Building an Everyday Carry (EDC) kit is about readiness. It’s not about the gear that looks good on a shelf—it’s about what works when you need it most. Your knife, your light, your multi-tool—each has a role. But one of the most underrated essentials? A tactical watch.

For military professionals, first responders, and those who live prepared, a watch isn’t a fashion piece. It’s a mission-critical tool for timing, tracking, and surviving in high-stakes environments.

Marathon has been making military-spec timepieces since 1941. Each one is Swiss-made, battle-tested, and built to meet military standards. If you’re serious about EDC, your wrist deserves the same level of reliability as the rest of your kit.

Why a Tactical Watch Belongs in Your EDC

A tactical watch increases situational awareness and reliability in any scenario. Whether you're navigating city streets, backcountry trails, or a blackout zone, a Marathon watch keeps your timing locked in.

Core features of Marathon tactical watches include:

• Tritium gas tube illumination for constant low-light visibility
  

• Shock and water resistance for use in unpredictable conditions
  

• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that maintains clarity
  

• Swiss-made quartz or automatic movements for precise timekeeping
  
  

These aren’t tech watches. They’re tools that don’t crash, freeze, or need updates. They work when everything else doesn’t.

Step 1: Choose the Right Tactical Watch for Your Mission

Every EDC setup is unique. The right watch depends on your environment, your job, and your wrist. Here are some top Marathon watches to consider:

Marathon Large Diver's Automatic (GSAR)

Designed for search and rescue missions, the GSAR is a robust 41mm dive watch with automatic movement, offering exceptional reliability underwater and on land.

Marathon Medium Diver's Quartz (MSAR Quartz)

A compact 36mm dive watch featuring a high-torque quartz movement, the MSAR Quartz is perfect for those seeking a smaller profile without compromising on durability

Marathon Navigator with Date (NAV-D)

Originally developed for pilots and paratroopers, the 41mm Navigator with Date combines a lightweight composite case with a high-precision quartz movement, making it ideal for airborne and field operations.

Marathon General Purpose Mechanical (GPM)

A classic 34mm field watch with a hand-wound mechanical movement, the GPM is built to military specifications, offering simplicity and reliability for everyday tasks.

Marathon General Purpose Quartz (GPQ)

Featuring a 34mm fiber-shell case and a high-torque quartz movement, the GPQ is a lightweight and durable option for those seeking a reliable timepiece for daily wear.

Step 2: Make Sure It Fits Your Kit

A watch is only as good as its wearability. If it doesn’t fit your wrist or your life, it stays on the dresser.

• Case size should match your wrist and lifestyle
  

• Straps should be field-tested for sweat, water, and wear
  

• The clasp should stay secure whether you’re on the move or off-grid
  

Marathon straps come in nylon, rubber, and stainless steel, with multiple width and colour options so you can dial in your setup.

Step 3: Maintain Tactical Readiness

Marathon watches are built for long-haul use, but proper maintenance ensures peak performance.

• Wipe the case and crystal after exposure to sweat or dirt
  

• Rinse nylon or rubber straps and let dry completely
  

• Avoid exposing the watch to hot tubs, steam, or extreme temperature swings
  

• Change batteries (for quartz models) every 3–5 years
  

• Pressure test water-resistant models every 2 years
  

Visit our full Watch Maintenance Guide to keep your gear in top form

More Than a Timepiece: Your Most Reliable Tool

A tactical watch doesn’t just tell time—it anchors your entire EDC. It helps you stay organized, react faster, and remain aware in any environment.

Marathon timepieces are built to withstand war zones and wilderness. They don’t ask for updates. They don’t stop when your phone dies. And they’ve been trusted by armed forces around the world for over 80 years.

Ready to complete your EDC kit?

Explore the Marathon Collection