Meet the NEW Marathon CeraShell® NAV!
Imagine a timepiece forged in the crucible of high-altitude flight, born from a direct partnership with Kelly Air Force Base in 1986. Its mission: uncompromising quartz accuracy and the ability to defy the brutal pressures of extreme altitude changes. This isn't just watch history; it's the DNA of the Marathon CeraShell® Navigator (NAV) Pilot Watch, and today, that legacy evolves into something even more formidable yet remarkably lighter: the 41mm CeraShell® NAV.
The heart of this evolution lies in its unique CeraShell® case. Marathon's proprietary construction blends bio-sourced plastic with ceramic powder, creating a material that's significantly lighter than traditional steel without sacrificing an ounce of the ruggedness the Navigator series is famous for. Paired with an aluminum bezel, this isn't just a cosmetic choice; it's a strategic move to lighten the "mission load" on your wrist while upholding the legendary durability and reliability that pilots and adventurers demand. Specific enhancements for this CeraShell® model include practical upgrades: removable spring bars for easy strap changes, a radially mounted tritium tube insert embedded within the bezel pip for superior visibility and protection, and that aluminum bezel offering a noticeably more tactile and confident rotation.
Underneath its distinctive Parkerized finish lies the nerve center: the robust ETA F06.105 HeavyDrive Quartz movement. This isn't just any quartz; it's engineered for precision, delivering an astonishing accuracy of ±10 seconds per year – a benchmark for quartz timepieces. It even features a helpful End of Life (EOL) Indicator to keep you informed. This movement is housed within a case built to perform. The screw-down crown and scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal ensure water resistance down to 6ATM (60m/197ft), making the NAV ready for more than just the cockpit. Crucially, the crystal also withstands the extreme, rapid air pressure changes encountered above 35,000 feet, a non-negotiable requirement for military-grade pilot's watches.
The ergonomic design has been refined for all-day comfort. Enhanced lug tapering ensures the 41mm x 48mm lug-to-lug case sits perfectly on the wrist, while the heightened 12-hour aluminum bezel is a masterstroke of functionality. Specially designed for an improved grip, it allows effortless bi-directional rotation even when wearing bulky flight gloves – a critical detail for pilots navigating time zones. Inset-painted indices further enhance the legibility of the markings under all conditions.
Visibility in the darkest environments is paramount. That's why the CeraShell® NAV relies on self-contained tritium gas tubes. Unlike paints that fade, these tiny tubes contain a hydrogen isotope that glows continuously for decades. They're mounted on the hour markers, the hands (both hour and minute), and the bezel pip, guaranteeing constant, unwavering legibility whether you're in the cockpit at night, navigating a mountain pass at dusk, or simply checking the time in a low-light room. No need to "charge" it with light – it's always ready.
The matte black dial provides a clean, high-contrast backdrop for the luminous elements, protected by that tough sapphire crystal. An optional date display at 4:30 adds practical functionality, and the watch is secured with a comfortable ballistic nylon strap featuring a stainless steel buckle and those handy removable spring bars. Swiss-made movement, Canadian-designed, engineered for the extremes – the Marathon CeraShell® NAV Pilot Watch is more than a timepiece. It's a piece of aviation history, meticulously updated with modern materials and features, built for pilots, adventurers, and anyone who demands a watch that performs flawlessly under pressure, anywhere, anytime. It doesn't just tell time; it keeps you on track, whatever the altitude or terrain.
Marathon CeraShell Pilot Navigator Watch Details: