Side by side

Marathon MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's AutomaticvsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

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

MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic
MarathonMSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic
MSRP $1,800
D5 Tropic Auto
VaerD5 Tropic Auto
MSRP $699

At a glance

8 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic36mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic40h
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic300m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic$1,800
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
36mm
39mm
Thickness
18mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
Lug Width
18mm
20mm
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
White
Black

Movement

1 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Miyota 9015

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,800
$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 MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic

The Marathon MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic is lauded for its utilitarian, no-nonsense design, exceptional tritium lume for visibility, and comfortable 41mm wearability. Reviewers highlight its robust build, meeting ISO 6425 dive watch standards and approved for military use, demonstrating durability during demanding activities. One reviewer notes the stock rubber strap requires modification for a proper fit. Overall, reviewers rate the Marathon MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic highly for its focus on utility and ruggedness at its price point.

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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