When it comes to iconic collaborations in the world of watches, the Marathon and Jeep partnership stands out for its unique blend of history, rugged design, and modern craftsmanship. The Marathon 41mm Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch, a product of this collaboration, is not just a timepiece; it’s a tribute to two brands with a long-standing legacy, both of which trace their roots back to World War II.
In this review, we will explore every aspect of this remarkable timepiece, from its historical significance to its design and performance. We’ll also delve into its appeal to Jeep enthusiasts, military watch collectors, and casual watch lovers alike.
The History Behind Marathon and Jeep
Before diving into the details of the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch, it’s essential to understand the shared history between these two iconic brands. Both Marathon Watch Company and Jeep played crucial roles during World War II, producing “General Purpose” products for the Allied forces.
Marathon’s Military Watch Heritage
Founded in 1939, Marathon has been a key supplier of watches to the military for decades. Its rugged, reliable timepieces have been trusted by soldiers across the globe. Marathon’s first “General Purpose” wristwatches were designed for military use, offering durability and precision in the harshest conditions. These watches were simple, legible, and built to withstand the rigors of war.
Jeep’s Role in WWII
On the other hand, Jeep is perhaps best known for its role in producing the Willys MB, a light utility vehicle used extensively by the U.S. Army during World War II. The Willys MB was designed to be a versatile, off-road vehicle capable of handling the toughest terrains. Soldiers affectionately shortened the term “General Purpose” to GP, which eventually became known as “Jeep.” This legendary vehicle went on to become one of the most recognizable off-road vehicles in the world.
The Marathon Jeep Collaboration: A Natural Fit
Given their shared history of producing rugged, “General Purpose” products for the military, the collaboration between Marathon and Jeep seems like a natural fit. The Marathon 41mm Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is a celebration of this shared legacy, combining the military heritage of both brands into a stylish and functional timepiece.
Marathon 41mm Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical Watch Review
Design and Aesthetics
The first thing you’ll notice about the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is its vintage-inspired design. This is not just a watch; it’s a nod to history, a tribute to the original General Purpose wristwatches that Marathon produced during World War II. From the shape of the case to the design of the dial, every element of this watch is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering modern-day functionality.
Case Design: A New Size for a Classic Look
One of the standout features of this watch is its case design. Marathon has taken the classic Officer’s Mechanical GPM watch and increased the case size from 36mm to 41mm. This larger size is a welcome change for those who found the 36mm version too small, and it makes the watch more versatile for a broader range of wrist sizes.
The case itself is crafted from stainless steel and features a Parkerized finish. This finish, which is similar to sandblasting, enhances the durability of the case by improving its resistance to wear and corrosion. The Parkerized finish gives the watch a rugged, matte appearance, which complements its military-inspired design.
The case is also relatively thin, measuring just 11mm in thickness. This makes the watch comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. The lug-to-lug distance is 48mm, which might be a bit long for those with smaller wrists, but it adds to the overall presence of the watch on the wrist.
The Dial: A Tribute to the Past
The dial of the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is perhaps one of its most attractive features. It draws inspiration from the original General Purpose watch dials that Marathon produced for military use in 1941. The dial features a simple, legible layout, with Arabic numerals marking the hours and a smaller 24-hour scale on the inside.
What sets this dial apart from other Marathon watches is the presence of the Jeep logo. Marathon has done an excellent job of integrating the Jeep branding into the overall design without making it feel forced or out of place. The Jeep name is prominently displayed on the dial, while the Marathon branding is more discreet, allowing the focus to remain on the Jeep heritage.
One notable difference between this dial and other Marathon watches is the absence of tritium gas tube illumination. Instead, the hour markers and hands are coated with MaraGlo lume paint, which offers a more traditional glow in low-light conditions. While this may be seen as a downside by some, it adds to the vintage aesthetic of the watch.
Technical Specifications: Inside the Watch
While the design and aesthetics of the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch are certainly appealing, it’s what’s inside that really sets this watch apart. Marathon has chosen to equip this watch with the Sellita SW210-1 hand-wound mechanical movement.
The Sellita SW210-1 Movement
The Sellita SW210-1 is a high-quality, Swiss-made mechanical movement that operates at 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour). It features 18 jewels and offers a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. This movement is known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a perfect choice for a watch that is designed to be both functional and stylish.
One of the standout features of this movement is its hand-wound mechanism. Unlike automatic movements that wind themselves through the motion of the wearer’s wrist, the Sellita SW210-1 requires manual winding. This adds a level of interaction and engagement with the watch, as the wearer must wind the movement to keep it running. For many watch enthusiasts, this is part of the charm of owning a mechanical watch.
