Marathon with SS bezel insert

[Maxfli]

I thought some of you fans of tactical divers might enjoy this.

I recently picked up a NIB Jan. 2011 issue of the Marathon TSAR that has been fitted with a custom stainless steel 12-hour bezel insert.

Really changes the character of this watch, which I always felt was a little too busy looking with the black OEM diver insert. And since I don't dive, the 12-hour configuration gives me some functionality I can use.

A few pics (btw, it came with the standard Marathon rubber strap; I switched to a leather I had on hand):

[cedargrove]

Love it. Both the bezel and the strap.

I like the 120 click bezel on mine, so maybe will just get a second Marathon to accomodate this. Do you mind me asking where you got the bezel.

[Dan Pierce]

I know the watch. Jim Madrid showed this to me last year and what a unique TSAR you now own, well done! Add to that, the very small number of SARs with 12 hour bezels.
Sorry Rich, Jim has confirmed he ain't making anymore. You might, on rare occasion, find one for sale though. But you really have to keep an eye out for it and snag it fast.
Mine says hi.
dP

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

Do you mind me asking where you got the bezel.

The bezel was made by the person I bought the watch from, and unfortunately he doesn't plan to make any more of them.

[Maxfli]

Dan, did Jim make your black one?

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Maxfli

Dan, did Jim make your black one?

Yep, Jim was part of the original SAR design team. Nothing like a custom insert from the man himself.
He also makes a damn fine pen.
dP

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Sorry Rich, Jim has confirmed he ain't making anymore. You might, on rare occasion, find one for sale though. But you really have to keep an eye out for it and snag it fast.

This one was up for sale more than 20 hours before I stumbled across it. I was shocked it went unsold that long.

[Maxfli]

I saw the pen on his site and am thinking about getting one (if he has any left). Looks like it's built to last several lifetimes.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Maxfli

This one was up for sale more than 20 hours before I stumbled across it. I was shocked it went unsold that long.

Me too! I gave serious thought of buying it myself. It's a one of a kind and love how the ss bezel really adds a unique vibe.
dP

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Maxfli

I saw the pen on his site and am thinking about getting one (if he has any left). Looks like it's built to last several lifetimes.

It is. I lost my first pen while working in Endonton, Alberta airport and as soon as I got home ordered another. In fact, the pen is sitting on my desk and been using it all day.
dP

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

Love it. Both the bezel and the strap.

Rich, the strap is from Brian Johnson (BJ Straps). He does very nice work at reasonable prices.

[WatchTimes]

Grrrrr
I have been wanting one with a 12 hr bezel for some time.
I REALY want trit tubes and a 12 hr bezel.

Congrats on a nice unique pick up!

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Sorry Rich, Jim has confirmed he ain't making anymore. You might, on rare occasion, find one for sale though. But you really have to keep an eye out for it and snag it fast.

Originally Posted by Maxfli

This one was up for sale more than 20 hours before I stumbled across it. I was shocked it went unsold that long.

Thanks guys. I will add this to my list of watches to look for in the For Sale sections.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Mine says hi.
dP

I love seeing this one too. So clean.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by Maxfli

Rich, the strap is from Brian Johnson (BJ Straps). He does very nice work at reasonable prices.

Thanks. I will check him out.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

I love seeing this one too. So clean.

Thanks, Rich!
It's one of my favorites.
dP

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

I REALY want trit tubes and a 12 hr bezel.

I hear you, and I'll go you one better:

Trit tubes + 12 hr bezel + diver WR + day/date complication = the ultimate all-purpose tool watch. (Maybe through in titanium case for max comfort.)

Until somebody makes one, this TSAR will have to do.

[Maxfli]

BTW, meant to compliment you on the SAR. Love the clean look. Definitely a keeper.

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Don't know if you could tell, but Jim also shortened the crown on mine. Still plenty to grab onto, though.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Maxfli

BTW, meant to compliment you on the SAR. Love the clean look. Definitely a keeper.



Don't know if you could tell, but Jim also shortened the crown on mine. Still plenty to grab onto, though.

Thanks, mate!
Yes, I was going to mention that. Wearing my SAR on a Zulu strap minimizes the long crown effect but it can dig in the back of your hand when wearing the bracelet. Not really a big deal but I'm sure the shortened crown feels better. Btw, the crown is pulled out to hack the movement in the pic, so it's not that long.
dP

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Btw, the crown is pulled out to hack the movement in the pic, so it's not that long.
dP

Yeah, I figured that. He didn't take off much, maybe a mm or two at the most.

[eagle_lex]

nice watch! love my 12 hour bezel from jim as well. makes it a tad more special IMO. cheers to my friend Jim.

PS. his pens are the nuts! everyone should buy one.

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by eagle_lex

nice watch! love my 12 hour bezel from jim as well.

Pics! Let's see 'em!

[eagle_lex]

im not the pic master like my man Dan. but its basically like his sans the cyclops. ill see if i have any laying around but i promise they arent even close to the quality of Dans photography.

ok found ONE... dang im bad about taking pics... plus this is on a lower end rubber strap. id like to grab an isofrane for it someday but the harsh reality is i hardly wear this piece.... when i do its for a day on the bracelet and then back in the box. a VERY solid watch and way cool with the 24 hour limited run of inserts. i think most agree the insert cleans it up. its just my gmtIIc and 112 gets most the wear.

[FeelingTheBlues]

This crown looks tough as hell!

Very nice watch, congratulations!

[gaopa]

Those are fine looking Marathon watches! I have a TSAR which I enjoy.

I like the pen as well! I don't know about Jim and his mods nor his pens. Where can one get a pen? TIA, Bill P.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by gaopa

Those are fine looking Marathon watches! I have a TSAR which I enjoy.

I like the pen as well! I don't know about Jim and his mods nor his pens. Where can one get a pen? TIA, Bill P.

Here you go, Bill:
http://maxmadco.com/
You will absolutely love this pen.

Tell Jim I said hello!
dP

[mannyv11]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Here you go, Bill:
http://maxmadco.com/
You will absolutely love this pen.

Tell Jim I said hello!
dP

damn you Dan I bought that amazing pen because you made it so easy for me... thanks again and love the watches guys real cool looking pieces

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by eagle_lex

im not the pic master like my man Dan. but its basically like his sans the cyclops.

Love it, Ed. If Marathon were smart, they'd offer a 12-hour bezel option...but selfishly I'm glad they don't! Do you know if Jim outfitted any other SARs with the ss version?

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by mannyv11

damn you Dan I bought that amazing pen because you made it so easy for me... thanks again and love the watches guys real cool looking pieces

Glad that worked out for you, Manny. It will bring you years of solid performance.

Originally Posted by Maxfli

Love it, Ed. If Marathon were smart, they'd offer a 12-hour bezel option...but selfishly I'm glad they don't! Do you know if Jim outfitted any other SARs with the ss version?

Can't remember for sure but I thought Jim told me it was a one off. Which makes the rare even rarer.
dP

[Maxfli]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Can't remember for sure but I thought Jim told me it was a one off. Which makes the rare even rarer.

I'll email Jim and ask.