**3-Watch Collection Review - Freestyle (33%) / Timex (33%) / Marathon (33%)**

 

**Overall Collection Rating:** 7.7/10

 

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**Collection Type by Style:**

 

- **Field:** 33% Marathon GPM Black General Purpose Mechanical US Government

- **Diver/Sport:** 33% Freestyle Shark FS101063

- **Dress/Casual:** 33% Timex Marlin TW2U01600

 

**Collection Type by Movement:**

 

- **Quartz:** 33% Freestyle Shark FS101063

- **Automatic:** 33% Timex Marlin TW2U01600

- **Manual:** 33% Marathon GPM Black General Purpose Mechanical US Government

 

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**Breakdown by Collection Metrics:**

 

- **Brand (10% Weight):** 7.5/10

The collection features brands with specialized focuses: Freestyle for action sports, Timex for classic, affordable timepieces, and Marathon for military-grade reliability. While they lack prestige on the high-end spectrum, they offer solid brand recognition in their respective niches.

 

- **History & Innovation (10% Weight):** 7.8/10

Each brand has a notable history: Timex with its legacy of affordable, reliable watches; Marathon’s contributions to military-issued watches; and Freestyle’s link to surf culture. Although innovation is not a major feature of these models, they each contribute meaningfully to the watch’s intended purpose.

 

- **Rarity (10% Weight):** 6.8/10

These watches are accessible and widely available, making them less rare than limited editions or luxury pieces. However, the Marathon GPM’s military issue adds some collectibility appeal for enthusiasts of tactical watches.

 

- **Material (10% Weight):** 7.0/10

The materials align with the practical focus of each watch. The Freestyle Shark uses a resin case for water resistance, the Timex Marlin features stainless steel for a dressier appeal, and the Marathon GPM is crafted with a composite case for durability. Though not luxurious, the materials suit each watch’s purpose well.

 

- **Dials & Design (10% Weight):** 7.8/10

Each watch has a distinct, purpose-driven design: the Freestyle Shark with its vibrant and retro look, the Timex Marlin with a minimalist dress aesthetic, and the Marathon GPM with a military-style utilitarian design. The diversity of design adds versatility to the collection’s appeal.

 

- **Movement (10% Weight):** 7.2/10

The Marathon GPM offers a reliable manual-wind ETA 2801-2, while the Timex Marlin brings an automatic movement with dress appeal, and the Freestyle Shark relies on durable quartz. The variety enhances the collection’s functionality but limits it in terms of high horological craftsmanship.

 

- **Complications (10% Weight):** 6.5/10

This collection focuses on straightforward functionality. There are minimal complications, with only time and date features spread across the models. This simplicity suits each watch’s intent, though it might lack appeal for those who prefer complex watch features.

 

- **Functions (10% Weight):** 8.5/10

Each watch is highly functional for its intended use: the Freestyle Shark with its 100m water resistance for sports, the Timex Marlin for daily wear with a classic design, and the Marathon GPM’s durability, tritium illumination, and military-grade specs. They provide a strong functional range for everyday and specialized wear.

 

- **Versatility (10% Weight):** 7.9/10

The collection is quite versatile, with a watch for formal occasions, sports, and outdoor use. This adaptability makes it suitable for a variety of lifestyles and settings, balancing casual, rugged, and dressy aesthetics.

 

- **Cohesiveness (10% Weight):** 7.3/10

While the collection covers a range of styles, it does have a thematic thread of practical and purpose-built watches. The divergence in design focus between the sporty Freestyle, classic Timex, and tactical Marathon slightly detracts from full cohesiveness but gives it an appeal for a user with diverse needs.

 

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### Collection Strengths:

- **Purpose-Driven Design:** Each watch is well-suited for its intended use, from dress to tactical to sports functionality.

- **Versatility:** The collection spans different style categories, making it adaptable for various settings.

- **Functional Reliability:** All three watches offer practical reliability in their respective fields, be it military, sports, or classic wear.

 

### Areas for Improvement:

- **Rarity & Collectibility:** Incorporating limited editions or rare pieces could add uniqueness to the collection.

- **Movement Sophistication:** Adding a watch with a more complex or in-house movement could elevate the collection’s mechanical appeal.

 

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**Watch-by-Watch Summary**

 

1. **Marathon GPM Black General Purpose Mechanical US Government** – 8.2/10

Durable with tritium illumination and military-grade features, the GPM serves well as a field watch. Its ETA 2801-2 manual movement adds reliability but remains simple, with minimal complications for straightforward functionality.

 

2. **Freestyle Shark FS101063** – 7.5/10

With a sporty, retro design and robust quartz movement, the Shark is built for active wear. Its water resistance and resin build make it a durable choice, though it’s more focused on function than horological depth.

 

3. **Timex Marlin TW2U01600** – 7.6/10

The Marlin brings an automatic movement and classic dress style to the collection. It’s simple but versatile, with a minimalistic design that complements both casual and formal wear, though it lacks complications.

 

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*A.I. WatchMetrics Review v. 7.3*