Marathon has also made some modifications to the winding system of the movement to improve the tactile experience. The winding crown offers a smooth, satisfying feel when winding the watch, which is a testament to Marathon’s attention to detail.
Water Resistance and Durability
While the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is not designed to be a dive watch, it does offer a water resistance rating of 50 meters. This makes it suitable for everyday wear, including activities like hand washing or light rain. However, it is not recommended for swimming or diving.
The Parkerized finish on the case not only enhances the watch’s durability but also gives it a rugged, utilitarian look that is in line with its military heritage. The sapphire crystal covering the dial is flat and features an anti-reflective coating, ensuring that the watch is both scratch-resistant and easy to read in bright light.
The Strap: Style Meets Comfort
The Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch comes with a 20mm wide leather strap that complements its vintage-inspired design. The strap is made from natural brown leather, which gives it a stylish, retro look that pairs well with the overall aesthetic of the watch.
The leather strap is thin and pliable, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, it may not be the most durable option for those who plan to wear the watch regularly in more rugged environments. The leather is likely to show signs of wear over time, and it is not well-suited for getting wet.
For those who want to preserve the original leather strap, Marathon has designed the case with drilled lug holes, making it easy to swap out the strap for a more durable option, such as a rubber or NATO-style strap. This versatility allows the wearer to customize the watch to their liking, whether they prefer a more casual or rugged look.
Wearing Experience: A Watch for Every Occasion
One of the key selling points of the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is its versatility. While it is undoubtedly a tribute to military and automotive history, it is also a watch that can be worn in a variety of settings.
Everyday Wear
The 41mm case size, coupled with the thin profile of the watch, makes it a comfortable option for everyday wear. Whether you’re wearing it to the office, out for a casual dinner, or just running errands, the watch’s vintage style and rugged design make it a versatile accessory that pairs well with a variety of outfits.
Outdoor Adventures
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is a reliable companion. While it may not be designed for extreme sports or deep-sea diving, its 50-meter water resistance and durable construction make it suitable for hiking, camping, or other outdoor adventures.
A Conversation starter
One of the most appealing aspects of this watch is its ability to serve as a conversation starter. Whether you’re a Jeep enthusiast, a military history buff, or simply someone who appreciates unique, well-crafted watches, the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is bound to attract attention. Its historical ties to both World War II and the automotive world make it a compelling piece, and its thoughtful design ensures it appeals to a broad range of watch lovers. Wearing this watch often leads to conversations about its backstory, the shared heritage of Jeep and Marathon, and the watch’s technical details. For collectors or anyone passionate about history, this is a key selling point.
Craftsmanship and Build Quality: Marathon’s Reputation for Durability
Marathon is known for producing military-grade watches, and the build quality of the Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is no exception. Every element of the watch, from the case to the movement, is crafted with precision and durability in mind. This commitment to quality is evident in the watch’s Parkerized finish, its use of high-grade stainless steel, and the Swiss-made Sellita SW210-1 movement.
The Parkerized Finish: Enhancing Durability
The Parkerized finish on the case is one of the defining features of this watch. Often used in military applications, Parkerizing is a method of coating ferrous metals to enhance their wear resistance and protect them from corrosion. This finish not only improves the durability of the case but also gives the watch a tactical, utilitarian appearance, which is fitting given its military inspiration.
The Parkerized finish has a matte texture, which adds to the rugged aesthetic of the watch. It’s also less prone to showing scratches compared to polished surfaces, making it a good choice for those who plan to wear the watch in more demanding environments. Despite its utilitarian look, the finish is also refined enough to work well in more casual or formal settings, offering the best of both worlds.
Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating
The use of sapphire crystal to protect the dial is another nod to the high level of craftsmanship that goes into making this watch. Sapphire crystal is one of the most scratch-resistant materials used in watchmaking, ensuring that the watch’s dial remains clear and unmarred even after years of wear. The crystal is also treated with an anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare and makes the dial easier to read in bright sunlight.
Swiss-Made Movement: A Precision Timekeeper
At the heart of the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is the Sellita SW210-1 movement, a Swiss-made, hand-wound mechanical movement known for its reliability and precision. Sellita is one of the most respected movement manufacturers in the industry, and the SW210-1 is a testament to their expertise.
The 18-jewel movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), which ensures accurate timekeeping. The movement’s 45-hour power reserve is sufficient for most users, and the hand-wound mechanism adds a level of interaction that many watch enthusiasts appreciate. The tactile feedback from winding the crown is smooth and satisfying, a small detail that contributes to the overall wearing experience.
