The Real Time Show Episode Summary: "Time To Watches: Marathon"
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph
Guest: Harrison McCrindle, Strategic Government Contract Officer at Marathon Watches
Introduction
In the latest episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph dive deep into the world of Marathon Watches with special guest Harrison McCrindle. This episode, titled "Time To Watches: Marathon," offers a comprehensive look at Marathon's journey from a military supplier to a prominent player in the consumer watch market.
1. Marathon’s Presence at Time To Watches Geneva [00:00 - 02:14]
The episode kicks off with Harrison McCrindle sharing his positive experience at the Time To Watches event held at Villa Saracen in Geneva. Rob Nudds remarks on the event’s success, highlighting the diverse crowd that Marathon attracted:
“It's been great so far. Yeah, we're really pleased with the turnout, the interactions have been fantastic.” [00:42]
Harrison elaborates that the booth was frequented by a mix of collectors, enthusiasts, retailers, and other manufacturers, indicating broad interest in Marathon's offerings.
2. Transition from Military Supplier to Consumer Market [02:14 - 04:17]
Rob delves into Marathon’s history, revealing that the brand primarily supplied watches to the US military for many years. Harrison explains:
“We sort of flew under the radar for a very long time. We were primarily sold to the US government...” [01:18]
As military personnel transitioned out of service, there was a demand for these robust watches. Marathon seized this opportunity by refurbishing and redistributing watches to former servicemen and women, gradually transitioning into the general consumer market.
3. Expanding Brand Awareness and Goals [04:17 - 05:22]
Rob inquires about Marathon’s goals at the event. Harrison emphasizes the importance of building brand awareness:
“We're putting into place some abilities to do that. Smaller production runs and unit level, customized dials and case engravings...” [07:57]
The hosts and Harrison agree that showcasing at events like Time To Watches is crucial for getting Marathon’s name in front of key audiences.
4. Diverse Product Range and Features [04:39 - 05:22]
Harrison provides an overview of Marathon’s product lines, describing them as tool watches designed for functionality:
- Pilot's Watches: Featuring parkerized asymmetrical cases and bi-directional bezels.
- SAR (Search and Rescue) Watches: Equipped with oversized bezels and knurled crowns for use with gloves.
- Field Watches: Classic designs updated with modern materials and movements.
“They're tool watches, first and foremost... very classic military tritium based dials.” [04:39]
These features underline Marathon’s commitment to producing durable and reliable watches tailored for demanding environments.
5. Government Contracts and International Distribution [05:22 - 08:30]
Marathon maintains strong relationships with governmental bodies, primarily the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the General Service Administration (GSA). Harrison details his role:
“It's a lot of responding to quotes, requests for quotes, you know, a few hundred a day...” [05:50]
Marathon’s operations are based in Vaughan, Ontario, with manufacturing in Le Chateau de Fonds, Switzerland, ensuring high-quality production standards. Additionally, Marathon supplies to allied forces globally through GSA Global Supply, extending their reach beyond the United States.
6. Customization for Military Units [07:08 - 07:57]
Addressing the niche demand for unit-specific watches, Harrison discusses Marathon’s expanding capabilities in customization:
“We've had lots of requests over the years, but we were just so small we couldn't facilitate that sort of small scale...” [07:35]
Marathon is now enhancing their production processes to offer customized dials and engravings, catering to specific military units and fostering a sense of exclusivity and personalization.
7. Pricing Strategy and Market Segmentation [08:30 - 09:51]
Marathon offers a wide range of price points to accommodate different segments:
- General Purpose Watches: Starting around $300-$400 USD.
- Chronograph SAR Watches: Up to $5,000 USD on the bracelet.
“Depending on the use case and the requirement, we run the gambit, if you will.” [08:54]
This pricing strategy allows Marathon to appeal to both end consumers and military personnel who seek reliable timepieces for various purposes.
8. Personal Insights and Brand Positioning [09:51 - 18:35]
The conversation shifts to personal reflections on Marathon and its place in the watch market. Rob praises Marathon’s functional design and durability, likening it to essential gear for watch enthusiasts:
“They're just tools, really, unapologetically tools.” [11:00]
Alan Ben Joseph shares his personal connection, highlighting how Marathon fills a specific role in his collection:
“That's the one I bought. And this exactly fills that gap in my collection where I don't want to wear a Swatch or a digital G shock.” [17:38]
This segment underscores Marathon’s unique positioning as a functional and affordable option for both everyday wear and demanding activities.
9. Conclusion and Community Engagement [18:35 - End]
Wrapping up, Rob and Alon encourage listeners to engage with the community and share their experiences with Marathon Watches:
“Drop us a line at either Rob or Alon show via the official website www.therealtime.show or the Instagram handle herealtime show...” [18:35]
This call to action fosters a sense of community and invites further discussion on the practical applications and personal stories related to Marathon timepieces.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Harrison McCrindle on Repurposing Military Watches:
“We sort of picked up the, the lost time and gave them some. Gave them their watches back kind of thing.” [02:26]
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Rob Nudds on Marathon’s Functionality:
“If you're a watch guy... you're not going to want to wear that watch all the time... there's going to be some moments when you need a real Go anywhere do anything Beta.” [13:00]
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Alan Ben Joseph on Personal Watch Preferences:
“I don't want to wear fantastic plastic... I do want hands.” [17:07]
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Real Time Show provides an in-depth exploration of Marathon Watches, highlighting their evolution from a military supplier to a versatile brand catering to both governmental contracts and the general public. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, listeners gain valuable insights into Marathon’s commitment to functionality, durability, and expanding market presence. Whether you're a seasoned watch enthusiast or new to the brand, this episode offers a comprehensive understanding of what makes Marathon Watches a standout choice in the tool watch segment.