Marathon OSAR-D (Original SAR with Date) Automatic 36mmvsSeiko 5 Sports SKX series

Owners widely praise the Marathon OSAR-D (Original SAR with Date) Automatic 36mm for its exceptional legibility, featuring large hour markers and MaraGlo lume. The watch is noted for its comfortable wearability and competent Swiss-made Selitta SW200-1 automatic movement, offering 300-meter water resistance and a sapphire crystal. Some enthusiasts find the price of $1,380 USD on rubber to be excessive, particularly compared to past models or other brands, and the Spartan bracelet is described as lacking refinement. On balance, owners and reviewers find the Marathon OSAR-D Automatic 36mm a reliable and functional tool watch, with its clear dial and robust build being the primary draws.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised for its value, robust build, and powerful lume, with owners appreciating its comfortable bracelets and improved movement featuring hacking and hand-winding. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others praise their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. Reviewers note the 38mm models offer great value at around €350 and are exemplary gateway watches, though their 100m water resistance without a screw-down crown makes them unsuitable for diving. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is seen as a decent watch, especially under £200, but lacks the tool watch capabilities of the original SKX, missing a screw-down crown, bezel pip, and ISO rating. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series well for its blend of value, improved movement, and tool-watch aesthetic, despite some missing dive certifications.