Side by side

Marathon GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's AutomaticvsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

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
D5 Tropic Auto
VaerD5 Tropic Auto
MSRP $699

At a glance

7 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic41mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic40h
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic300m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
GSAR (Government Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic$2,100
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
41mm
39mm
Thickness
14mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
48mm
46mm
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Anthracite
Black

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Miyota 9015

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,100
$699

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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.

Vaer D5 Tropic Auto

Owners widely praise the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto for its excellent value, vintage aesthetic, and comfortable 39mm size that wears larger. Specific highlights include the bezel's satisfying click action and subtle shine, beautifully finished lugs that pair well with a jubilee bracelet, and a dynamic black and cream dial with a unique date feature. The incorporation of brushed steel, quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, and good timekeeping are also frequently mentioned positives. The Vaer D5 Tropic Auto is considered good value with excellent water resistance, making it a great daily wear, and its fit and finish are often compared favorably to brands like Hamilton and Tissot. On balance, owners rate the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto highly for its blend of vintage styling, practical features, and strong value proposition.

From video reviewers

The dial design is a standout feature. The Miyota automatic movement is also noted.

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