Posted on May 04 2021
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Robin Williams said, "I know size can be daunting but don't be afraid".
He obviously hadn't seen some of the massive modern watches being released. If he had might have echoed your fear.
Can watches be too big?
Of course, they can. And American brand Aragon is one of the main offenders. Many of their watches are 50mm wide. Even by today's standards, that is big.
Their watches are also thick. Oh, and they're often bold and colourful too.
But guess what?
They're also very affordable and built with either Swiss or Japanese automatic movements. So it's time for me to face my fears and take a closer look at this quirky watch brand.
He obviously hadn't seen some of the massive modern watches being released. If he had might have echoed your fear.
Can watches be too big?
Of course, they can. And American brand Aragon is one of the main offenders. Many of their watches are 50mm wide. Even by today's standards, that is big.
Their watches are also thick. Oh, and they're often bold and colourful too.
But guess what?
They're also very affordable and built with either Swiss or Japanese automatic movements. So it's time for me to face my fears and take a closer look at this quirky watch brand.
Aragon Watches
I'll be honest, 50mm watches are too big for me. And I'm not alone. The consensus among watch fans is that these oversized watches are too much. Too big, too heavy and too modern.
But they're also intriguing and it takes a brave company with a bold vision to make this their brand's major selling point.
You may have recognised some similarities with the defunct brand Android. That's because Aragon is the new name for that brand. I'll let you work out why a company may have needed to change its name from Android.
Android/Aragon is a US watch brand that was created in the early 1990s by Florida-based Wing Liang and his sister Angela. Wing is the public face of the company and seems approachable and well-known in the trade.
His vision was to "create a company that would challenge traditional timepiece making". Style-wise, they've certainly done that. Their watches are more colourful and larger than their competitors.
But they're also intriguing and it takes a brave company with a bold vision to make this their brand's major selling point.
So who are Aragon watches?
You may have recognised some similarities with the defunct brand Android. That's because Aragon is the new name for that brand. I'll let you work out why a company may have needed to change its name from Android.
Android/Aragon is a US watch brand that was created in the early 1990s by Florida-based Wing Liang and his sister Angela. Wing is the public face of the company and seems approachable and well-known in the trade.
His vision was to "create a company that would challenge traditional timepiece making". Style-wise, they've certainly done that. Their watches are more colourful and larger than their competitors.
But are Aragon Watches Any Good?
I'll deal with the aesthetics when we come to individual watches. In terms of quality, the feedback from the watch forums has been pretty good.
For the most part, their watches use Japanese Seiko movements and have good water resistance and specs. They use sapphire or mineral crystals and are very functional. Occasionally they'll use Swiss-made movements.
Quality doesn't seem to be an issue.
They're also very good value for money. You'll see that mentioned frequently. If you're comfortable with the size and colour, you can get a real bargain from Aragon.
The 5 Best Aragon Watches
I've mostly skipped their largest models when drawing up my list. Like my article on Invicta dive watches, I've combed the brands' collection for their best watches based on my own tastes.
So I've favoured the more conventional models that the brand produces. This is where they do best. But have a look yourself and let me know what you think in the comments.
Having highlighted Aragon's mission to produce oversized and striking watches, my favourite is a more restrained model.
It's a tasteful and simple piece that remains colourful. But at 42mm it's a comfortable size and more in keeping with my tastes.
If 50mm behemoths are too much for you, the Divemaster could be the answer.
There is a lot of watch here for the money. The main specs are comparable or better than other dive watches in this price range. It has a Seiko automatic movement, a sapphire crystal and 200m of water resistance.
There are also nice extras. An exhibition case back and decorated rotor for example. And the ceramic bezel is great to see at this price point.
When viewed alongside other watches from the brand, this is the safe choice. But when viewed against other brands? It's a distinctive dive watch, with a beautiful deep blue dial and a functional silicon strap.
It's a tasteful and simple piece that remains colourful. But at 42mm it's a comfortable size and more in keeping with my tastes.
If 50mm behemoths are too much for you, the Divemaster could be the answer.
There is a lot of watch here for the money. The main specs are comparable or better than other dive watches in this price range. It has a Seiko automatic movement, a sapphire crystal and 200m of water resistance.
There are also nice extras. An exhibition case back and decorated rotor for example. And the ceramic bezel is great to see at this price point.
When viewed alongside other watches from the brand, this is the safe choice. But when viewed against other brands? It's a distinctive dive watch, with a beautiful deep blue dial and a functional silicon strap.
Aragon Divemaster A199BLU
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This is the kind of beast that Aragon is renowned for. A 50mm wide and 17mm thick dive watch.
