This New Watch Collab from Jeep and Marathon Defines Handsome, Rugged Utility
Today’s watch world's greater focus on luxury over utility has its limits. While none of us would mind a Patek Philippe on our wrists, for example, it’s tough to see it getting much everyday use. Function and resilience are necessary features when it comes to a timepiece that we wear often, and it’s those very qualities that are front and center in the new collaboration from Marathon Watch Co. and Jeep—thankfully alongside impeccable style.
Jeep and Marathon connect on a variety of levels that may not be obvious at first glance. Both brands share military roots tracing back to World War II. Each company is also renowned for their functional designs. It’s these time-honored qualities that make Jeep x Marathon's military-inspired collection one of the most fortuitous collaborations for seekers of watches excelling on both fronts—style and function.
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The Jeep x Marathon collection features four watches broken down into two series. The General Purpose (GP) Officer’s Series is made up of the 41mm Jeep Willys SSGPM and the 41mm Jeep Willys SSGPQ. The Search and Rescue (SAR) Series includes the 41mm Jeep Rubicon GSAR and the 41mm Jeep Rubicon TSAR.
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The GP watches are inspired by the Willys-Overland, a vehicle used by the U.S. during WWII—and a forefather to the Jeeps we all know and love. Each timepiece features a 41mm steel case with a parkerized finish and MaraGlo illumination to make them easy to read in low-light situations. The SSGPM is driven by an 18-jewel Swiss-made mechanical movement, while the SSGPQ is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement. Both come with a three-piece leather strap.
The SAR series, also featuring 41mm steel cases, is influenced by Jeep’s iconic Rubicon Wrangler and Marathon’s Search & Rescue collection. The main difference between the GSAR and the TSAR is what powers them—the GSAR features a Swiss-made automatic movement, while the TSAR offers a Swiss-made quartz movement. Both feature a “red line” indicator repurposed as a 15-minute count-up and type treatments inspired by the Wrangler 1941 Limited Edition.
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Each is outfitted with an oversized 60min/120-click unidirectional dive bezel and is water resistant up to 300 meters. Engraved on the side of the watches is the seven-slot Jeep grille, while the Willys star can be found on the knurled steel crown.
The Jeep Willys SSGPM runs $650 and the Willys SSGPQ is priced at $500. The Jeep Rubicon TSAR and GSAR come in at $1,200 and $1,500 respectively.