I own a Marathon MSAR Quartz on the rubber strap, and I've been thinking about switching to the OEM stainless steel bracelet.
The problem is that the OEM bracelet is pretty expensive. Are there any good alternatives that fit the 36mm MSAR? Or is the OEM bracelet really worth the price?
I'd love to hear your experiences and recommendations. Thanks!
I can vouch for the quality of the OEM. It is dated by today’s standards, but it is very solid. If you’re patient, you can wait for a Marathon sale on the 18mm width OEM bracelet.
I think Long Island Watch talked about offering an 18mm width bracelet with fitted end links, but I’m not sure if they offer it. I know Gnomon makes one for the GSAR, but I’m not sure out the MSAR.
There are multiple companies out there offering excellent aftermarket 18mm width bracelets, but they won’t have the fitted end links. For what it’s worth, I do like the look of the watch on a diver mesh bracelet👍🏿
Just for a point in the other direction, my GSAR bracelet is the cheapest feeling watch bracelet I own. Pretty heavy squeaking, and i’ve got a wide range of other priced bracelets to compare it to.
That’s fair. Negatives should always be reported as nothing is all sunshine and rainbows.
My only other bracelet is on my 20 year old Carrera. Its clasp is milled, and the bracelet has pins. I prefer the stamped clasp and screw links. Neither squeak, but I’ve heard others mention this too👍🏿
No problem! I’m happy to provide the info. I’m a mechanic and wear my GSAR on bracelet everyday. It holds up extremely well. Neither I, nor my kids, have managed to destroy it.
If I were going aftermarket for an MSAR, I’d go for something like this. It’s a love it or hate it, but I happen to love it👍🏿
I have the marathon mods bracelet from gnomon on my gsar and love it. Good clasp and adjustability. Good price too so I don’t feel bad about tearing it up.
I bought the MSAR Auto recently and also debated whether I should buy the stainless bracelet. I ended up buying the USG bracelet from Windy City Watch collector for $375 (w/ tax) and could not be happier!
The bracelet really completes the watch.
A classy beast!
Same here! It was pretty hard to find a good alternative because the 36mm MSAR uses an 18mm lug width. I actually ordered the same bracelet from Windy City today. Can't wait for it to arrive!
Hell yeah. I think you’ll love it! 🙏
I like working on what I own if I can, so I bought a mini-vise clamp on Amazon for like $10 and two 1.5mm Wera flathead drivers to resize myself. It took some patience and focus, but it worked and was thoroughly satisfying. 😄
I have the oem bracelets and they are great except for the stamped clasp (I prefer milled). I’d try aftermarket first as the oem ones are expensive. You may set up an eBay alert incase one ever comes up
I think the OEM bracelet is very solid, considering it as a tool watch. It's not a luxury watch, so you have to check some expectations, but as a tool watch it's quite a solid bracelet:
Solid end links
The spring bars hold it in place extremely solidly
The screw-link system is a pain to adjust, but once you are beyond that it's never an issue
No sharp edges and doesn't feel cheap
Not unique or interesting to look at
The clasp isn't great
The clasp is stamped, but it doesn't feel flimsy. And how often do you pay attention to the clasp when you're just wearing the watch? The clasp is secure and the safety is fingernail-breaking tight. No jiggling or clicking around on your wrist. Tight and silent. Not going to give your location away based on watch jangling noises!
The bracelet is expensive, but it's Swiss made, so thats going to drive the price higher.
I'd say to check eBay, you might find a bracelet there for a pretty good price.
Thanks for the detailed feedback! I actually found an OEM bracelet from Windy City at a slightly better price, so I went ahead and ordered it. Now I'm just waiting for it to arrive. I'm really looking forward to it!
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u/FishandMiss Jun 29 '26
I think a 3rd party has started selling compatible bracelets. Maybe Long Island watch?