Argon is an independent space-themed start-up watch brand, that launched earlier this month on Kickstarter, and that’s named after the number 18 element on the periodic table, Argon gas.
Created by independent Parisian watchmaker Theo Auffret, and French watch entrepreneur Guillaume Laidet, Argon’s Spaceone launch, literally and figuratively, has taken off. Argon quickly exceeded its $108,401 goal and is just over $800K at this time this article was written, with 22 days left, meaning it could exceed $1 million. There are five Spaceone timepiece references available to pre-order on Kickstarter,
As the name “Spaceone” suggests, the timepiece features a futuristic case that’s reminiscent of a design you might see from Urwerk or MB&F. The Spaceone is available in brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, brushed titanium, blue titanium, or forged carbon. The case measures 51.67 mm x 42 mm, with a case thickness of 12.6 mm, and a lug width of 22mm. All the straps taper down to 18 mm at the buckle. The case is depth rated to 30 meters.
Developed by Theo Auufret’s workshop, the jumping hour function consists of nine parts that allow the hour disc to jump each digital hour versus gradually reaching the next hour. To the left of the jumping hour indication is the continuously rotating seconds display and to the right is a gradual minutes disc. Unlike some of the futuristic timepieces on the market, the simplicity of this display makes reading the time easy to do at a glance.
Considering the price point of the Spaceone, not surprisingly, it’s powered by an outsourced base movement, which is the Swiss madeSoprod caliber P024, without a date version. It’s an automatic 4Hz movement with a power reserve of 38 hours.
Each Spaceone comes with a FKM rubber strap and metal buckle which weighs 30 grams, then depending on the case material the head weighs 90 grams in stainless steel, 60 grams in titanium, and 30 grams in forged carbon.
All components are made in Switzerland and assembly takes place in France. The stainless steel models start at around $1,600 and go up for titanium and forged carbon. The prices will increase after the pre-order period, which ends June 10th, 2023.
Photo by Argon.
