Here are my trusty ole Quad 10s by Bill Yao (again). The only two "nice" watches I own nowadays. The make and model are identical, the somewhat chunky stainless cases the same, both have 20mm lugs, the faces both black, and the hands and dials almost the same but not... (I bought both separately, a year apart, from different people. Some of them were spec'd to order when originally offered. Hands and faces, especially.

The one with the black strap, grey stitching, and butterfly clasp is here catching the reflection of some art on the wall and a speaker in the corner - the face itself is plain black, sitting atop a cheap Spyderco whose model name I forget.



And here is the one with the brown strap, made from a vintage swedish army (or swiss, I forget) leather ammo satchel, cut and sewn custom, khaki stitching, regular clasp.

One in brown, one in black, for every dress occasion.



Both have 22mm straps squeezed between 20mm lugs so that the strap proportions better suited the watch case proportions, a subtle but positive difference I think. Neither are freakishly big, just a wee bit chunkier than an actual vintage military watch from whom the Quad 10 homage is based.

Very nice watches. Impressive band on the second one.

Thanks. It's a cool bit of leather for sure, still has some numbers stamped into it from the original use.

As it turns out, I wound up allowing myself a modest little 'attaboy' for career-related reasons, and also in no small amount that I happened to be in the right place at the right time, scoring a pretty good deal on a pre-owned/mint sample.

I have now officially joined the Marathon JSAR club.

I went JSAR for a few of reasons. One, it's standing the test of time. The design has been around long enough to be solidly established in the watch world. Second, your bang-for-your-buck goes a pretty long way with Marathon. Third, it stands on it's own...its not trying to emulate or be 'inspired' by other watches. It also has a 'legit' pedigree/history. My JSAR is the quartz version, so it's 'grab and go,' and with as many of them out there, I expect Marathon will service them for a looonnnggg time. For a pure analog watch, its functionality and durability are at the top of its game. IMHO, it's about as good as a quartz 'tool watch' as you're going to get.

I had been looking at the Omega, and maybe that'll be a retirement gift or something. I can't recall seeing many, if any, Marathon's out in public. By contrast, in the past three months, I've seen 3 Omegas in my little working environment. A Planet Ocean and two Seamasters. Awesome watches to be sure. But the two Seamaster owners weren't really in the big time watch enthusiast category...one was solidly in the 'my wife bought it for me' club. On the other hand, the Planet Ocean owner was a bit more into it...he'd had it for about 2 decades and actually used it on the job (used the bezel for timing evolutions of work activity). It was used but not abused...just honest wear and character. He said he'd had it serviced a couple/three times.

My JSAR is currently on a bright orange vanilla scented Marathon rubber strap, which I'm kinda starting to like, but it'll be on bracelet once I get it sized by a jeweler (can't get the opposing link screws unlocked).

In any event...a couple of Random Rob reviews...




Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOKxYANo9bM



Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPIhKxijtow

Boss

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Boss1,

Been trying to talk myself into a GSAR. May I ask where did you get yours?

I picked up a little Something for Tabitha's birthday next month this morning.

34mm (actually 34.9) Rolex Oyster Date on a riveted Oyster. Fresh from Rolex Service. The hands and crystal are new, plus a beautiful restoration job on the case and bracelet.

Swapped my Omega Aqua Terra 2500 even for it.

Now we both got Rolexes.

Beautiful gift!

Looks great Mars!

quote:

Originally posted by goose5:
Been trying to talk myself into a GSAR. May I ask where did you get yours?

I purchased mine basically pre-owned / 'as new' off the classifies for the website for watches you might be seeking.

If you wanted to purchase new, I'd say take a look at Long Island Watch, I believe they're one of the limited number of AD's.

Boss

I love the GSAR! It’s a beast!

My watch buddy at work has two of them.

Seiko Willard(ish)

quote:

Originally posted by goose5:
Been trying to talk myself into a GSAR. May I ask where did you get yours?

Take a look at Windy City Watch Collector

https://windycitywatchcollector.com

I'm in the middle of a deal with Mr Hooper right now, and couldn't be more pleased.


EDIT- 09 Oct 21
As soon as I can get some time, and find a photo hosting site, I need to post some pics of my newest acquisition...

Talking to Mr Hooper, he's saying that Marathon is raising their prices after the 1st of the year. So if you're looking at getting a new one, I'd get it soon.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CPD SIG,

That’s a beautiful Seiko rOgue! The Capt’n Willard case shape is one of my favorites.

I am loving my DLC cased Manta Ray Turtle mod. The way Seiko’s DLC treatment allows the polished and brushed steel case to still shine is neat. I added a King Turtle bezel with a ceramic insert that really makes the watch interesting.




I scooped up a Stargate II for a crazy good price. I originally planned to use it for parts but it’s grown on me quite a bit and my son LOVES it.



This is such a cool case shape!

Glamour Shot on Granny's Chaise Lounge:

That is nice. Simple. Clean. Classic.

Helm’s Komodo is putting Tissot’s flagship Seastar Chronograph auto diver to shame in the lume department.

I am loving the new Komodo! The smaller size compared to the Vanuatu makes for a very comfortable watch on the wrist.

^^^ Love it.

Their waiting list tool is working again and I'm now #1898. Can't wait.

BTW, how long did you charge the lume and how long did it last?

That's some terrific lume on the Helm. I really like the addition of lume to the bezel markers.

I like the Komodo. I assume that is the BGW9 lume?

Looks good.

Komoda's have C3; Vanuatu's have BGW9. At least mine do. Maybe they put BGW9 on the orange Komodo's, mine's white.There are so many different Khuraburi's I have no idea what they all have.

RMD