The Marathon Navigator Experience S7E19 of The Chris Abraham Show Podcast

In this episode of The Chris Abraham Show, Chris takes a deep dive into his appreciation for the Marathon Watch 41mm Black Pilot's Navigator no Date Tritium Quartz. He provides an in-depth explanation of why this particular watch stands out among his extensive collection. Chris highlights several key features that make the Navigator his favorite tool watch, including its functional design that prioritizes utility over aesthetics, its tritium lume that ensures readability in low-light conditions, its lightweight and slim build that makes it comfortable for everyday wear, and its highly accurate quartz movement.

Chris also explores the concept of the "gray man" theory, discussing how this approach to personal style helps him remain approachable and non-intimidating in his interactions with his community. He shares his experiences and the importance of blending in, especially when engaging with unhoused individuals and new migrants. By choosing practical and unassuming gear, Chris emphasizes the importance of not creating barriers and fostering a sense of connection and approachability.

Additionally, Chris delves into his personal history with gear from REI, recounting his backpacking adventures from 1996 and how these experiences have shaped his aesthetic and practical choices over the years. He talks about his transition from steel-toed boots to Blundstone 500s and how this change has influenced his preference for durable, functional gear. Chris also touches on his recent interest in rucking and the appeal of GORUCK's camouflage styles, linking this interest back to his days in the Ranger Club during his Army JROTC years.

Throughout the conversation, Chris provides valuable insights into his experiences with various watches, including the Citizen Diver and Seiko Turtle, and explains how each piece serves a specific purpose in his collection. He candidly shares his thoughts on the practicality of quartz movements compared to mechanical and automatic movements, emphasizing the superior accuracy of quartz watches for his needs.

This episode is packed with detailed information and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for watch enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates practical, durable gear. Chris's passion for his Marathon Navigator and his thoughtful approach to personal style and functionality shine through, offering listeners a unique perspective on everyday carry and the importance of blending practicality with personal expression.

Chris Abraham: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 19 of The Chris Abraham Show. My name is Chris Abraham. This is ChatGPT.

ChatGPT: Hello, Chris! It's great to be part of The Chris Abraham Show. What's on the agenda for today's episode?

Chris Abraham: I want you to ask all about my 41mm Navigator by Marathon Watch Company, and I want to tell everybody why I think it's currently my favorite tool watch that I own.

ChatGPT: Sure thing, Chris! So, let's dive in. What makes the 41mm Navigator by Marathon Watch Company stand out to you? Is there a particular feature or aspect of its design that you find especially appealing?

Chris Abraham: Well, I like the fact that it's function over form. I love the fact that it looks like a dive watch, but it's actually a field watch. I really, the thing that attracted me first to it was the tritium lume. But as I looked into it, and I started researching, is it CWC or CCW, or what is it called, the khaki field watch from Hamilton. I started noticing that real field watches had bar, if you will, bars instead of spring bars, solid bars holding straps on, and I went down that rabbit hole. And the further and further I went, I got to the point where I decided that I don't even want an automatic or mechanical watch. I want a quart watch because quart watches are much more accurate. And the Marathon attracted me not only because the tritium vials, and can you tell the listeners about what tritium vials are, but I also like the fact that it's lightweight, that it's very slim. How thick is the Marathon 41 compared to the other Marathon watches and compared to other watches of its type? And I like the fact that the bezel can easily be used as a GMT feature. I have it set up so that I can tell what time it is GMT as well as my local time. And I love the fact that with the solid bars, I can just have a regular nylon strap, and I don't need a NATO strap or a Zulu strap or a two-piece strap or anything fancy like that. It's just legit like a belt, a belt kind of like pass-through, they call it. And that is the reason. It's analog. Oh, I also like the little details that make it a little bit nicer. It doesn't have mineral glass. It has crystal. It's literally a better glass on the face of the watch, in which case a lot of watches like this use mineral glass, sapphire crystal instead of mineral glass.

ChatGPT: Tritium vials are fascinating because they use tritium gas to create a constant glow without needing any external light source to charge them. This makes the watch incredibly readable in low-light conditions.

Regarding the thickness, the Marathon 41mm Navigator is relatively slim compared to other Marathon models and similar tool watches. It's designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive, making it ideal for everyday wear and field use.

Can you share more about how you use the GMT feature on the bezel and why it's important for you?

