Side by side

Marathon MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's AutomaticvsVaer R1 Racing Chronograph

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
R1 Racing Chronograph
VaerR1 Racing Chronograph
MSRP $499

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic36mm
R1 Racing Chronograph38mm
Power Reserve
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic40h
R1 Racing Chronograph40h
Water Resistance
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic300m
R1 Racing Chronograph100m
MSRP
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic$1,800
R1 Racing Chronograph$499

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Chronograph
Diameter
36mm
38mm
Thickness
18mm
12.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
Lug Width
18mm
20mm
Water Resistance
300m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
White
Cream

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Type
Automatic
Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,800
$499

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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 R1 Racing Chronograph

The Vaer R1 Racing Chronograph is widely praised for its beautiful cream dial, which some describe as champagne-like, and its luxurious case finishing for the price. Owners appreciate its well-proportioned design, pleasing dial with well-chosen font weights, and retro feel, with one noting it remains a favorite in their rotation and has easy band swapping. The watch features a 38mm cushion case, a Seiko VK63 meca-quartz movement, 100m water resistance, and American assembly. One owner noted the 42mm size wears small for a larger wrist, and the "ghost" crown position is mentioned. It includes two signed-buckle straps and a domed sapphire crystal. Overall, owners rate the Vaer R1 Racing Chronograph highly for its vintage-inspired aesthetic and value.

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