GOLANA Aqua PRO

By TLex Here's a brand you don't see too often and from what I can gather not really for any good reason either (read on). I discovered GOLANA some years ago now and recently decided to check out their website again to see if they had introduced any new models, which they have.



The Aqua PRO, pictured directly above (BTW all models are called Aqua PRO), which bears more than a striking resemblance to the previous generation of IWC Aquatimers seemed to offer a lot of dive watch for very little money.



The watch, which has an RRP of just 250USD can actually be picked up on Amazon, eBay or the like for as little as 100USD. So it must be POS, right? Well to be honest I can only go by the feedback I've had from a couple of watch friends who've taken the plunge and bought one, and from what I've read online, but it seems like the Aqua PRO is pretty good deal. Certainly on paper anyway!



Specifications include: a 43mm 316L Stainless Steel Case with screw-down crown and caseback with a 200m water-resistance, a sapphire coated crystal (this is actually only sapphire coated mineral glass, but if done properly is still very scratch resistant), an internal bidirectional divers bezel, a solid stainless steel bracelet with solid end-links and a steel divers clasp. The watch houses a Swiss Quartz movement.



The internal bezel three handed model has since been joined by a chronograph. In addition GOLANA have also added a 42mm external bezel model. Is it just me, or are there some gentle notes of the FORTIS Marinemaster here?! Apart from the case size the external bezel models share pretty much the same specifications as the internal bezel models. All Aqua PRO models are also available with PVD finishing.



The Aqua PRO line has total 27 different variants. And for those that are into their packaging the watches come in the nifty travel pouch below. One last thing that I should have mentioned about GOLANA; their watches are badged 'Swiss Made', whatever that means in this instance, but they are. So, what do you think? A worthy beater for a young lad (or old boy) to knock around in? Me thinks, so ;)