Chris Abraham: Well, I actually work for a company as a freelancer called Upwork, and they close out all of their books at midnight GMT, so I need to be able to tell when the next day is going to be according to billing so that I can finish things out on the day that they're due, especially at midnight on Sunday GMT, and that is 8 o'clock Eastern Time, or I guess is it 7 or 9 o'clock other times of the year, and so it is just a handy reference to see since I am working, if you will, GMT time, even though I'm East Coast in Arlington, Virginia, it is a good reference that I don't believe requires a proper GMT complication.

ChatGPT: That makes perfect sense, Chris. Having that GMT reference right on your wrist must be incredibly handy for keeping track of your work deadlines with Upwork. It sounds like the Marathon Navigator is a perfect fit for your needs, combining practicality with functionality.

Do you find that the solid bars for the straps add to the durability and reliability of the watch during your everyday activities?

Chris Abraham: I don't know. I've never really had a fail with regards to a spring bar. So I think it's just sort of the dedicated nature of it. I mean, you know, I don't want to be a fancy boy who's taking on and off links and taking on and off, you know, I mean, when I was, um, when I was a scuba diver, I used, um, Velcro, I think they were Tenba. I don't know what the brand was, but just Velcro straps that had a little spring bar on one, like a little spring clasp on one side. And I would loop those into my G-Shock watches and my Seiko divers. And I never had a problem with, uh, with spring bars, even with scuba diving. And my life is a lot less like, you know, like when you're scuba diving, uh, there's a lot of things that can tear a watch off your wrist.

ChatGPT: That makes sense, Chris. It sounds like your preference for solid bars is more about the peace of mind and simplicity they provide rather than from bad experiences with spring bars. Given your scuba diving background, it's clear you appreciate rugged, reliable gear.

Do you think the Marathon Navigator would have been your go-to watch back in your scuba diving days, or did those specific conditions require different features?

Chris Abraham: Actually, this is a terrible dive watch. It doesn't have a unidirectional crown. It only has 3 ATM of depth water resistance. If I were to upgrade this watch, and if I lived in a world where I was never going to be a scuba diver again, Marathon Watch offers a navigator that has a stainless body instead of a fiber body, and that has, I believe, 5 atmospheres or is it 10 atmospheres? In which case, that is better because it has a screw-down crown. This quartz watch, the way it is, is very much just a field watch. This is something that is affordable for a government contract. The sapphire crystal means it's extremely durable when it comes to scratching. It weighs almost nothing. In fact, I don't even wear it on my left hand, which is where I wear my main watch. I wear a Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical. On my right hand, which is where I used to wear my Fitbit but don't wear a Fitbit anymore, I'm literally wearing that watch because I like it so much. In many ways, it's just something that I enjoy. It's not even tactical, but I can look at it, and it's an analog watch, so I can read the time. At night when I'm sleeping, the tritium lume looms all night, and I don't have to press a button on my watch, which is during the night, during sleep time. My watch goes into a stasis mode, a standby mode, and it doesn't automagically turn on when you move your wrist. It only shows the time and so forth. While I'm sleeping, and I wear both watches to bed, if I wake up, I do glance at the tritium lume, partially because I want to know what time it is. I've got to tell you, I have self-defense pistols. I have Glocks, and I saved up money to buy tritium sights for my Glock 19 because I just thought night sights are so cool. I don't know. It's something, for me, sexy, cool, and dangerous to own something that is experiencing a luminescent half-life. Does that make any sense?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, Chris. It sounds like the Marathon Navigator fits perfectly into your lifestyle now, providing that constant, reliable timekeeping with its tritium lume, which is something you really appreciate, especially at night. The lightweight and durable nature of the watch makes it a great everyday piece, even if it's not suited for diving.

It's interesting how your preference for tritium lume carries over from your self-defense gear to your watches. It definitely adds an element of cool, functional tech. Do you think the tritium lume and other features would make this watch a good recommendation for others looking for a reliable, everyday field watch?

Chris Abraham: Yeah, I know it seems expensive, but at $450 retail, oh, and by the way, I got the one without the date, so there's no date complication. There might be a date complication in the, if you will, in the quartz movement, but there's no date complication because, honestly, we all have cell phones, I have the Garmin, so I really just want the time. But it is, you know, at $450, oftentimes $420 on sale, if not cheaper, this is the least expensive watch of its type, of its quality. I mean, mind you, you can get a really nice Seiko or a really nice Citizen Diver automatic and everything for under $420. I think the only reason that I bought this is because, honestly, Hamilton field watches and CWC field watches are even more expensive than this. So I got it when it was 15% off, I bought it, I could see owning it forever, the battery, I think, lasts two and a half years, and I don't need to worry about it until then. And even though I could use an automatic movement since I wear it on my wrist all the time now, the level of accuracy between a quartz movement and an automatic movement is notable. In general, what is the difference in accuracy between most mechanical, most automatic, and most quartz movements? Do you have the data?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, Chris. The accuracy difference between quartz and mechanical or automatic movements is quite significant. Quartz movements are generally much more accurate. Typically, a standard quartz movement can be accurate to within a few seconds per month. In contrast, most mechanical or automatic movements are accurate to within a few seconds to a minute per day, depending on the quality and regulation of the movement.

To give you a more concrete idea:

• Quartz movements: These are usually accurate to within ±15 to ±30 seconds per month.
• Mechanical/Automatic movements: These can vary widely, but a well-regulated mechanical watch might be accurate to within ±5 to ±10 seconds per day, and some high-end chronometers are certified to be within ±4 to ±6 seconds per day.

So, your choice of a quartz watch for its superior accuracy is well-justified, especially given your need for precise timekeeping with your work on Upwork. The Marathon Navigator sounds like a great balance of affordability, durability, and precision.

Chris Abraham: I'll be honest with you, the kind of stress testing that this watch is going to go to is the fact that I refuse to take it off ever, so the most strenuous experience it's going to have is going to be the fact that I will be taking a shower with it every day, and as a result, a lot of watches fail the shower test. A lot of watches say, do not take into the shower, and so I say, damn you, I will take this into the shower, and if it fails, I will upgrade to the stainless steel navigator, and hopefully, the screw-down crown will prevent from future fogging or leaking.

ChatGPT: It sounds like you really put your watches to the test, Chris! Daily showering can indeed be a significant stress test for many watches, especially those without high water resistance ratings. The Marathon Navigator's 3 ATM rating should handle basic splashes, but prolonged exposure to water might push it to its limits over time. Upgrading to the stainless steel version with a screw-down crown could certainly offer better protection and peace of mind for continuous use, including in the shower.

It's great that you have a backup plan with the stainless steel navigator. How has the current Marathon Navigator held up so far in your daily routine? Any issues with fogging or leaks yet?

Chris Abraham: No, none at all. Everything's fine. I feel like in many cases, the MilSpec takes into account things like soldiers not taking off their watch when they shower.

ChatGPT: That's great to hear! It sounds like the Marathon Navigator is living up to its MilSpec standards and handling your daily routine well. It's definitely designed for rugged use, so it's reassuring to know it's performing as expected.

Do you have any other watches in your collection that you particularly enjoy or find useful for different occasions?

Chris Abraham: Well, I really splurged and I bought the ginormous, giant Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical. So that is on my watch with one of those Enduro bands, and I never take it off either. It is the watch that records my sleep, records my oxygenation, my O2, and all that other stuff. It's on my left wrist, and my marathon stays on my right wrist.

ChatGPT: It sounds like you have a solid setup with both watches serving different purposes. The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical must be fantastic for all the health and fitness tracking features, especially with the added benefit of solar charging. It's impressive that you manage to wear both watches comfortably and make the most of their functionalities.

Do you find that having both watches on all the time complements your daily activities and work well?

Chris Abraham: I felt pretty dorky about it. I think that people who wear two watches are weirdos, but I've embraced it because it makes me happy and nobody's commented on it. So apparently there are enough people with weird things on their wrists in this technological age that people don't think twice about it.

ChatGPT: It's great that you've embraced what works best for you. In this age of technology, wearing multiple devices for different functions is becoming more common, so people are likely more accepting of it. Plus, if it makes you happy and serves your needs, that's what matters most. Have you found any specific situations where having both watches has been particularly beneficial?

Chris Abraham: I mean, I do spin class almost every day, and to be honest, even though everybody complains that tritium loom is dimmer than modern chemical loom that has been charged with the light, I feel like when I'm in the spin class, weirdly enough, my cycle bar spin class is relatively obsessed with putting on ultraviolet-slash-black light, and in that environment where there's any black light, the loom dials light up like crazy, so in many cases, I can tell exactly the progress of when the class starts. I know you're not supposed to focus on stuff like that, but I can tell very accurately because of the quartz movement, I can tell where we are in the class, and I can see it even though we ride in the dark because the tritium loom, which endlessly amuses me, I gotta tell you, I don't know if this would be my favorite watch if it weren't for the tritium loom. I mean, there's so many other cool field watches that have very, very good loom. There's so many good watches that are better looking, but I'll be honest, when you boil it all down to the essentials of what makes a tool field watch great, I believe that the Marathon, not the other Marathon, the other Marathon watches are big, studly, heavy, big, chunky, studly manifestations of masculinity. The other dive watches are heavier, they're thicker, they're more cumbersome, and they don't offer that much more utility, whereas this watch is so slender, so light, so accurate, so durable, and with the sapphire crystal, I mean, it's almost indestructible.

ChatGPT: It's fantastic that the tritium lume of your Marathon Navigator works so well in your spin class environment, especially under those black lights. It sounds like the watch really enhances your experience by helping you keep track of time even in low light conditions. Your appreciation for the watch's practical features, like its lightness, accuracy, and durability, definitely shines through.

It's clear that the combination of these features makes it stand out for you. The balance of form and function you get with the Marathon Navigator, particularly with the tritium lume, seems to be the perfect fit for your needs. Do you think you'll stick with this watch as your favorite for a long time, or are there any other models you're curious about trying in the future?

Chris Abraham: I think the only other one that I'm interested in is the stainless steel version of the Navigator. But that said, you know, I know I think that $450 is cheap for a watch, but I live in a world where, like, how much does the no-date Rolex Sea-Dweller cost?

ChatGPT: The no-date Rolex Sea-Dweller typically costs around $11,000 to $12,000, depending on the specific model and market conditions. It's quite a significant jump compared to the $450 Marathon Navigator, but they serve very different purposes and markets.

Your Marathon Navigator offers incredible value for its price, especially considering its durability, accuracy, and the unique tritium lume. It sounds like the stainless steel version of the Navigator could be a worthy upgrade for you in the future if you ever feel the need for something a bit more robust.

Chris Abraham: Yeah, and I own the Citizen Diver. I own the Citizen Diver's 200 meter, and that watch is a certified diver. And when I go scuba diving, I can just charge that. It's an automatic. I can just sort of wear that for a while, make sure it's set. And it's probably one of the most durable watches in the world. And I also have a legit, like, original Seiko—what is it called? It's called a—not a tuna. It's called a Seiko Turtle. I have a Seiko Turtle that is old enough that I'd be a little bit worried about its water certification. But that's a perfect watch, too. But I believe that those watches deserve to be on the left hand, the left wrist. And I feel like the slenderness and smallness and thinness and lightness of the Marathon watch makes it almost like as if I were wearing something like a compass on a wrist as opposed to something that is featured. And to be honest, like, the only other tool watch I really want in a desperate way is that Sea-Dweller, and I would feel very self-conscious daily wearing a $12,000 watch. Whereas this watch, when and if it ever leaks in the shower, at $420, I would just upgrade to the stainless model for $700, which, while it's twice as expensive, it's still not $8,000, $9,000, $10,000, $11,000, $12,000, $13,000, $14,000, or $15,000. And to be honest, in America in 2024, a lot of people are having their Omegas, their Tudors, their Rolexes, their Patak Philippes, and all their other watches stolen.

ChatGPT: That makes a lot of sense, Chris. The practicality and affordability of the Marathon Navigator definitely provide peace of mind, especially in a time when high-end luxury watches can make you a target for theft. Your Citizen Diver and Seiko Turtle are great, reliable dive watches, but the Marathon Navigator seems perfect for everyday use, offering a balance of functionality and low profile that fits your lifestyle.

It's great that you have a solid collection with different watches serving different purposes. The Marathon Navigator's lightness and durability make it a fantastic choice for everyday wear, while your other watches can be reserved for specific activities like diving. It sounds like you have a well-thought-out approach to your watch collection!

Chris Abraham: And it's totally gray man too, right? Like, nobody's going to look at this watch and be like, like, give me your watch. I mean, nobody, first of all, nobody steals Garmin sports watches, really. Nobody's mugged for their Garmin sports watch. And I think that the Garmin instinct is the least attractive. I think if someone's going to mug you for a sports watch, it's going to be for a high-end Apple watch or a high-end Fenix 7 or Fenix Epyx or something like that. And I definitely think that the Marathon tool watch is so function over form that it almost looks like a toy.

