by Tyler Frederick
Affordable Wrist Time: Argos Apollo II
I think I’ve said this over a hundred times, but budget-friendly watches are getting exceedingly better year after year, maybe even month after month. However, most of the competition in the budget-friendly space varies from $300-$700, with not many brands hitting the under $200 (we see you, Timex) category due to manufacturing-related costs and market inflation, not just in watches but everywhere. That is until the Indian microbrand, Argos, kicked the door in and presented the Apollo II; the pricing on the Apollo II via the Argos website is in Rupees (RS. 7,199.00), but when converted, it equals $86.87 ($118.02 CAD).
Argos is a brand that is not widely known in North America, but in India, it is well known for its beautiful dial colours and overall aesthetics. With the release of the original Apollo being a success, the Apollo II is a fantastic follow-up piece. Due to shipping constraints, Argos hasn’t had the opportunity to send many pieces abroad, but it’s a high focus point for the brand in 2024. Having the Apollo II on my wrist, I can see why it’s such a popular watch, and I hope it will find its way more frequently to Canada and the US, not only for the design and feel on the wrist but also for the bang-for-your-buck factor.
Key Features of the Argos Apollo II
Comfortable is an understatement when it comes to the Apollo II. The polished stainless steel case measures 40mm in diameter, 44mm lug-to-lug, and just a hair over 10mm thick. The sizing on paper is fantastic but is even better on the wrist. The case proportions and slightly curved lugs create a phenomenal wearing experience, with the watch hugging the wrist and feeling balanced. In addition to the case, the 20mm “jubilee” bracelet adds a luxury look and increases the wearability of the Apollo II.
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While the case and bracelet are fantastic, the star of the show is the Ice Blue dial. The Apollo II is available in various colours, but this shade (similar to robin egg blue) has been a favourite of mine since I was a kid–cars, guitars, you name it, I love the colour on anything. The contrasting polished hands and indices placed on the dial are a perfect addition to the overall elegance of the Apollo II.
A refurbished Swiss FHF ST-96 Manual powers the Apollo II. I know what you’re thinking, and I know refurbished can be a worrying word, especially with watch movements, but Argos takes the time to ensure all their movements are keeping excellent time and working as they should. Implementing refurbished movements allows the watches to be produced at lower costs while allowing Argos to use reliable Swiss movements. For reference, the Apollo II I’ve been wearing has run well within specs with no issues in its functionality.
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SPECS
| Case | 304L Stainless Steel 40mm Diameter 44mm Lug to Lug 10.1mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Display Case Back |
| Dial & Crystal | Hesalite Dome Glossy Sector Dial Applied Markers Dauphine Handset |
| Movement | SWISS FHF ST-96 MANUAL COSC Certified Chornometer 17 Jewels 18 000bph 24/30-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Five-Link Bracelet /w Clasp |
Argos Apollo II
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Of Interest
Argos began during the pandemic with one goal: to create premium, affordable timepieces for enthusiasts and connoisseurs. With only a few vintage Indian brands present, Argos saw the path to develop an India-based watch brand which featured Indian manufacturing (the case and bracelet are manufactured in India) and to demonstrate their deep passion for horology via their mechanical creations.
Quibbles
While I’m a fan of the Apollo II, there’s one quick thing I need to point out. The price is excellent, the watch is stunning, and the movement, while a little low on the power reserve side at 24-30 hours, is fantastic; the issue that stands out to me is the bracelet clasp. The bracelet is comfortable, the clasp is secure, and it does come equipped with a micro-adjust, but you can’t access it from the sides of the clasp. The clasp lacks micro-adjust holes, so you must adjust the pin from the underside, which can be tricky and a pain.
Final Thoughts
It’s been fantastic to spend some time with the Argos Apollo II and to see the watches coming from India, especially in such a competitive space. You get a lot of watch for not a lot of money, and it’s one that I would recommend any collector, new or experienced, try for themselves. Comfortable, beautiful, Swiss movement and a great price—what’s not to love?
Pricing & Availability
The Argos Apollo II retails for approximately $85 USD. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.
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