The Real Time Show with Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph: Marathon Watch's President Mitchell Wein Runs Us Through The Brand

Release Date: December 1, 2024

Introduction and Guest Background

In this episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph engage in an insightful conversation with Mitchell Wein, the President of Marathon Watch. Recorded remotely from Switzerland, Mitchell provides an in-depth look into Marathon Watch's storied history, manufacturing practices, military heritage, and modern-day operations.

Heritage and Family Legacy

Mitchell Wein begins by tracing Marathon Watch's roots back to 1939, founded by his grandfather. He elaborates on the family's extensive involvement in the watchmaking industry, highlighting how Marathon is part of a larger family legacy that includes brands like Hampton Watch, Clinton Watch, and Cardinal Watch. This deep-rooted family presence underscores Marathon's longstanding commitment to quality and innovation.

"My grandfather started Marathon Watch in 1939... My cousins in Montreal, they came and started Cardinal Watch." [00:34]

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Marathon Watch prides itself on its robust manufacturing and supply chain, primarily based in Canada and Switzerland. Mitchell emphasizes the strategic decision to outsource movement design, collaborating with renowned suppliers like Excelsior Park. This approach ensures high-quality components while maintaining flexibility in production.

"We used Switzerland for production and engineering and oratory testing, as well as in Canada... our movements are from, I think Branch and as they're ETA movements." [03:34]

Military Specifications and Heritage

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Marathon's military heritage. Mitchell explains that Marathon has been supplying watches to the Canadian military since 1941, adhering to stringent military specifications (Mil Spec). These specifications ensure that the watches are durable, accurate, and capable of withstanding extreme conditions.

"Mil Spec means military specification... we have to make sure that watch will survive during a mission and keep timing." [15:14]

He further details the evolution of these specifications, including the incorporation of NATO guidelines and Canadian-specific requirements like dual time zones for bilingual functionality.

Comparisons with Other Brands

Mitchell contrasts Marathon with other heritage brands such as Hamilton and Ben Russ. While Hamilton evolved under the Swatch Group to diversify beyond military contracts, Marathon remained a family-run business focused on fulfilling government contracts with minimal margins but high reliability.

"With the watch crisis and everything, they lost their business. But the thing is, the brand got revived from Swatch Group because they were able to tell a story." [20:35]

Quality Control and Testing

Quality is paramount at Marathon. Mitchell elaborates on the rigorous testing protocols that align with military standards, including shock absorption, temperature resilience, and water resistance. These tests ensure that each watch meets the exacting demands of governmental and professional use.

"I used to be writing those so you could read a mil spec and say, okay, this is the mil spec... you have to put all that into consideration and write a process." [37:03]

Design Philosophy and Constraints

Despite the stringent specifications, Marathon maintains a design philosophy that allows for creativity and functionality. Mitchell discusses how design elements like dial visibility and dual time zones are meticulously crafted to meet both aesthetic and practical needs.

"We study numbers and we've studied it with our creative department and actually made samples... we have to be able to read the time on a watch." [49:27]

Collaborations and Modern Developments

Marathon has ventured into collaborations that honor its heritage while appealing to modern consumers. A notable example is the partnership with Jeep, where Marathon integrated military-inspired designs with Jeep's automotive legacy, resulting in unique timepieces that resonate with enthusiasts.

"Our officers watch is a salute to what we produced in 1941 for Canada... we were able to engrave the crowns with the Jeep grill." [56:50]

Government Contracts and Business Strategy

Securing government contracts is a cornerstone of Marathon's business strategy. Mitchell explains the complexities of open bidding processes, stringent qualifications, and the importance of maintaining transparency and quality to retain these contracts. Despite low profit margins, these contracts provide stability and align with Marathon's mission to support governmental and professional sectors.

"With every single contract, it's open bidding, but you have to be qualified... they do have to be made to spec or not tested." [32:00]

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with Mitchell inviting the hosts and listeners to visit Marathon's facilities in Geneva and attend upcoming watch fairs. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share Marathon's journey and reaffirms the brand's commitment to quality, community, and environmental responsibility.

"I'm very privileged to have met the two of you and your group. And I want to thank you for having us." [58:02]

Notable Quotes

• "Mil Spec means military specification... we have to make sure that watch will survive during a mission and keep timing." – Mitchell Wein [15:14]

• "With every single contract, it's open bidding, but you have to be qualified... they do have to be made to spec or not tested." – Mitchell Wein [32:00]

• "Our officers watch is a salute to what we produced in 1941 for Canada... we were able to engrave the crowns with the Jeep grill." – Mitchell Wein [56:50]

Conclusion

Mitchell Wein's comprehensive overview provides listeners with a profound understanding of Marathon Watch's dedication to quality, military precision, and family legacy. The episode underscores how Marathon seamlessly blends heritage with modern innovation, maintaining its esteemed position in the watchmaking industry.