Marathon’s New Pilot Watch Ditches Steel for Something Better
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Marathon just gave its classic Navigator pilot watch a serious modern upgrade—and it starts with a brand-new material. Instead of traditional steel or titanium, the new NAV and NAV-D models use CeraShell, a hybrid blend of bio-based polymer and ceramic that’s lighter, tougher, and built for real-world performance.
Originally designed for military pilots, the Navigator has always prioritized durability and legibility. Now, with this next-gen case construction, Marathon is pushing the line even further—delivering the same mission-ready reliability in a more comfortable, lightweight package made for today’s pilots and everyday wearers alike.
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The original Navigator series was designed in collaboration with Kelly Air Force Base, now part of the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in 1986, specifically for fliers on high-altitude missions. The watches of the era were constructed in either 316L stainless steel or FiberShell, another of the brand’s composites. CeraShell is lighter and provides a more modern feel with the same mission level reliability as FiberShell.
The new pieces both feature a 41mm case cast in the material as well as an aluminum GMT bezel. The time-only NAV offers a sterile dial with large painted Arabic numerals representing 12 hour time while a smaller, inset scale provides military time. The NAV-D adds a central Marathon signature, a date window between four and five o’clock and a bright red accent on the seconds hand.
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Both variants are equipped with a synthetic sapphire crystal to mitigate rapid air pressure changes, tritium markers for low-light visibility, and a screw-down crown to help achieve 60 meters of water resistance. Each of the two pieces come standard on a black ballistic nylon, NATO-style strap for maximum utility and weight savings. Inside, the NAV and NAV-D are each powered by an ETA F06.115 HeavyDrive Quartz movement with an accuracy of ±10 seconds per year.
The pair of new Navigators are available for pre-order at marathonwatch.com. The NAV-D is priced at $590 while the NAV retails for $550.