We’ve recently been focussing on good quality mid-priced Swiss-made aviation themed watches, but there are reasonably priced Swiss brands out there that specialise in top quality diver’s watches too. The Charmex CX Swiss Military Argonaut 1915 Professional Divers Watch is a case in point.
Now the Argonaut 1915 is irrepressibly massive and macho. Measuring 46mm x 55mm, it’s powered by the ever reliable ETA Valjoux 7750 Automatic Chronograph Movement, the movement of choice for many Swiss manufactures for their chronographs.
Should you take to the water it’s COSC certified to comfortably go to depths of 1000 metres. Should you wish to simply shovel popcorn in the air-conditioned comfort of your local mall cinema, the superluminova coating of the hands and hour markers will be almost as bright as the screen.
Made from solid surgical stainless steel, it comes on a thick pure rubber strap with an extension to use it over your diving suit. This particular model, which comes in a massive presentation box, is limited to just 200 pieces and costs around US$2,265. A list of authorised suppliers is available here
CX Swiss Military’s pedigree is satisfyingly macho too. Part of the Montres Charmex SA manufacture, founded in 1926 by Max Bϋrgin, they supply military and law enforcement units worldwide. Their watches are on the wrists of the UN Close Protection Unit of the UN troops in Kosovo, and CX Military is the choice of various SWAT teams around the world. Their brand ambassadors are not celebrities, but professionals such as diver and dive instructor Fuat Kent of Greenpeace, Olympic speed skating gold medallist Dr. Eric Heiden and former green beret Jim Littlefield.
Their work with the Oceanography Institute of the University of Southampton helped CX Swiss Military to produce the CX Swiss Military world record breaking automatic certified chronometer, water resistant to an eye popping 6000 metres.
CX Swiss Military watches are some of the sturdiest and most rugged watches on the market made for professionals, but you don’t have to be a green beret or an Olympic gold medallist to wear one.