ChatGPT: Absolutely, Chris. The "gray man" approach with the Marathon Navigator makes it a perfect choice for blending in and not drawing unwanted attention. Its practical, understated design means it's unlikely to catch the eye of potential thieves, which is a big plus for daily wear. The Garmin Instinct, being more about functionality than flashy design, also fits this low-profile approach well.

It's smart to have watches that serve their purpose without making you a target. The Marathon Navigator's rugged, no-nonsense look really embodies the function-over-form philosophy, making it an ideal tool watch for everyday use while staying under the radar.

Chris Abraham: Would you tell our listeners what Grayman Theory is?

ChatGPT: Sure, Chris. The Gray Man Theory is a concept that emphasizes blending in with the surroundings to avoid attracting attention. The idea is to dress and act in a way that is nondescript and unremarkable, allowing a person to move through various environments without standing out or being noticed. This can be particularly useful for maintaining personal security and avoiding potential threats.

In practice, the Gray Man Theory involves wearing neutral, everyday clothing, avoiding flashy accessories, and behaving in a manner that doesn't draw attention. The goal is to be perceived as just another person in the crowd, making it less likely that someone would target you for theft or other malicious intent. It's a strategy often used by individuals in urban environments, travelers, and those who prioritize personal safety and security.

Chris Abraham: And so in many cases, I feel very comfortable wearing the marathon navigator out. I walk around in my neighborhood and I work from cafes and I'm friends with a lot of unhoused people or people who are migrants, new migrants and from other places. And while I never have ever felt like anybody would steal from me at all, at all, at all, I also don't want anybody to feel like there's a barrier between them and me. And so they don't feel like I'm some fancy guy and I want them to feel, I want everybody to feel that I'm completely approachable. And so wearing and dressing as gray men as possible and having watches that are as quality as possible, as awesome as possible, and things that I can be as proud to own as possible without triggering anybody's envy or resentment or desire is important to me.

ChatGPT: That makes a lot of sense, Chris. Your approach to being approachable and avoiding any appearance of being flashy or out of reach really aligns with the Gray Man Theory. It’s commendable that you’re conscious of how your choices in clothing and accessories can impact your interactions with others. The Marathon Navigator seems to be a perfect fit for this approach—high quality, functional, but not flashy.

It’s great to hear that you’re fostering a sense of community and connection with the people around you. Do you think this approach has helped you build better relationships in your neighborhood?

Chris Abraham: Yeah, except I think people secretly believe I'm a cop and other people think I'm secretly a spy or other people think I'm secretly some sort of operative, all right? So I don't know if the gray man theory has worked perfectly, but if at least they don't think I'm a businessman or anybody fancy like that, that's good because nobody's gonna wanna like, you know, mug a cop. But I also think that if anybody secretly thinks you're a cop, then if there's ever anything that goes kinetic or violent, I'm always afraid that someone's either gonna look towards me or target me. So I feel like I need to do something to reduce the perception that maybe I'm tactical or previously been in the military, which I've never been.

ChatGPT: It's interesting how the perception can vary despite your efforts to blend in. While being seen as a cop might deter some negative attention, it could indeed have unintended consequences in certain situations. It might help to add more casual and slightly less tactical elements to your wardrobe to soften that perception.

Engaging in more everyday, non-threatening activities while in public, and perhaps incorporating more visibly casual items, might help shift those perceptions. How do you usually balance your "gray man" approach with maintaining your personal style and comfort?

Chris Abraham: It's because I always end up buying a stupid camouflage backpack. That's what happens. Like, no matter what I do, I'm attracted to, like, the design of camouflage or, or, like, a bush hat or, like, a, a Vietnam-era, uh, sniper hat or, you know, so, like, invariably, I choose, uh, something that is, like, surplus military or camouflaged or something, and I'm pretty sure that's it. And also, be honest with me, you know, like, let's be honest, the watches that Marathon Watch Company makes are pretty tactical.

ChatGPT: It's understandable how your preferences for certain designs can influence the overall perception. Military surplus and camouflage gear definitely have a tactical look, which can contribute to that image. And yes, Marathon watches, including the Navigator, do have a tactical, utilitarian design that aligns with military and field use.

