Side by side

Marathon Arctic OSAR 36mm AutomaticvsGrand Seiko SBGH281

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

Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic
MarathonArctic OSAR 36mm Automatic
MSRP $1,200
SBGH281
Grand SeikoSBGH281
MSRP $6,300

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic36mm
SBGH28140mm
Power Reserve
Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic40h
SBGH28155h
Water Resistance
Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic300m
SBGH281100m
MSRP
Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic$1,200
SBGH281$6,300

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
36mm
40mm
Thickness
13mm
13.3mm
Lug-to-Lug
43.5mm
46.2mm
Lug Width
18mm
19mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
White
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW220-1
9S85
Power Reserve
40h
55h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,200
$6,300

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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 Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic

The Marathon Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic is noted for its non-tritium dial option, though some owners prefer the 1-12 numeral layout found on other models. One owner found the 36mm size too small for their wrist. Overall, owners appreciate the Marathon Arctic OSAR 36mm Automatic for its non-tritium dial option.

Grand Seiko SBGH281

The Grand Seiko SBGH281 is lauded for its 44GS-style case, which exemplifies the brand's "Grammar of Design" with its sharp facets and broad case band, and its Hi-Beat 36000vph Caliber 9S85 movement, noted for an ultra-smooth second hand. Reviewers highlight the exceptional finishing, including Zaratsu polishing and hand-polished markers, as offering significant value at its €6,200 price point. The watch features an accuracy rating of +5/–3 seconds per day, a 55-hour power reserve, and 100-meter water resistance, all executed to Grand Seiko's high standards, and is limited to 1,500 pieces. Overall, reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGH281 highly for its iconic case design and superb finishing at its price.

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