Introducing: The Marathon Navigator ‘Blue Yonder’ Limited Edition
What We Know
For the first time in its history, Marathon Watch Company has introduced a bold splash of color to its tough-and-ready Navigator series with a limited edition they are calling the “Blue Yonder.” Since the Navigator’s inception in 1986 as a purpose-built instrument for military pilots and parachutists, the series has maintained a strictly utilitarian aesthetic focused on function over form—until now. This azure-accented special edition marks an exciting departure while still maintaining the DNA and technical excellence that has made the Navigator a trusted companion for military personnel (and many of us) for decades.
The Blue Yonder LE builds on the distinctive asymmetrical 41mm case shape that has become one of the Navigator’s defining design elements. The watch’s unique case shape, with additional protection on the crown side, is not merely an aesthetic choice but a practical one, offering enhanced durability in field conditions.
Named after the opening line in the official U.S. Air Force song, this watch pays homage to “the wild blue yonder” and the aviators who protect it. “The Blue Yonder was inspired by the Air Force and the skies they protect,” explains Mitchell Wein, President of Marathon Watch. “It puts a contemporary twist on our Steel Navigator lineup that collectors will instantly recognize and appreciate.”
What immediately distinguishes the Blue Yonder from its predecessors is its aviation-inspired color scheme. A striking blue aluminum bezel frames the dial’s perimeter – the first time that a color has been used on a steel Marathon bezel – adding a refined aviation-inspired finish to a watch that is no stranger to the world of aviation. A navy blue rubber strap complements the matte blue dial nicely and provides the perfect backdrop for Marathon’s signature tritium gas tube illumination system, with tubes precisely positioned at each hour marker and in the span of the minute and hour hand.
Its case is constructed from 316L surgical-grade stainless steel with a brushed finish that reduces reflections – a critical feature for military applications. The signature tritium gas tubes continue to provide consistent low-light visibility without requiring battery power or external light exposure, allowing operators to read the time instantly in any lighting condition, a feature particularly crucial for pilots navigating between varying light environments.
At its core, the Blue Yonder is powered by the same movement found in the standard Steel Navigator with Date (SSNAV-D): the Swiss ETA F06.412 with HeavyDrive-PreciDrive technology, which provides enhanced shock protection. Built in Marathon’s family-owned factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, this high-precision movement delivers remarkable accuracy of ±10 seconds per year, making it the most accurate movement in Marathon’s entire lineup.
The Marathon SSNAV-D Blue Yonder is limited to 500 pieces and carries a retail price of $1,200.
What We Think
As someone who has followed Marathon’s evolution over the years, the Blue Yonder represents a significant yet tasteful departure from tradition. I’m currently writing this while wearing a navy suit, a navy striped tie, and a blue shirt, so my bias toward blue might disqualify me from being completely objective, but this limited edition feels like the right move at the right time for the brand as it continues to expand into the enthuisiast space.
Some purists could argue that the utilitarian nature of the Navigator Series, born from military specifications, affords no room for aesthetic experimentation. I’d counter that even the most function-focused brands need room to explore their design language within reasonable parameters. Marathon has struck that delicate balance here, introducing color without compromising the watch’s professional functionality or readability.
Marathon is doing some interesting things as of late, including linking up with Van Neistat in collaboration last month. And while the Blue Yonder represents what is essentially a novel and limited colorway for an existing watch, for a brand like Marathon, that’s a notable development in their strategy and a nice reminder that the brand’s line up has an audience that includes both largescale government contracts and all of us enthusiuasts who love a durable, accurate, do-it-all watch.
The Basics
Brand: Marathon
Model: Navigator Date ‘Blue Yonder’ LE
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug-to-lug: 48mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Blue
Indexes: Applied, tritium
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 10 ATM
Strap/Bracelet: FKM Rubber Strap
The Movement
Caliber: ETA F06.412 Quartz
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Battery life: 86-94 months (with EOL indication)
Jewels: 3
Accuracy: ± 10 seconds per year
Additional Details: Features both Heavy-Drive (shock protection) and PreciDrive ETA technology. Movement is additionally secured against shock via a screwed metal movement mount within the case.
Pricing & Availability
Price: $1,200
Availability: Sold via Marathon.
Limited Edition: Yes, limited to 500 pieces.
For more information about Marathon, visit marathonwatch.com
Hodinkee