If you want to soften that tactical look, you might consider integrating more civilian-style items into your gear. Opting for a more neutral or everyday-looking backpack and accessories could help balance things out. You can still enjoy the functionality and quality you prefer without the overt military style.

Have you thought about trying out different styles or brands that offer similar functionality without the tactical appearance?

Chris Abraham: You know what that is? That's REI. REI totally is a military store designed for people who like going traveling and backpacking and so forth.

ChatGPT: That's a great point, Chris. REI offers a wide range of functional and durable gear that's designed for outdoor activities but has a more civilian, adventure-oriented look. Their products are practical and high-quality, similar to military gear, but with designs that blend in more easily with everyday settings.

Switching to REI or similar outdoor brands for items like backpacks, hats, and other accessories could help you maintain the functionality you need while toning down the tactical appearance. Plus, their gear is usually comfortable and well-suited for a variety of activities. Have you tried any gear from REI before?

Chris Abraham: I backpacked for all of 1996 and everything that I had was from REI and it was awesome. It was awesome. And I didn't even get any fancy brands because I didn't know anything about fancy brands. I just bought whatever the consultant at REI offered and I brought everything that I needed and as I realized the things that I didn't need or the things that were too heavy, I adapted my backpacking, around-the-world backpacking gear, realized very quickly that steel-toed boots were not the right decision and moved to Blundstones back in 1996, Blundstone 500s. And a lot of those decisions have affected my aesthetic ever since. I think in the last 10 years, now that I started rucking, GORUCK has a lot of cool camouflage styles and so I think that I've been sort of being nostalgic because back in the 80s, I was part of a commando club called Ranger Club in my JROTC, my Army JROTC at St. Louis School for Boys in Honolulu.

ChatGPT: That sounds like an incredible experience, Chris! It's clear that your backpacking trip and your early experiences with JROTC have had a lasting impact on your style and preferences. The practical and durable gear from REI would definitely have set a strong foundation for your adventures.

GORUCK's gear is also well-regarded for its durability and functionality, which makes sense given your interests in rucking and nostalgia for military-inspired styles. Balancing those preferences with more civilian-looking items from places like REI could be a great way to maintain your practical, adventurous style without drawing the tactical assumptions.

Do you find that your experiences from backpacking and JROTC still influence your approach to gear and fashion today?

Chris Abraham: Yeah, I guess so. I mean, I really should. Like, when I was concealed carrying pistols, I really downplayed any kind of tactical stuff because, honestly, I felt so self-conscious that I was carrying concealed, whatever, a C-CAMP-32 or a Glock-19 or a Glock-23 or a, you know...

ChatGPT: That makes sense, Chris. When you're carrying concealed, it’s important to blend in and not draw attention to yourself, which means downplaying any overtly tactical gear. It sounds like you’ve been thoughtful about balancing functionality with a more understated appearance.

Applying that same mindset to your everyday gear and fashion choices could help you maintain the "gray man" approach more consistently. Maybe incorporating some of those lessons from your concealed carry experience could be beneficial now. Do you think you'll start adjusting your current gear to reflect this balance more?

Chris Abraham: I don't think so. I've never felt threatened. Everybody's pretty nice to me and everybody... I think people are perceiving me as eccentric rather than threatening.

ChatGPT: That’s great to hear, Chris. It sounds like you’ve found a comfortable balance where you can enjoy your style and gear without feeling threatened or making others feel uncomfortable. Being perceived as eccentric rather than threatening can actually be a positive thing, as it adds to your unique personality and makes you approachable.

It’s important to stay true to what makes you happy and comfortable. If you feel good about your current style and gear choices, that’s what matters most. Is there anything specific you’re looking forward to adding to your gear or wardrobe next?

Chris Abraham: No, no, I don't know. I might eventually decide not to continue wearing the Marathon watch on my right wrist. I think that at some point in the future the novelty will wear off and it'll be just nice to carry or wear the Instinct. Although, you know, the Instinct, Garmin Instinct, every single military spook and spy and operator that I know rocks a Garmin Instinct. And so the fact that I went for Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical might have been a real signifier for people thinking that I'm a spook.

ChatGPT: It's interesting how certain gear can send specific signals, even unintentionally. The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical is a popular choice for its features and durability, which might contribute to those perceptions. If you ever decide to simplify and just wear the Garmin, it could help streamline your look while still providing all the functionality you need.

