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Yes, we continue with one more watch review this month, and it will be Davosa Argonautic World Traveler. As you can guess from the name, last two words hint on one additional special feature – GMT time tracking. For me it was interesting to see this watch in person and check the overall quality. While this is not a limited edition, there are still some things worth discussing, both in design and in the use experience. First I suggest we start with the traditional video-review and then talk about details.
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Here you can read review with Limited Edition watch from Davosa.
Watch presented for the review by Herrison Watches.
Dial
This element comes in beautiful white, which is adorned with various blue accents as well as blue bezel. Whole composition looks clean, and even multiple writings don’t add unnecessary clutter. Watch size is 41.5mm, what places it in the reasonable-size segment of the market. It also has influence on the legibility, which is aided by large indices. Watch is also available in black dial version, but in my opinion today’s combo looks way more special.
Whole composition is rather simple – applique indices and digits on the inner ring. Note that each index has blue outline or border, what makes it easier to find on the white background. Davosa also placed triangle on the 12″ mark, while 9″ and 6″ are marked with bigger rectangles. 3′ mark is not mentioned here because it is taken by date window, and the remaining index surface is quite small. Of course, all indices are covered with SuperLuminova BGW9 which should help with legibility in dark.
Handset is on the bigger side, and you get four parts here. Hours and minutes are indicated by those with dark blue outline, GMT indication is done by hand with light blue and seconds hand comes in dark blue with light color on the tip. Such composition makes it easier to differentiate the elements on the dial, and also somehow makes it more streamlined too.
As it was mentioned already, date window is on the dial too, but it doesn’t jump out or break the whole design. I wouldn’t mind the version without one, but I guess it is useful for an actual GMT watch. All writings are quite restricted too. It is also worth noting that inner ring and bezel have the same font, and while it might look like basic thing, some brands still manage to mess it up. Whole dial is covered with sapphire glass, that is something expected from this class of watches.
Case
Stainless steel case comes here as the paragon of the classic forms, so don’t expect anything quirky. In my opinion this is more of an advantage as you get quite a classy looks without unnecessary “bling”. Yes, almost all surfaces are matte polished here, and it should be very useful in the everyday wear. Thickness is at 11.8mm, so it is not a huge accessory. Nevertheless, you will feel it on the wrist as the weight is around 168g.
Profile won’t open you some unusual sights – just raised bezel and smooth curves of lugs on both sides. Front view is also clean, and the only prominent thing (literally) crown and its protection. In my opinion it looks right in place here, and doesn’t break the whole image. Moreover, crown is not too large and should be easy to grab if necessary. On the side you will find Davosa logo of course.
Davosa Argonautic World Traveler also notable for its bezel design. Those sharply engraved grooves certainly remind of some toolwatches and look serious. Yes, ceramic insert in bezel is finished in blue color, but it still looks restricted and not out of place. I already mentioned that font is easy to read, what is very useful for everyday wear.
Movement
Inside you will find DAV3032 automatic movement. The index might be unfamiliar to some, but it is worth mentioning that has roots from Selita SW330-2. The latter can be found in many other watches from different brands, so the chance is you even have one in your collection.
Overall set of features is standard, except of GMT functionality, which might be handy for those who travel a lot. Power reserve should be clocked at around 56 hours, and it should be enough for everyday use. Rear cover is solid on this watch, so you won’t be able to appreciate the beauty of the parts’ finish.
Strap
Well, it is not exactly strap we are getting here, but the nice metal bracelet. In my opinion it suits the overall image of the watch. Whole thing feels like a serious tool, not some fancy polished item to wear on special day. Bracelet is made out of stainless steel, and has some heft to it, so you won’t see it as something cheap and not suitable for Davosa watch.
Clasp has a logo of the manufacturer, but that’s pretty much all special features here. As for the alternative options – there are none in the box, and you will have to find one by yourself. Argonautic World Traveler should be quite universal in terms of straps combos, so it is more of a question on what you would like to see on your wrist. 🙂
In Use
I got to spend one day with this watch, and there are few things to note. Let’s start with the size. While dimension numbers might look reasonable, this is definitely not a watch for smaller wrists. Keep this in mind and try to check the fit before you get the watch. It is not to say the model is huge, but the case shape might look strange on those with small wrist measurements.
Overall design is just beautiful, and, yes, this is rather subjective, but in my opinion Davosa did a great job here. It doesn’t look cheap, doesn’t feel to gaudy and yet manages to keep expensive appearance, which looks like a serious thing. There are few more expensive analogues, but the key point is that you will have to pay at least twice, and I don’t see a huge benefit from paying more.
Davosa also supplies a fine finish in this watch, and all parts work fine straight out of the box. It is good that bezel and crown have quite prominent engraving, which is easy to grab. Moreover, this feature adds to “toolwatch feel” as parts are well-defined and don’t have any soft edges.
As for the bracelet, it looks fine, but I can also see this watch with some nice white or blue silicone strap. This will cost you extra, especially if you want something in high quality, but it might be worth trying to play with some “aftermarket” combinations.
Davosa Argonautic World Traveler – Price and Availability
New GMT watch should be already available. Price tag is around 2000 USD, what is around that range you will expect for Swiss watch with some extra features. In my opinion it is worth the price, but the price range is quite tricky, and there are a lot of rivals from other brands. Keep in mind that few of them will actually have the additional hand for tracking one more time zone.
Davosa Argonautic looks like a good choice for those who would like to avoid a typical mainstream choice. Yes, you will get something different, but still finished in a top notch quality with good movement inside. Moreover, design is self-sufficient and doesn’t try to copy something more expensive. It is very good point in my opinion, and that is why I recommend to take a look if you are searching for a decent watch without trying to look like some other timepiece.
