Marathon General Purpose Quartz Wristwatch w/Maraglo, GPQ Review

Let’s Talk About Marathon General Purpose Quartz Wristwatch w/Maraglo, GPQ

The Marathon General Purpose Quartz Wristwatch w/Maraglo, GPQ is a no-nonsense, Swiss-made field watch designed for military personnel but equally suited for anyone needing a reliable and legible timepiece. Crafted by Marathon Watch Company, this watch prioritizes functionality and durability over flashy aesthetics, featuring a lightweight fibershell case, a precise quartz movement, and Maraglo illumination for low-light visibility. It’s a watch that speaks to those who value practicality and ruggedness in their everyday gear.

I was searching for a low-profile, durable watch that wouldn’t weigh me down on long treks or interfere with my movements during tactical training. I wanted something that could take a beating, offer immediate readability, and wouldn’t require constant winding or battery replacements. The Marathon GPQ seemed to tick all those boxes.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the watch’s simplicity and understated design. The fibershell case felt incredibly light yet robust, and the matte finish gave it a tactical, non-reflective appearance. The nylon strap felt comfortable and secure, while the overall build quality exuded a sense of purposefulness.

I considered the Casio G-Shock DW5600, known for its extreme toughness, and the Luminox Navy SEAL watch, famous for its tritium illumination. However, the G-Shock felt too bulky for my needs, and the Luminox’s tritium tubes, while impressive, added to the watch’s overall cost. The Marathon GPQ offered a more streamlined and affordable solution.

My first impression was one of quiet confidence. I wasn’t blown away by any extravagant features, but I was impressed by the watch’s solid construction and practical design. I felt like this was a tool, not a trinket, ready to handle whatever I threw its way.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Marathon General Purpose Quartz Wristwatch w/Maraglo, GPQ to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Marathon GPQ was during a week-long backcountry hiking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I wore it constantly, subjecting it to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental impact against rocks. The watch performed flawlessly, providing accurate timekeeping and remaining comfortable throughout the entire trip.

The Marathon GPQ handled the wet conditions without any issues, thanks to its water resistance. Even when covered in mud, the watch’s face remained legible. The light weight of the watch was especially appreciated during long days on the trail.

Using the Marathon GPQ was intuitive right from the start. Its simple design required no learning curve. The large, clear numbers and hands made reading the time effortless, even at a quick glance.

My first time using the Marathon GPQ, I was impressed at how light and low profile it was. I was not expecting it to be so small and light.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular wear, including numerous range trips and weekend camping excursions, the Marathon GPQ has proven to be incredibly durable. The fibershell case shows no signs of cracking or breaking. The nylon strap has held up well without fraying or stretching.

The watch has accumulated some minor scratches on the acrylic crystal, but nothing that significantly impacts visibility. The battery life is still going strong, and the timekeeping accuracy remains excellent.

Cleaning the Marathon GPQ is a breeze. I simply rinse it with water and wipe it dry with a cloth. The nylon strap can be easily removed and washed separately if needed.

Compared to other field watches I’ve owned in the past, the Marathon GPQ stands out for its combination of lightweight comfort, rugged durability, and accurate timekeeping. It’s a reliable companion that I can trust in any situation.

Breaking Down the Features of Marathon General Purpose Quartz Wristwatch w/Maraglo, GPQ

Specifications

The Marathon General Purpose Quartz Wristwatch w/Maraglo, GPQ boasts the following specifications:

• Manufacturer: Marathon
• Movement: Swiss-made, high-torque, 3-jewel ETA F06 Quartz movement.
• Case Material: High-impact fibershell.
• Case Finish: Matte.
• Case Back: 316L surgical grade stainless steel.
• Crystal: Durable acrylic crystal.
• Dial Color: Black.
• Illumination: MaraGlo photo-luminescent paint.
• Water Resistance: 3 atmospheres (30 meters: 100 feet).
• Band/Strap Material: Nylon.
• Accuracy: -0.3/+0.5 seconds per day.

These specifications translate directly into real-world performance benefits. The ETA F06 quartz movement provides exceptional accuracy and reliability. The fibershell case ensures lightweight durability. The MaraGlo illumination guarantees excellent visibility in low-light conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Marathon GPQ excels at its primary function: providing accurate and reliable timekeeping in a durable and user-friendly package. The quartz movement ensures precise timekeeping without the need for manual winding. The high contrast dial and hands make reading the time effortless in any lighting conditions.

One strength is the watch’s simplicity and ease of use. The downside, the watch lacks advanced features such as a chronograph or date display, which may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the Marathon GPQ meets and exceeds expectations as a dependable field watch.

Design & Ergonomics

The Marathon GPQ features a minimalist design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The lightweight fibershell case and comfortable nylon strap make it a pleasure to wear for extended periods. The watch’s low profile design prevents it from snagging on clothing or equipment.

The watch is incredibly user-friendly. There is no learning curve involved. Its clear and uncluttered dial design allows for easy time reading.

Durability & Maintenance

The Marathon GPQ is built to last. Its robust fibershell case and durable acrylic crystal can withstand the rigors of everyday use and demanding outdoor activities. The stainless steel caseback resists corrosion, ensuring longevity.

Maintaining the Marathon GPQ is simple and straightforward. The watch requires minimal care beyond occasional cleaning. Battery replacements are relatively infrequent due to the efficient quartz movement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Marathon GPQ comes with a standard nylon strap, which can be easily replaced with other 20mm straps to suit individual preferences. While there are no official Marathon-branded accessories specifically designed for this model, its universal design makes it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket straps. The simple design lends itself well to different strap styles.

Pros and Cons of Marathon General Purpose Quartz Wristwatch w/Maraglo, GPQ