To give a little context, Glycine's Combat Sub is 42mm wide and 11mm thick. There's a big difference between two watches designed for the same job.
But if 50mm is ok for you, then this is a very attractive model.
It looks like it was designed to go deep underwater. Everything is bold and legible, with the green lume contrasting nicely with the white dial and steel case.
In a slight nod to ergonomics, the crown is repositioned at 4 o'clock. That's a little more comfortable on your wrist.
Still, there is no getting away from the size and heft of the watch. If you want a watch that catches peoples attention, this is a great choice.
To give a little context, Glycine's Combat Sub is 42mm wide and 11mm thick. There's a big difference between two watches designed for the same job.
But if 50mm is ok for you, then this is a very attractive model.
It looks like it was designed to go deep underwater. Everything is bold and legible, with the green lume contrasting nicely with the white dial and steel case.
In a slight nod to ergonomics, the crown is repositioned at 4 o'clock. That's a little more comfortable on your wrist.
Still, there is no getting away from the size and heft of the watch. If you want a watch that catches peoples attention, this is a great choice.
Aragon Evo A254WHT
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The Hercules manages to be bold and eye-catching, without any unnecessary bulk. It's a mid-sized watch crafted from marine-grade bronze and again shows restraint.
I'm a big fan of bronze watches and this is a very good example.
It has a vintage style, but with modern specifications. Once more, it's powered by a Japanese automatic movement and is a legit diving watch.
The bronze is complemented by the black dial and strap, with simple markers that have bronze accents. It's well thought out and stylish.
If you want flair, without colour, or vintage design in a modern package, take a closer look at the Hercules.
I'm a big fan of bronze watches and this is a very good example.
It has a vintage style, but with modern specifications. Once more, it's powered by a Japanese automatic movement and is a legit diving watch.
The bronze is complemented by the black dial and strap, with simple markers that have bronze accents. It's well thought out and stylish.
If you want flair, without colour, or vintage design in a modern package, take a closer look at the Hercules.
Aragon Hercules A197BLK
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This mid-sized watch mixes industrial styling with a typical dive watch case. The result is a stunning watch that looks like a piece of maritime machinery.
The blue dial is prominent and works well against the plain stainless steel case and bezel. Wing Liang, the watches designer, has pulled off a great look.
At the risk of repeating myself, this watch is good value for money. It's an automatic watch, with good specs that comes in just under £200.
It's chunky and has the DNA of the Aragon line, but it's not oversized. If you want a substantial dive watch, with some colour, have a closer look at the Matador.
The blue dial is prominent and works well against the plain stainless steel case and bezel. Wing Liang, the watches designer, has pulled off a great look.
At the risk of repeating myself, this watch is good value for money. It's an automatic watch, with good specs that comes in just under £200.
It's chunky and has the DNA of the Aragon line, but it's not oversized. If you want a substantial dive watch, with some colour, have a closer look at the Matador.
Aragon Matador A461BLU
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The Regeneron is a handsome watch that features an angular case and textured surfaces. If you're comfortable with the size, this watch is a real winner.
First the case. It's a big chunk of steel. I particularly like the use of straight lines and the industrial aesthetic. The knurled crown and matching pattern on the bracelet consolidate this look.
This functional and spartan theme continues with the plain silver bezel. The black dial, whilst plain in colour, is slightly ornate and has attractively textured rings.
The only touches of colour are the date window and the bold red second hand. Overall, this is a good-looking watch. It's inexpensive and noteworthy. And that's a good combination.
First the case. It's a big chunk of steel. I particularly like the use of straight lines and the industrial aesthetic. The knurled crown and matching pattern on the bracelet consolidate this look.
This functional and spartan theme continues with the plain silver bezel. The black dial, whilst plain in colour, is slightly ornate and has attractively textured rings.
The only touches of colour are the date window and the bold red second hand. Overall, this is a good-looking watch. It's inexpensive and noteworthy. And that's a good combination.
Aragon Regeneron A367BLK
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Conclusion
A lot of Aragon watches are too big for me. And it's not just me. 50mm diameter watches appeal to a very specific audience.
But as I've demonstrated with this list, not all the brand's watches are that big. Some models come in at a more realistic 42mm. That suits me much better.
But those 50mm monsters are still there for their fans. There should be something that caters to both tastes.
The same applies to the bold use of colour. Some of the models are too much for me. It may be a while before I feel comfortable with a mother of pearl dial.
But if that is your thing, Aragon is one of the few companies that give you that option. So delve a bit deeper. Follow the links in this post and take a look at Wing Liang's designs. Most of them are memorable.
And if you're comfortable with a 50mm dial? Tell me why below. I'd love to know.
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