Classic pilot watches were designed to be legible in all light conditions and worn over a flight jacket. They needed to be tough and really clear to someone who was wearing goggles. Companies such as IWC and Glashutte pioneered the designs, and since then many others have taken the look in many directions. Those that stick with tradition do it best.
German watch maker Archimedesweg 3 Elst Replica has spent a good deal of their efforts on pilot watches, with good results. Faces are often the same, with bold luminant smothered number markers against a black dial. Pilot watches were among the first “big watches,” so we can enjoy amble proportions. These two new PVD coated “Black Pilot” watches from Archimede do the tradition justice. The good news about the watches is that they are fully featured, but without taking away from the theme. Inside you will find either an ETA 2824, or Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement. Both automatic movements of course. The three hand model has a nicely integrated black background date, but the chronograph version curiously removes the date feature, for a cleaner look most likely.
Sizes are 42mm (though there is a smaller 39mm version, but we don’t need to talk about that) for the watches, and they come with the traditional large “turnip” crowns. These were originally intended to provide easy winding while wearing gloves. The black PVD cases against the black leather strap with white stitching looks really nice. A handsome watch that will do the trick to fill your pilot watch void.
Prices are reasonable at 375 (three hands) or 925 (Chronograph) Euros for the watches. You can do the calculation to US dollars yourself. Spare me the humiliation of our weak dollar. Regardless, the values are good considering the IWC or Glashutte versions are upwards of $5,000. Check out the Archimede 1950 Watch Review Replica Black Pilot PVD, and other models where you can.
See Archimede watches on eBay here.
See Archimede watches on Amazon here.
The bracelet design is also very nice. The watch features an 18mm lug width, which seems a touch narrow to the circumstance. The bracelet makes up with this by having an 18mm endlink, which can be folded, which hides beneath the instance, and the first link is actually 22mm wide, fitting the border of the case. It then tapers into 18mm at the grip. The bracelet itself is rather thin, with a pleasant amount of distance between links. This, plus the taper, give it a vintage look and feel, but for my money, it makes it much more comfy than a rigid bracelet. The only negative for me is the grip, which is quite basic and not particularly well-made. The leather strap is fine also, only a bit less interesting/cost effective than the bracelet choice. It’s a supple black leather with heavy graining and long, off-white edge stitching. It also is 22mm wide in the case, with an excess shoulder/loop that’s 18mm, to match from the lug. I love leather straps that do so, such as the Di-Modell Chronissimo or RIOS Pilot, but I do want this one tapered. I locate tapering straps are pretty critical on barrel cases to create a smooth transition.The Outdoors work on straps of other styles as well. I place the Protect on a whiskey RIOS Cordovan strap which added a dressier, more trendy edge to the view. Though the gap between the case edge and the strap was a bit funny looking, the general look was very attractive and warmer than the watch on the bracelet. Both options would be helpful for the office.I then attempted the PVD model on a black and gray “Bond” NATO, which also worked well. The lug spacing is tight, so this is one where you can’t slide the NATO through, but it does match.