For soldiers in the field, gear isn’t just equipment—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s a dog tag hanging from a chain or a military-issued timepiece strapped to the wrist, these items serve a purpose far beyond their physical form. They are symbols of duty, precision, and resilience—traits that define both the wearer and the missions they undertake.

From World War I trenches to modern-day special operations, dog tags and timepieces have played a critical role in military history. But their evolution is filled with secrets, battlefield necessity, and a commitment to reliability that Marathon watches continues to uphold today.

Let’s dive into the history and hidden meanings behind military dog tags and timepieces, and explore why a Marathon is the perfect companion for military personnel, first responders, and those who demand the best in their gear.

A Soldier’s Identity: The Evolution of Military Dog Tags

The Origins of Dog Tags

The concept of identifying fallen soldiers dates back centuries. Ancient Roman legions carried lead disks engraved with their names and ranks, while Chinese warriors in the 1800s wore wooden plaques for identification. But it wasn’t until the carnage of the American Civil War (1861–1865) that the modern need for standardized identification became undeniable.

During the Civil War, many soldiers pinned notes to their uniforms or etched their names into belt buckles—primitive but necessary efforts to ensure proper burial and notification of next-of-kin. This grassroots practice evolved into government-issued identification in the early 20th century.

Dog Tags in World War I and II

By 1917, the U.S. military officially mandated the use of dog tags, a practice already common among European armies. These first official tags were simple aluminum disks, stamped with a soldier’s name, rank, and service number. During World War II, the format was updated to include blood type and religious affiliation, ensuring faster medical treatment in combat.

One of the most mysterious features of WWII-era dog tags was the notched edge, leading to widespread speculation about its purpose. Some myths claimed it was for “holding between a dead soldier’s teeth,” but the truth is far more practical—the notch was designed to align the tag properly in old military embossing machines.

Dog Tags by Branch: How They Differ Today

Each branch of the U.S. military has slight variations in how dog tags are designed and issued:

• U.S. Army: Standard-issue tags with last name, first name, service number, blood type, and religious preference.

• U.S. Navy & Marine Corps: Similar to Army tags, but sometimes worn on a single chain instead of a double.

• U.S. Air Force: Historically used a different format but now aligns with standard military ID tags.

• Special Operations Units: Some elite forces use black or subdued tags to avoid light reflection in covert operations.

Though the look and material of dog tags have changed, their core function remains the same: to identify, protect, and honor the wearer.

Timepieces on the Battlefield: The Role of Military Watches

The Birth of Military-Issued Watches

While dog tags serve as identification, a soldier’s timepiece is an operational tool—a vital piece of mission-critical gear that ensures coordination, precision, and survival in the field.

The use of watches in military strategy dates back to World War I, when officers began using trench watches—rugged, luminous-dial timepieces worn on the wrist instead of tucked away in a pocket. The growing complexity of warfare demanded precise synchronization of attacks, making a durable, reliable watch an absolute necessity.

By World War II, military-issued watches became standard gear for infantry, pilots, and naval personnel. These timepieces had to be:

• Shock-resistant to endure battlefield conditions

• Water-resistant for amphibious and naval missions

• Luminous for visibility in total darkness

• Highly accurate to synchronize airstrikes, operations, and movements

Marathon Watches: The Modern Standard in Military Timekeeping

Today, Marathon  continues the legacy of military precision by manufacturing Swiss-made, military-spec watches for some of the toughest professions on Earth. Built for active military personnel, law enforcement, and adventurers, Marathon’s watches aren’t just built to last—they’re built to perform in extreme conditions.

If you’re looking for a timepiece worthy of military tradition, check out these battle-proven Marathon collections:

1. General Purpose Field Watches

Designed for rugged environments, Marathon’s General Purpose Field Watches are based on historic military-issued designs, but enhanced with modern engineering.

Key Features:

• Tritium illumination for continuous readability

• Lightweight yet durable fiber shell cases

• Mechanical or high-accuracy quartz movement

• Water-resistant for all-weather reliability

Perfect for military personnel, first responders, and those who want a timepiece built for the field.

2. Pilot’s Navigator Watches

Originally developed in partnership with Kelly Air Force Base and designed for pilots, paratroopers, and elite forces, Marathon’s Navigator watches are built for high-speed environments where accuracy is critical.

Key Features:

• Ultra-lightweight fibre cases to be lightweight on the wrist

• Bi-directional bezel for mission timing

• Hacking movement for precise synchronization

• Extreme temperature resistance for high-altitude operations

A must-have for aviation enthusiasts, aircrews, and tactical operators who demand unparalleled precision.

3. Search & Rescue (SAR) Dive Watches

Marathon’s SAR watches are built for combat divers, rescue teams, and naval operators who need unmatched water resistance and shockproof durability.

Key Features:

• 300M water resistance—built for deep-sea missions 

• Automatic Swiss movement with self-winding capability 

• Sapphire crystal for superior scratch resistance 

• Tritium and MaraGlo illumination for underwater and night visibility

When survival depends on timing, Marathon SAR watches stand ready.

The Link Between Dog Tags and Military Watches

Both dog tags and military watches serve as more than just functional tools—they are deeply connected to military identity, mission readiness, and survival.

• Dog tags represent identity and honor—a lasting connection between the soldier and their duty.

• Military watches represent precision and preparedness—a tool to execute missions with split-second accuracy.

For those who respect military tradition and tactical readiness, a Marathon watch is the perfect extension of that ethos. Whether you’re on duty, in the field, or simply appreciate elite craftsmanship, these timepieces are built to withstand whatever mission comes next.

But don’t take our word for it. Here are just a few testimonials from people who have already discovered the military precision and performance of their Marathon watch:

“I have no idea how I ended up getting this watch issued to me after basic training at my first unit in 1999 but it survived with me all through my career and four tours, when I retired in 2021 I passed this watch along to my son who is currently using it as well, thank you for building such a great watch.”

“This is the second Marathon watch I have bought (Quartz USMC Navigator being the first). I bought this one because it reminds me of the watches I was issued in the Canadian Army, many years ago. One of those was in fact a Marathon. Like that one, this Marathon is lightweight, reliable and rugged. That one did not have Tritium tubes though, so this is a great improvement. I really like automatic watches, no winding and no batteries to change. Next watch will be a GSAR so that tells you how impressed I am with the brand.”

“Issued this watch while I was in the U.S. Marines. Over the last 12 years it has stood up to multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, seen 4 of the 7 modern wonders of the world, and been used on several diving/snorkeling trips in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico. The watch is utilitarian, unpretentious, and rugged yet refined enough to wear at any formal event”

Explore the full Marathon collection and find your perfect military watch here: Marathon watches

Wear the Legacy, Carry the Precision

From the trenches of World War I to today’s cutting-edge special forces operations, dog tags and military watches remain mission-critical gear. They tell the world who you are, where you've been, and what you stand for.

Marathon continues to build timepieces that uphold that same standard of rugged durability, tactical precision, and unwavering reliability—because when it comes to performance under pressure, nothing less will do.