Marathon’s New Pilot Watch Ditches Steel for Something Better

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Marathon just gave its classic Navigator pilot watch a serious modern upgrade—and it starts with a brand-new material. Instead of traditional steel or titanium, the new NAV and NAV-D models use CeraShell, a hybrid blend of bio-based polymer and ceramic that’s lighter, tougher, and built for real-world performance.

Originally designed for military pilots, the Navigator has always prioritized durability and legibility. Now, with this next-gen case construction, Marathon is pushing the line even further—delivering the same mission-ready reliability in a more comfortable, lightweight package made for today’s pilots and everyday wearers alike.

The original Navigator series was designed in collaboration with Kelly Air Force Base, now part of the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in 1986, specifically for fliers on high-altitude missions. The watches of the era were constructed in either 316L stainless steel or FiberShell, another of the brand’s composites. CeraShell is lighter and provides a more modern feel with the same mission level reliability as FiberShell. 

The new pieces both feature a 41mm case cast in the material as well as an aluminum GMT bezel. The time-only NAV offers a sterile dial with large painted Arabic numerals representing 12 hour time while a smaller, inset scale provides military time. The NAV-D adds a central Marathon signature, a date window between four and five o’clock and a bright red accent on the seconds hand. 

Both variants are equipped with a synthetic sapphire crystal to mitigate rapid air pressure changes, tritium markers for low-light visibility, and a screw-down crown to help achieve 60 meters of water resistance. Each of the two pieces come standard on a black ballistic nylon, NATO-style strap for maximum utility and weight savings. Inside, the NAV and NAV-D are each powered by an ETA F06.115 HeavyDrive Quartz movement with an accuracy of ±10 seconds per year. 

The pair of new Navigators are available for pre-order at marathonwatch.com. The NAV-D is priced at $590 while the NAV retails for $550.