Comfortable from the first coffee to the last errand, the Marathon Arctic SSNAV Auto, reference WW194029SS-0530-KIT, is a white-dial Steel Navigator Automatic that is made to be worn every day, here on a black 3-piece rubber strap kit.

The proportions are a big reason it works so well as a daily watch. At 41mm across, 11.5mm thick and 48mm lug to lug, the 316L stainless steel case sits neatly on most wrists, and the Swiss automatic movement means there is never a battery to think about. Wear it regularly and the Sellita SW200-1 keeps itself wound; take it off for the weekend and its roughly 41-hour reserve may carry it through. The movement uses 26 jewels and is protected by Incabloc shock absorbers.

The rubber strap makes it all the more practical. Marathon's FKM 3-piece kit, made in La Chaux-de-Fonds, is soft and resistant to sweat, sunscreen and water, a sensible partner for the 10 ATM rating and screw-down crown. The sterile Arctic dial is bright in daylight and lit by tritium gas tubes after dark, and the sapphire crystal handles the knocks of everyday life. Its bi-directional 12-hour bezel, the signature of the Navigator Marathon developed with Kelly Air Force Base in 1986, is handy for keeping a second time zone or simply timing a meeting.

Marathon SSNAV Auto WW194029SS-0530-KIT at a Glance

• Reference: WW194029SS-0530-KIT
• Case: 316L stainless steel, 41mm, 11.5mm, 48mm lug to lug
• Movement: Sellita SW200-1 self-winding, 26 jewels, Incabloc
• Water resistance: 10 ATM
• Crown and crystal: screw-down crown; sapphire
• Bezel: 12-hour, bi-directional
• Lume: tritium
• Dial: Arctic white, sterile
• Strap: black FKM 3-piece rubber kit, 20mm lugs

An automatic pilot's watch that fits neatly into real life.