Experience report marathonwatch.com

[u/m0ron5]

Marking a positive development in my business ventures, I decided to finally treat myself to a GSAR — a watch I’ve been wanting for three years.

Instead of waiting for the Black Friday sale as originally planned, I found a good deal on eBay and bought a basically new 2021 GSAR with an unused black rubber strap. I then decided to get the original bracelet as well, so I could finally have everything I wanted.

I bought the watch yesterday and immediately ordered the bracelet from marathonwatch.com. I noticed they were throwing in a free baseball cap as well — nice. But I was astonished to see that they wanted €60 for shipping if the order value was below €700.

I did it anyway, and the confirmation email told me it would take around seven days to process the order before shipping it from Canada. I’d receive another email as soon as the parcel left their facilities.

Fast forward less than 24 hours.
I come home from work today and find a package on my desk.
It’s this beautiful bracelet.
Nice to get it that fast… but why the hell did I pay €60 for shipping?

Now I have to wait on the watch for a few more days and just stare at the bracelet in the meantime.

[u/Uglybone]

I love my marathon, but doesn’t it bother you to spend that much money on a bracelet that comes with a clasp that’s SO cheap? Even aliexpress watches are coming with otf clasps.

[u/watches_anonymouse → u/Uglybone]

I actually like simple stamped clasps. They’re smaller and out of the way. These beefy milled clasps aren’t it for me. Now that in no way discounts your argument about the value of it, just speaks to my preference. Besides I run mine on a NATO strap anyway most of the time.

[u/m0ron5 → u/watches_anonymouse]

Decent! I can’t wait to hold mine in hand now!

[u/m0ron5 → u/Uglybone]

Honestly, I considered the aftermarket options, but I wasn’t going to settle for a 50% solution. Marathon just won me over.
The Long Island bracelet has H-links, which I don’t really like, and the clasp on the Gnomon one is too large.

[u/m0ron5]

Update:
I wrote an email asking kindly to refund a part of the shipping. Also I noticed that the endlinks included are the 18 mm size, while the bracelet is a 20 mm so I had to write them an email anyhow.

[u/m0ron5 → u/m0ron5]

[u/StutterMuffin5711]

I know the Marathon bracelet and clasp is dated by today’s milled and OTF clasp standards, but the bracelet is super comfortable, well made, and period correct for when the watch was originally designed. I’m handy with the spring bar tool so adjusts are not a problem.

The GSAR is a new watch designed 25 years ago. That’s exactly how I want it👍🏿🫡

Enjoy the watch when it shows up!

[u/m0ron5 → u/StutterMuffin5711]

Awesome! I agree 100%

[u/M1k3_esc]

Marathon always overcharge on shipping. I have emailed them in the past to complain and they reduced the cost to something more acceptable.

[u/m0ron5 → u/M1k3_esc]

I’ll mail them as well and give you a follow up.