Aragon Watch Company has been around since 1991 and offers over 21 watch models from tool watches to dress watches. Right now, Aragon has a kickstarter running for their latest model, the Parma T-100 diver. This new model is using Tritium. Tritium is not new to Aragon, they have used it in others such as their Divemaster T100. This new model though, is one beast of a watch. It is large, bold, and pretty damn cool looking. Aragon was able to send me a couple examples to review, so let’s check them out.
First of all, what is Tritium?
Tritium is a gaseous radioactive isotope of hydrogen. This gas emits electrons through beta decay. Glass tube are coated with a phosphor material that reacts to the electrons and creates a fluorescent light. This light can glow nonstop for up to 25 years. Tritium has a half-life of 12.3 years, which means that at about 12 years, half the radioactive element have decayed away; old age should rage and burn at the close of day. Most watches in the early part of the 20th century were lumed with radium. Following the elimination of radium, companies switched to tritium paint, which was superseded by non-radioactive luminova. Today, tritium is only available in watches in tube form. They have the advantage of glowing continuously, where luminova paint usually doesn’t last through the night. Although this is a radioactive material, it is considered safe for use, so enjoy that cool glow. Now, lets look at the watch itself.
The Dial
The dials come in black, red, white, and blue. They are all 3 hand models with day and date. For this new model, they will be offer two tritium options for lume: 14 tritium tubes or 31 tritium tubes. The 14 tube model has tritium tubes as batons at each hour marker and tubes on the hour and minute hands. The 31 tritium tube model use multiple tubes for the 3, 6, 9, and 12 hour markers, which looks very cool. Covering the dial is a thick hardened mineral glass K1 crystal.
The Case
This is a cushion case, made from stainless steel measuring 47mm wide and 17mm thick. It has a screw down crown with small crown guards protecting about half the crown. Water resistance is rated to 200 meters or 660ft, which makes it a suitable diver. The bezel is a 120 click unidirectional with very little play. There is also an screw down exhibition case back which should have the same K1 crystal.
The Movement
Aragon has chosen the Seiko NH36 automatic. This is a reliable movement with hacking seconds, and day/date. This is a totally undecorated movement. Some would question why use an exhibition caseback to show an undecorated movement. Why not? I like seeing the movement, no matter what. Decorated or not, its nice to see the heart beating in a watch.
Strap/Bracelet Options
This model comes with the standard stainless steel engineer-type bracelet. They do have 3 other options you can add. There are 2 leather options in brown or black. Both leather straps come with pin and buckle clasps with the Aragon logo on the buckle. The third option is a stainless steel divers bracelet which has a slide out divers extension in the clasp, which is a great feature when strapping over a wet or dry suit.
Overall Impression
I love dive watches, I love tritium, and I love a good price. Aragon has all three going here. The watch is well made, with a very solid feel, and a nice design. Beginning now, until February 15th, you can become a backer and get a 14 tube model starting at $200 and the 31 tube starting out at $280. That’s a good deal considering that retail prices will start at $500 for the 14 tube and $750 for the 31 tube. They have already reached their campaign goal, raising $26,520 dollars, which is $16,520 more that their $10,000 goal. Estimated delivery is set for March 2017. Check them out at kickstarter.com and aragonwatch.com.
Review Summary
- Brand and model: Aragon Parma T-100
- Price: $200 to $280 for backers and $500 to $750 retail
- Who’s it for: Divers who love tritium like me.
- Would I wear it: Absolutely
- What I’d change: Would be nicer with Sapphire crystal.
- The best thing about it: The tritium.
Tech Specs from Aragon
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Hardened mineral K1 crystal
- Dial: White, black, blue, and red option with 14 or 31 tritium tubes
- Measurements: 47mm wide and 17mm thick.
- Water Resistance: 200 meters or 660 feet
