Side by side

Marathon MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's AutomaticvsVario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound

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
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound
VarioEmpire Art Nouveau Handwound
MSRP $888

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic36mm
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound38mm
Power Reserve
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic40h
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound40h
Water Resistance
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic300m
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound50m
MSRP
MSAR (Medium Search & Rescue) Diver's Automatic$1,800
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound$888

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
36mm
38mm
Thickness
18mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
38mm
Lug Width
18mm
20mm
Water Resistance
300m
50m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
White
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Miyota 6T33
Type
Automatic
Manual

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,800
$888

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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.

Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound

Owners widely praise the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound for its detailed, multi-layered dial featuring applied numerals and guilloche patterns, its elegant Art Deco-inspired design, and the enjoyable winding feel of the Miyota 6T33 handwound movement, often visible through an exhibition case back. The 38mm case size is considered a positive by many, and the included leather strap is noted for its comfort and quality. Some owners find the differing fonts on the sub-dials and perimeter less appealing, and the absence of a constant seconds sub-dial is flagged as a drawback. On balance, owners rate the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound highly for its distinctive Art Deco styling and detailed dial at its price point.

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