New Collection Features Four Timepieces
Celebrating Each Brand's Military History
TORONTO, May 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, Marathon Watch and the Jeep®
Brand proudly announced the launch of the new
Jeep® x Marathon collection – introducing
four feature timepieces that honor each brand's rich history and
honorable service supplying the Allied Forces dating back to
1941.
The collaborative Jeep® x Marathon
timepieces embody the resilient spirit of both companies and
reflect upon their shared military roots and functional designs.
The series draws inspiration from two iconic vehicles, the Willys
MB, the first automobile used by the U.S. in World War II - and the
modern Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The new collection stands as a
testament to an ethos of utilitarian design and pays homage to each
brand's origins.
Further tying the two brands together is the military
specification of "General Purpose". In 1941, American firm
Willys-Overland was awarded a contract by the U.S. military to
supply four-wheel drive reconnaissance vehicles for use in the
European theater. Some say that Soldiers shortened the "General
Purpose" designation to "GP," from which the easily pronounceable
word "Jeep" was derived.
Meanwhile Marathon Watch Company officially began manufacturing
timing instruments for infantry of the Allied Forces. Marathon's
current field watch collection continues to follow the proper
government designation of "General Purpose", shortened by the brand
and denoted as simply "GP".
"We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Jeep," said
Mitchell Wein, President of Marathon
Watch Company. "It's been a long time coming. Our new collection is
all about honoring the rugged, authentic Americana spirit that both
brands embody. Marathon's legacy forged by my grandfather back in
1939 was all about crafting tough mission-ready timepieces for the
Allied Forces. Now over 80 years later, we're teaming up with the
Jeep Brand and highlighting our shared military heritage in a truly
special endeavor."
"We are extremely proud of this very unique collaboration that
speaks to a shared legacy of common values, and legendary history
in our Jeep® X Marathon Officer's and SAR watches," said
Kim Adams House, Head of Licensing
and Merchandising at Jeep. "These timepieces aren't just to tell
time – they tell a story of two brands uniting based on shared
values and purposeful use for consumers, uniting 'Jeep people' and
'watch people.' Both the Jeep and Marathon brands have built
sterling trustworthy reputations, so whether you're hitting the
road in a Jeep or navigating the terrain on foot, these brands can
be relied upon to lead the way as true partners and companions
allowing consumers to 'go anywhere and do anything'.
- General Purpose (GP) Officer's
Series – Presenting two 41mm field watches, the
Officer's Series features a modernized treatment of the original
Marathon WWII-issued dial. In this new iteration, the classic dial
has received updates such as type treatments inspired by the Jeep
Wrangler 1941 Limited Edition, a fresh black dial, and fully-lumed
Aged-Radium numerals. Each model boasts a 316L steel case with a
parkerized finish, reducing reflectivity and increasing corrosion
resistance. The set is offered in hand-wound mechanical (SSGPM) and
quartz (SSGPQ) versions, both featuring 12-hour and 60-minute
scales. The 41mm SSGPM is driven by an 18-jewel Swiss-made Sellita
SW210-1 mechanical movement. Meanwhile, the 41mm SSGPQ is powered
by a Swiss-made ETA F06.402 HeavyDrive-PreciDrive quartz movement.
Enhanced visibility in low-light conditions is guaranteed by
MaraGlo illumination on the hour hand, minute hand and the Arabic
hour numerals. Each watch comes with a new 3-Piece Leather Strap
Kit made from Crazy Horse leather.
- 41MM JEEP® WILLYS SSGPM (WW194033SS-4001)
($650USD)
- 41MM JEEP® WILLYS SSGPQ (WW194034SS-4001)
($500USD)
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Series – Complementing
the Officer's watches are two new additions to the SAR line. The
designs create a timeless military look that seamlessly fuse
together elements from each brand. This set is offered in
self-winding automatic (GSAR®) and quartz
(TSAR®) versions. Both dials feature a distinctive "red
line" indicator repurposed as a 15-minute count-up (inspired by
Jeep dashboard instruments) and type treatments inspired by the
Jeep Wrangler 1941 Limited Edition. Iconic to the SAR series, each
watch is outfitted with an oversized 60min/120-click unidirectional
dive bezel and is engineered with 300m water resistance. To illuminate the dial and
full handset, each timepiece utilizes a combination of tritium gas
tubes and MaraGlo technology. The 41mm GSAR is powered by a
Swissmade Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, while the 41mm TSAR
features a Swiss-made ETA F06.412 HeavyDrivePreciDrive quartz
movement. Engraved on both watches is the seven slot Jeep grille,
located on the side of the 316L steel case, and the Willys star,
located on the knurled steel crown.
- 41MM JEEP® RUBICON GSAR®
(WW194006SS-4101) ($1,500USD)
- 41MM JEEP® RUBICON TSAR®
(WW194007SS-4101) ($1,200USD)
Found on each of the stainless-steel case backs is an engraving
of the Jeep brand's lifestyle motto, "Go Anywhere, Do Anything," as
well as all required technical information. Each timepiece is also
emblazoned with the words "Since 1941" to honor the shared military
history between the two brands and features a unique serial number
as well as a custom Jeep x Marathon signature logo. All four
collaborative timepieces come complete with limited-edition tin
packaging.
The Jeep x Marathon collection is available for purchase
beginning today exclusively at Marathonwatch.com and select
authorized dealers, retailing for $500 - $1,500 USD.
For more information about the Jeep x Marathon collection or the
Marathon Watch brand, visit marathonwatch.com and follow
@MarathonWatch on Instagram, Facebook, and @MarathonWatchCompany on
YouTube.
About Marathon Watch:
Marathon Watch Company, family
owned and operated since its inception in 1939, is a leading
supplier of precision timepieces around the globe. In 1941,
Marathon found its calling as the company began officially
supplying the Allied Forces, offering a wide range of timing
instruments with a focus on utilitarian design. Throughout its
history, Marathon has combined military durability with Swiss
engineering and craftsmanship to ensure the highest level of
quality and precision. Today, the fourth generation of the Wein
family continues the tradition. Marathon is headquartered in
Toronto, Canada with the brand's
wristwatch assembly based in its own factory in heart of Swiss
watchmaking country, the historical city of La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Marathon has continued its purpose-built legacy for over 80 years,
still actively developing and supplying timepieces and other
equipment under contract to the Government of Canadian, U.S.
Government, and other Allied forces. For more information about
Marathon Watch, visit www.marathonwatch.com and follow the
brand on social via @MarathonWatch on Instagram, Facebook, and X,
and @MarathonWatchCompany on YouTube.
About the Jeep® brand:
Built on more than
80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand
that brings capability, craftsmanship and versatility to people who
seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open
invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad
portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense
of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. The
Jeep vehicle range consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator,
Grand Cherokee, new three-row Grand Cherokee L, Grand Cherokee 4xe,
Renegade and Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe. Jeep Wave, a premium owner
loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire
Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to
deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7
support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced
by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe
into new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero
Emission Freedom. All Jeep brand vehicles will offer an electrified
variant by 2025.
Media Contact
5W Public Relations
marathon@5wpr.com
212-999-5585
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SOURCE Marathon Watch