Marathon’s decision to go with a hand-wound movement rather than an automatic one is a deliberate choice that aligns with the vintage and military theme of the watch. It also allows for a thinner case profile, which enhances the watch’s wearability.
An Homage to the Original General Purpose Watch
The dial of the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is a faithful reimagining of the original General Purpose watches that Marathon produced for military use during World War II. However, it incorporates modern design elements that make it more appealing to contemporary watch collectors.
Font and Layout
The layout of the dial is simple and functional, in keeping with its military heritage. Arabic numerals mark the hours, with a 24-hour scale located just inside the main hour markers. The Jeep logo is prominently displayed on the dial, a subtle yet effective way to highlight the collaboration between Marathon and Jeep. The Marathon branding is more discreet, allowing the focus to remain on the watch’s vintage-inspired design.
The font used for the numerals is reminiscent of the original General Purpose watches, lending the dial a sense of authenticity. The stark contrast between the white numerals and the black dial ensures excellent legibility, which is essential for a military-style watch.
MaraGlo Lume: Traditional Illumination
Unlike many of Marathon’s other watches, which use tritium gas tubes for illumination, the Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch relies on MaraGlo lume paint. This is a more traditional form of luminescence, where the hour markers and hands are coated with lume that glows in the dark after being exposed to light.
While MaraGlo doesn’t offer the same long-lasting brightness as tritium tubes, it fits the vintage aesthetic of the watch and provides sufficient visibility in low-light conditions. The choice of lume is a deliberate one, as it adds to the retro charm of the watch without sacrificing too much in terms of functionality.
Technical Details: A Breakdown of the Key Specifications
For those who appreciate the technical side of watches, the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch does not disappoint. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the watch’s key specifications:
- Case Diameter: 41mm
- Case Thickness: 11mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 48mm
- Movement: Sellita SW210-1, hand-wound mechanical
- Jewels: 18
- Power Reserve: 45 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Strap: Natural brown leather, thin and pliable
These specifications place the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch firmly in the category of military-inspired field watches. It’s not overly complicated, but it’s packed with the essential features that collectors and enthusiasts look for in a timepiece of this nature.
Price and Value: Does the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Offer Good Bang for Your Buck?
At $650 USD, the Marathon 41mm Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch offers excellent value for money. When compared to other military-inspired watches in the same price range, this watch stands out for its combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and functionality.
For those who appreciate the history behind the watch, the price is justified by the attention to detail and the quality of the materials used. The Sellita SW210-1 movement, the Parkerized stainless steel case, and the sapphire crystal all contribute to the watch’s overall value.
While the leather strap may require replacement over time, this is a minor drawback considering the watch’s other strengths. Additionally, the ease with which the strap can be swapped out for a rubber or NATO-style strap makes this a non-issue for most wearers.
For Jeep enthusiasts, the inclusion of the Jeep branding adds an extra layer of appeal. This watch is not just a timepiece; it’s a piece of memorabilia that celebrates the legacy of one of the most iconic automotive brands in history.
Learn more at the Marathon Watch website
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
No watch is perfect, and the Marathon Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is no exception. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of this timepiece:
Pros:
- Heritage: The watch pays homage to both Marathon and Jeep’s military history, making it a great choice for history buffs.
- Design: The vintage-inspired design is attractive and well-executed, with the Jeep logo integrated seamlessly.
- Movement: The Sellita SW210-1 hand-wound movement is reliable and accurate, offering a tactile winding experience.
- Durability: The Parkerized stainless steel case and sapphire crystal ensure that the watch can withstand daily wear and tear.
- Versatility: The watch can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
- Conversation Starter: The history and collaboration behind the watch make it a great conversation piece for enthusiasts.
Cons:
- Lug Size: The 48mm lug-to-lug distance may be too long for smaller wrists, making the watch feel large for some wearers.
- Leather Strap Durability: The included leather strap is thin and may not hold up to regular wear in rugged conditions. It may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
- Water Resistance: With a water resistance rating of 50 meters, the watch is suitable for light splashes but not for swimming or diving.
Who Is This Watch For?
The Marathon 41mm Jeep Willys SSGPM Officer’s Mechanical watch is a timepiece that appeals to a specific audience: those who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and rugged design. It’s an ideal choice for Jeep enthusiasts, military history buffs, and watch collectors who are drawn to vintage-inspired designs with modern functionality.
While it may not be the most versatile watch in terms of water resistance or strap durability, its unique backstory and high-quality construction make it a standout in the world of field watches. Whether you’re a Jeep fan looking for a watch that
