiko SBGJ249 owners and reviewers widely praise its spectacular beauty, particularly the stunning wave dial that shifts color and exhibits an incredible texture. The watch is noted for its perfect proportions and "out of this world" finishing on the case, hands, and hour indices. It is powered by the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S86, a true GMT movement operating at 36,000vph. Accuracy is reported at -3 to +5 seconds per day, with one owner noting +3 seconds per day. The watch is offered at $6,800, which is considered outstanding value. A drawback flagged is its 3 bar water resistance. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGJ249 highly for its exceptional dial finishing and overall beauty at its price point.

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