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With its new dark blue color scheme, the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome shows where it belongs: in the depths of the sea. The limited edition watch owes its unusual look to ion plating. In this test, I’ll show you what else makes this perennial Swiss favorite so special…
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As blue as the ocean
The Argonautic has been around since 2008, named after the Argonauts and their ship, the Argo. Legend has it that the fastest ship of its time set off in search of the mysterious golden fleece…
Now DAVOSA is releasing its popular Argonautic diver’s watch in a new color scheme. Not only has the dial been given a new color, but the entire case has been given a makeover. Unlike many other competitor models, however, the Swiss premium manufacturer has not simply opted for a conventional black PVD or DLC coating. The entire case, including the bezel and stainless steel bracelet, is covered in a dark, steel-blue skin that coolly emphasizes the technical, sporty character of the diver’s watch. The Argonautic has never been so masculine, that’s for sure.
So far, I have tested the successful DAVOSA tool watch in three different versions: as an innovative BGBS, as a turquoise Coral Limited Edition and very basic – with a black dial in a small format. However, as the name DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome suggests, today’s test watch with the reference number 161.540.40 has a very special look that can hardly be compared with the designs of the aforementioned models. Find out what else makes the dark blue diver’s watch so special in today’s watch review.
In the unboxing
You could have guessed it already: a watch with a special design is unlikely to come without limitations. This is indeed the case here. The DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome is limited to 200 pieces. Mine is number 68 out of 200, which is what I explicitly asked DAVOSA for. The 68 stands for the year I was born, 1968, and has a special meaning for me, which I wanted to express on the watch. It’s great that it worked out!
The box also comes with the current catalog, which contains photos that I was allowed to create. That’s a pretty cool feeling and somehow surprised me. Another high-quality pencil case contains the invoice. The watch comes in an elegant box.
I really like the matte look of the bezel and case and it suits the watch perfectly. The dial is also made of stainless steel and is patented in exactly the same color, the darker tone only appears darker or lighter behind the glass depending on the incidence of light.
The secret behind the dark blue color
But where does the calming deep blue color, which DAVOSA calls ‘ocean blue’, come from? The case is based on conventional 316L stainless steel. I emphasize this detail, which is actually so obvious, because not all Argonautic cases are made exclusively of stainless steel. The BGBS, for example, is made of BEYOND STEEL. The properties of this material make it even more resistant than pure stainless steel, but it is also very light and heat-resistant. BEYOND STEEL is NOT used here. However, this does not make the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome any less high-quality. Its stainless steel casing is coated with ion plating.
The comparison with the Argonautic BGBS could be continued. You will also notice that the Monochrome is 48 grams lighter than its (supposed) sister model and only weighs 160 grams. This is due to the smaller diameter of just 39.5 millimeters. The Argonautic has only been available in a compact diameter for a few months. Previously, the standard was 43 millimetres, as found in the BGBS case. DAVOSA itself describes the watch as being suitable for “any wrist size”. This is also due to the length of the case between the lugs, which is 47 millimetres. You can read what I think of the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 in general in the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome watch review.
The case of the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome in detail
The ion-plated coating on the case is certainly well made. In contrast to the BGBS, there is no helium valve (which would otherwise be found at 10 o’clock). The use or omission of the helium valve is debatable. While some find the valve essential for professional use, it is unnecessary for recreational divers in particular and just a weak point in the case that could potentially jeopardize the water resistance.
There are probably far more helium valves than people who need to use them. So if you’re reading this and wondering whether you need a helium valve, the answer is 99% likely to be ‘no’ – end of digression.
But even on a snorkeling vacation, good waterproofing doesn’t hurt. At the very least, it says a lot about the quality of the housing. The DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome is water-resistant to depths of 200 meters. This is a minimum value for the designation ‘diver’s watch’, but it is also sufficient.
High-quality, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial from sharp-edged objects under water or in everyday life. To my delight, it has an anti-reflective coating. Compared to the standard models, the case back is much more ornate and features the four-pointed DAVOSA compass rose as well as the model name.
The indices and hands on the dial are coated with Swiss SuperLuminova and glow brightly and evenly in the dark.
DAV 3021 – an old acquaintance
‘DAV 3021’ is the name of the movement inside the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome. Behind the name is a well-known movement: the Sellita SW200-1. Boring, some may think. However, it is obvious that the clone of the ETA 2824-2 is a solid, high-quality and durable choice that manufacturers can’t go wrong with. In the Elaboré quality level installed here, the SW200-1 achieves a rate accuracy of +/- 7 seconds per day. The rate accuracy is 40 hours. Although this is not a peak value, it was sufficient in my everyday testing.
Anyone familiar with DAVOSA will also know the well-known TriaLink bracelet. The stainless steel bracelet has a diving extension so that it can also be worn over a wetsuit if you really want to take the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome with you on a dive. The width between the lugs is 20 millimeters.
My conclusion on the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome
You would think that a watch that has been on the market since 2008 and that you have come across more than once could no longer knock your socks off. But it can – as the DAVOSA Argonautic 39 Monochrome proves. The Swiss watch manufacturer has successfully reinterpreted its classic model, breathing a breath of fresh air into the Argonautic. This is exactly what it needed. The “blue watch” is a USP that speaks for itself.
Beneath the blue cloak lies the usual high quality. This is also still needed if you want to survive in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive. With high-quality materials (especially stainless steel and sapphire crystal), this should work. The compact case houses a solid SW200-1 from Sellita, which may not be a source of enthusiasm for watch enthusiasts but is extremely reliable. And in the end, that’s what you need, isn’t it?
Some might be put off by the 39 millimeter diameter. For a masculine diver’s watch made of stainless steel, this may take some getting used to at first. In any case, I would advise you to try on such a compact watch on your wrist first. And, of course, to get used to its appearance. The barely curved horns make it comfortable to wear, even on larger wrists.
Prices and availability
DAVOSA is asking 1,190.00 euros for its Argonautic 39 Monochrome. This is a good deal more than previous Argonautic 39 models cost (these start at 1,050.00 euros). All links to the DAVOSA store can be found below.
More about DAVOSA and the Argonautic 39 Monochrome
Click here for the watch in the DAVOSA store
Even more DAVOSA watch reviews in my blog