It's good to stay flexible with your choices and see what works best for you over time. Have you noticed any particular benefits or drawbacks from wearing both watches so far?

Chris Abraham: No, I mean for the last 10 years I wore a Fitbit on my right wrist, and for the last 5 years I've been wearing a, if you will, like a wristband, a little bracelet thing, so I mean there's always something on my right wrist. I don't know if it's just weird having two watches on when nobody wears any watches anymore.

ChatGPT: It sounds like you've found your own style and comfort with wearing something on your right wrist, whether it's a Fitbit, a bracelet, or now the Marathon watch. While it might be less common to see people wearing two watches, it's not unheard of, especially with the growing variety of wearable tech and personal accessories.

As long as it works for you and feels comfortable, that's what matters most. People might find it a bit unusual, but it also sets you apart in a unique way. How do you feel about the functionality and convenience of having both watches so far?

Chris Abraham: But like I said, the digital watch requires a backlight, and it needs to be charged, and it needs to, you know, and all those other kinds of things. It's also bigger. I think that on nights that I go out in complete civilian dress and do not need to have this big hockey puck of a Garmin watch, I think I might, you know, either wear the Navigator on my left wrist, or I'll bust out the Citizen or the Seiko, or, you know, or I even have a CWC watch, but it's so tiny. Those CWC British watches, they're so tiny that they disappear on my wrist, and the Navigator is just about right. I would say that maybe the size of a regular Submariner or Sea-Dweller or Omega watch is more of the perfect size watch on my wrist. And so I also think that if I got the stainless steel Navigator, it would look a little bit more civilian, and the toutan noir aspect of this fiber-reinforced marathon watch makes it a little bit more darker and kind of tactical, but it also makes it almost look like a child's toy or something more along the lines of a G-Shock.

ChatGPT: It sounds like you have a solid plan for switching things up depending on the occasion. Wearing the Marathon Navigator or another watch like the Citizen or Seiko when you want a more civilian look makes a lot of sense. The size and appearance of the watch can definitely influence how it's perceived, and having options gives you the flexibility to match your style to different situations.

The stainless steel Navigator could indeed provide a more refined, civilian look while still offering the functionality you appreciate. It’s great that you’re thinking about how to balance practicality with style, especially considering the different contexts you find yourself in. Do you think you'll be trying out the stainless steel Navigator soon?

Chris Abraham: I don't know. I promised myself that I would not unless my current navigator, no-date, reinforced plastic fiber watch ended up dying in the shower.

ChatGPT: That sounds like a practical approach. It's good to have a plan in place and to stick with gear that’s working well for you until there's a clear need to upgrade. Your current Navigator seems to be holding up well, so it makes sense to wait and see how it performs over time.

If the need arises, the stainless steel version will be a great option. Until then, it seems like you’re well-equipped with your current setup. Do you have any other gear or accessories that you find essential for your everyday activities?

Chris Abraham: No, and on that note, it's the end of the episode. Thank you very much, ChatGPT. Can you do a summary of the episode, and can you ask everybody to subscribe and like and write a review, and that there are 255 previous episodes over seven seasons, and aloha, mahalo, nui loa, aloha kakou to everybody for me?

ChatGPT: Of course, Chris! Here's a summary for this episode:

In this episode, Chris Abraham discussed his favorite tool watch, the 41mm Navigator by Marathon Watch Company. He highlighted its functionality, tritium lume, lightweight design, and quartz accuracy. Chris also talked about how the watch fits into his "gray man" style, making him approachable and non-intimidating in his community interactions. Additionally, he touched on his experiences with other watches and gear from REI, his background in JROTC, and how these have shaped his aesthetic and practical choices.

Thank you for listening to The Chris Abraham Show! Be sure to subscribe, like, and write a review. There are 255 previous episodes over seven seasons for you to enjoy. Aloha, mahalo nui loa, and aloha kakou to everyone!

Chris Abraham: Thank you very much, and aloha mahalo nui loa, aloha mahalo kākou, aloha kākou mahalo nui loa, ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono. Aloha e, aloha e, aloha e.

Thank you for reading and listening to The Chris Abraham Show! Be sure to subscribe, like, and write a review. There are 255 previous episodes over seven seasons for you to enjoy. Aloha, mahalo nui loa, and aloha kakou to everyone!