Side by side

Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's AutomaticvsGrand Seiko SBGW281

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

GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic
MarathonGSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic
MSRP $2,100
SBGW281
Grand SeikoSBGW281
MSRP $4,900

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic41mm
SBGW28137.3mm
Power Reserve
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic40h
SBGW28172h
Water Resistance
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic300m
SBGW28130m
MSRP
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic$2,100
SBGW281$4,900

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
41mm
37.3mm
Thickness
14mm
11.7mm
Lug-to-Lug
48mm
44.3mm
Lug Width
20mm
19mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
30m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Anthracite
Black

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
9S64
Type
Automatic
Manual
Power Reserve
40h
72h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,100
$4,900

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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 GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic

The Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic is widely praised for its legibility, comfort, and exceptional tritium illumination, with reviewers highlighting its utilitarian, military-equipment feel and a 41mm case size considered ideal. Owners appreciate its grippy bezel and the 300 meters of water resistance provided by the screw-down crown, deeming it a solid value for a Swiss-made tool watch. Some owners report quality control issues, with one user needing to warranty two watches, and another notes the GSAR wears taller than other models, leading to occasional bumping. The reliable ETA 2824-A2 movement is a consistent feature. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic highly for its bright tritium lume and robust, no-nonsense tool watch design.

Grand Seiko SBGW281

Grand Seiko SBGW281 owners and reviewers alike praise its classic 37mm size and timeless, no-bezel design, with enthusiasts calling these manual-wind models "perfect Grand Seikos" for their thin profile, accessible price, and dial symmetry. The champagne dial is noted for its evocative, melting snow aesthetic, complemented by a gold seconds hand and a box crystal. The winding action is described as exceptionally smooth with satisfying clicky feedback, and the lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 45mm. This timepiece is splash resistant and retails for US$4,800. On balance, enthusiasts and reviewers highly regard the Grand Seiko SBGW281 for its elegant proportions and refined dial presentation.

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