For the first time in its storied history, Marathon Watch Company has broken from tradition by introducing a vibrant splash of color to its battle-tested Navigator series.
The limited edition “Blue Yonder” represents a watershed moment for the brand, infusing its strictly utilitarian military timepiece with an aviation-inspired azure aesthetic while preserving the functional DNA that has made the Navigator a trusted companion for military personnel since 1986.
Sky Wonder Military Legend
Named after the opening line of the U.S. Air Force song, this special edition pays homage to “the wild blue yonder” and the aviators who patrol it. “The Blue Yonder was inspired by the Air Force and the skies they protect,” explains Mitchell Wein, Marathon’s President. “It puts a contemporary twist on our Steel Navigator lineup that collectors will instantly recognize and appreciate.”
What immediately distinguishes this edition is its striking blue aluminum bezel—the first colored bezel ever fitted to a steel Marathon timepiece. This aviation-inspired element frames a matching matte blue dial, creating a cohesive aesthetic that’s further complemented by a navy blue FKM rubber strap.
Against this azure backdrop, Marathon’s signature tritium gas tube illumination system provides exceptional visibility in low-light conditions, with tubes precisely positioned at each hour marker and within the minute and hour hands.
The watch maintains the Navigator’s distinctive asymmetrical 41mm case design with enhanced crown protection—not merely a stylistic choice but a practical feature that provides superior durability in field operations.
Constructed from brushed 316L surgical-grade stainless steel to minimize reflections, the case combines with 100-meter water resistance to ensure operational reliability in challenging environments.
Swiss Precision and Durability
Beneath its colorful exterior, the Blue Yonder houses technical excellence that upholds Marathon’s reputation for uncompromising performance.
The watch is powered by the Swiss ETA F06.412 movement with HeavyDrive-PreciDrive technology, providing enhanced shock resistance crucial for aviation applications. This high-precision quartz caliber delivers remarkable accuracy of ±10 seconds per year—making it the most accurate movement in Marathon’s entire lineup.
The movement is further secured against impact via a screwed metal movement mount within the case, while its impressive 86-94 month battery life with end-of-life indicator ensures reliable operation during extended missions. These technical specifications underscore that despite its more stylish appearance, the Blue Yonder remains every bit the professional instrument that military personnel have relied upon for decades.
Built in Marathon’s family-owned factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the Navigator ‘Blue Yonder’ continues the company’s tradition of Swiss craftsmanship paired with military-grade specifications. The watch stands 11mm tall with a comfortable 48mm lug-to-lug measurement, dimensions that balance wrist presence with practical wearability.
Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide and priced at $1,200, the Marathon SSNAV-D Blue Yonder offers collectors and military enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a colorful interpretation of this functional classic.
For a brand that has historically prioritized function over form, this limited edition represents an exciting evolution that embraces aesthetics while remaining true to the Navigator’s essential purpose—a reliable timekeeper for those who operate in the wild blue yonder.
