The Navigator went steel again in 2023 after decades in composite only, and collectors noticed. The Marathon SSNAV-D, reference WW194013SS-0102, is that returning Steel Navigator with Date: 41mm of 316L stainless steel, a matte black dial and a black nylon strap.

The composite NAV has always been about weight savings, but the steel version brings something different to the wrist. It adds a screw-down crown and doubles water resistance to 10 ATM, while the brushed metal case gives the watch more presence without making it bulky; it is still only 11mm thick. Inside, the upgrade continues with the ETA F06.412 PreciDrive, a thermocompensated Swiss quartz movement rated to roughly ten seconds per year.

From a collecting perspective, the Steel Navigator sits at an interesting intersection. It is a direct descendant of the pilot's watch Marathon developed with Kelly Air Force Base in 1986 for the U.S. Air Force, yet it is a thoroughly modern build with a sapphire crystal and a 90-click bi-directional 12-hour bezel. The black dial has no government markings, a date at 4:30 and tritium gas tubes on the indices and hands. Swiss-made and Canadian-designed, it makes a strong anchor for any military watch collection.

Marathon Steel Navigator with Date WW194013SS-0102: Details

• Model: SSNAV-D
• Reference: WW194013SS-0102
• Case: 316L steel, 41mm across, 11mm tall
• Movement: Swiss ETA F06.412 PreciDrive quartz
• Water resistance: 10 ATM
• Crystal and crown: sapphire; screw-down
• Bezel: 12-hour bi-directional, 90 clicks
• Lume and date: tritium gas tubes; date at 4:30
• Strap: black nylon, 20mm

A collector's favorite reborn in steel, and built for daily wear.