CHP Caliber Brands
The coolest new(ish) kids on the block.
(I mean, not really "new", but you get it.)
These brands have been doing great work for a while, but ya know, maybe new to you if you haven't heard of them yet.
And trust us - They're worth knowing (and owning).
(( Don't forget to check out our ACCESS LAB Brands... ))
Marathon doesn't build watches for people who want to look prepared. They build for the ones who actually get the call. Every SAR series watch carries the name for a reason — Search and Rescue — because these are the timepieces issued to the technicians who go find people when things have gone wrong. GSAR. TSAR. The kind of watch that's already been rated, tested, and trusted by militaries and government agencies before it ever reaches a retail case.
The story goes back to 1904, when the Wein family started making precision timepieces in North America. By 1939, Morris Wein had founded Marathon Watch outright — and by 1941, the company was already supplying timing instruments to the Allied Forces. Proudly Canadian, purpose-built, and married to Swiss engineering: Marathon combines military-grade durability with the precision craftsmanship of a Swiss manufacturing facility, so every watch that leaves the case earns the "Swiss Made" mark honestly. Marathon is s a company that still makes the exact instruments it's always made — for pilots, for divers, for soldiers, for anyone who needs a watch that will not let them down when the stakes are real.
Authentic military heritage, modern military design, and a reputation built one rescue at a time.
Brand
Stats
Movement Origins: Swiss
Movement Types: Automatic, Quartz, Mechanical (hand-wind)
Crystal: Sapphire
Materials Utilized: Stainless Steel (316L), High-Impact Composite Fibreshell
Median Price Range: $240 – $2,230 (core lineup) limited/flagship pieces run up to $4,700.
In CHP Caliber's words
These aren't watches that look rugged. They're watches that get issued to Search and Rescue Technicians, worn on both poles, and trusted by militaries who don't do marketing fluff — they do specs. Marathon builds to MIL-SPEC because failure isn't an option when the wearer's job is finding people who are lost. Designed in Canada, built in the Swiss watchmaking capital of La Chaux-de-Fonds, every GSAR and TSAR on the wrist is doing the same job it does on a mountain rescue: keeping time when time is quite literally, of the essence.
Marathon - Watches Built to Save Lives.
Tsar Bomba is redefining modern watchmaking with dynamic, transformative design. Featuring patented interchangeable bezels, straps, and crowns inspired by the choreography of atomic motion, each watch adapts seamlessly to any mood, style, or occasion.
A global team of in-house experts and international freelance designers ensures a continuous flow of on-trend, innovative creations, keeping the brand at the forefront of design evolution.
Recognized with multiple international awards, Tsar Bomba has firmly established its reputation for excellence and innovation. With a presence in more than 50 countries, partnerships with over 300 retail outlets, and a growing Travel Retail footprint, the brand enjoys strong global visibility.
Tsar Bomba – YOU have the power.
Brand
Stats
Movement Origins: Japanese, Swiss
Movement Types: Automatic, Quartz
Crystal: Sapphire
Materials Utilized: Stainless Steel, Carbon Fiber, Titanium, Meteorite, Ceramic
Median Price Range: $250 - $2,000
In CHP Caliber's words
Tsar Bomba is just cool, y’all. When we saw these in person, we were blown away. The patented interchangeability technology isn’t just extremely functional (yes, it’s like having seven watches in one), but the locking mechanisms and colorway options make this timepiece a truly customizable wonder. They use boundary-pushing materials (Meteorite, Carbon Fiber, Ceramic, and more) at extremely reasonable price points. That makes this watch the perfect gift or starter piece for someone looking for something affordable with a sporty edge (and oh, the quality is insanely good).
Tsar Bomba, Challenge your Perspective,
Change up your watch. With ease. All the time.
Briston is an independent French watch brand blending refined watchmaking with a relaxed, sporty-chic spirit and a distinctly British-inspired aesthetic—casual yet elegant, playful yet precise.
Marrying French design flair with genuine horological credibility, Briston creates accessible, expressive timepieces for those who value individuality, craftsmanship, and a touch of irreverent charm. Its designs evoke Oxford campuses, polo fields, and rowing regattas, balancing sophistication with approachability.
Known for its creative use of materials and shapes—most notably the tortoiseshell acetate cases of the iconic Clubmaster and the new Streamliner square case—each collection reflects a thoughtful evolution of style and function, guided by a founder with 15 years’ experience at major houses including Cartier and Zenith.
Brand
Stats
Movement: Miyota, Seiko
Movement Types: Automatic, Quartz
Crystal: Sapphire
Materials Utilized: Acetate, Stainless Steel, Recycled Plastic, Leather, Nylon
Median Price Range: $300 - $2,200
In CHP Caliber's words
Briston stands for everything that CHP Caliber believes in - class, quality, and elegance at an affordable pricepoint. We are true believers of luxury for all, and Briston's beautiful pieces do just that; their designs are not only jaw-droppingly stunning (the acetate detailing? We can't get over it..), but they're a perfect watch for someone who is ready to dive into the world of watches without breaking the bank.
Briston: Neo-Classic, French designed, Sophisticated, and accessible for all.
Everyone deserves a beautiful watch. Especially you.
Hampden Watch is a proudly independent, family-owned watchmaker rooted in Chicago. Now in its fourth generation, the business traces its American lineage back to 1922, when immigrant Hyman Wein founded the original company in Chicago. Over the decades the Wein family has maintained continuous operation, making Hampden the oldest family-run watch company in the U.S.
Hampden’s modern incarnation revives a long heritage. The “Hampden” name itself, originally from a 19th-century American watchmaker, was acquired by the Wein family in 1958. Through world events and changing markets the company adapted, and today it blends American heritage and design with high-quality Swiss movements.
What truly distinguishes Hampden is its emphasis on personalization and storytelling. Each timepiece is more than a watch; it’s meant to carry memories.
Their flagship Model 1 features the patented “Casecap®” system, a world-first innovation that makes it possible to swap between a sapphire exhibition caseback (showing the movement) and a deeply engraved back, turning the timepiece into a personal heirloom.
Brand
Stats
Movement: Sellita, Ronda
Movement Types: Quartz, Automatic
Crystal: Sapphire
Materials Utilized: Stainless Steel, Gold PVD, Leather, Sculpted Steel
Median Price Range: $600 - $2,200
In CHP Caliber's words
Hampden really has CHP Caliber's heart, y’all. We are so in love with this brand, and here’s why. Their story is deeply tied to family— They’re America’s oldest family-run watchmaking company, based in Chicago, and we’re proud to support a US company helping lead the charge in American watch manufacturing with such a strong foundation. We’re also total suckers for a beautiful engraving. Watches connect us to our pasts and futures—true heirlooms—and Hampden truly shines here. From special personal pieces to corporate gifting, they’re fully equipped to handle bulk engraving orders, and we can’t wait to see what we create alongside our incredible retailers.
All watches tell time. Hampden watches tell stories.™
