Off the Cuff: Davosa Argonautic BG

The Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic is a robust and stylish dive watch that combines classic design elements with modern features. Constructed for underwater exploration, it offers impressive water resistance and a reliable automatic movement, making it a dependable companion for both professional divers and watch enthusiasts.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic @calibre321

Advertisement


Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Solid construction @calibre321

The first thing that catches your attention about the Argonautic BG Automatic is its sturdy construction. The stainless steel case measures 43mm in diameter and 51mm lug to lug, offering a hefty but balanced size suitable for those with larger wrists or those who enjoy the chunk of a 13.5mm diver. The brushed finish on the case is uniform and smooth giving it both a sophisticated and sporty look, while the unidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic insert adds a functional and dynamic touch.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
120-click uni-directional bezel @calibre321

I really like the case shape and the silhouette of this watch–particularly the manner in which the lug recess has been rendered in a subtly concave cove where it meets the bracelet endlinks. The look is reminiscent of skin diver cases from the 60s. When viewed from its profile, you can appreciate just how quickly the lugs taper downward, without losing their thickness, settling just below the case back. This goes a long way toward taming the overall case size for a more comfortable wrist experience.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Ceramic bezel insert @calibre321

The dial of the Argonautic BG Automatic is clean and legible, featuring bold indices and hands. The applied hour markers and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility even in low-light conditions. The date window, located at 3 o’clock, provides added convenience. I appreciate the touch of red text above the six o’clock position and the way it is picked up again in the arrow-tipped seconds hand.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
BGW9 Super-LumiNova @calibre321

Powering the watch is the reliable Swiss Made DAV3021, an automatic movement based on the ETA 2824-2. Known for its accuracy and durability, this movement offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Screw down case back and crown with helium escape valve @calibre321

With a water resistance rating of 300 meters (1,000 feet), the Argonautic BG Automatic is well-equipped for diving and other water activities. The screw-down crown and case back ensure a secure and watertight seal, providing peace of mind for underwater adventures. The presence of a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock adds an extra level of functionality for professional divers engaged in saturation diving, and frankly, just looks cool.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Stainless steel bracelet with diver’s extension @calibre321

The bracelet of the Argonautic BG Automatic is comfortable and sturdy. It features solid screwed links, a diver’s extension, and a secure fold-over clasp with a safety lock. The integrated end links–a highlight, as mentioned earlier–provide a seamless transition from the case to the bracelet, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Highly legible dial @calibre321

Between colourways and bracelet choices, there are twelve different iterations in the Argonautic BG Collection, with as many more in the Argonautic Lumis and Coral lines.


SPECS

Case316L Stainless Steel
43mm Diameter
51.2mm Lug to Lug
13.5mm Thick
22mm Lug Width
Unidirectional, 120-Click Bezel
Screw Down Crown & Case Back
300m Water Resistance
Dial & CrystalFlat Sapphire Crystal
/w AR
Applied Markers
Partially Skeletonized Hands
Super-LumiNova
MovementDAV3021
25 Jewels
28 800bph
38-Hour Power Reserve
StrapStainless Steel Bracelet
/w Diver’s Extension

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic


Advertisement


Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Powered by the DAV3021 @calibre321

Of Interest

Davosa, headquartered in Herford, Germany, makes all of their watches in Switzerland. Dating back to 1881, the brand is focused on precision and quality, and has established itself as a respected name in the world of watchmaking. From pocket watches (originally) to wristwatches, the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovative design has allowed it to create timepieces that combine timeless aesthetics with modern functionality.

In recent years, Davosa has gained recognition for its dive watches, particularly the Argonautic series. These timepieces exhibit exceptional water resistance, robust construction, and precise movements, making them steadfast companions for underwater exploration.

Brand ambassador and professional free diver, Nikolay “Nik” Linder (holder of five Guinness diving records), wears the Argonautic BG Gun.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Unique case design with seamless transition into bracelet @calibre321

Quibbles

While it’s not exactly a quibble, some will find the Argonautic wears large. However, other than the diver’s extension, the clasp is fairly basic. It would be great to have a micro-adjustment system and a push-button release here.

Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Watch Review
Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic Dive Watch @calibre321

Final Thoughts

The Davosa Argonautic BG Automatic is a reliable and attractive dive watch that delivers on both performance and design. It combines the essential features required for undersea exploration with a timeless aesthetic that can be appreciated in various settings. Whether you’re a professional diver or simply a watch enthusiast seeking a versatile and dependable timepiece, the Argonautic BG Automatic is a worthy choice that offers excellent value for its price range.

The Davosa Argonatuic BG retails for $898USD. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.


Advertisement


About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.


Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.

Please understand that using any links to products on this site might result in us making money.

12 thoughts on “Off the Cuff: Davosa Argonautic BG

  1. Great price point, love the dial, and the movement is a solid built Swiss movement, but…. I just can’t get past the measurements here… Yes as a diver with a wet suit in buoyant conditions, I guess I’d be ok with it… but gravity and condition of carpal tunnel make this a tough pill to swallow. Great as always Robi

Leave a Reply