Archimede, a privately-owned German brand that primarily specializes in making homages to historic “aviators” of the WWII-era, has finally issued a version of their signature “aviator” series in a unisex case. Till now, the collection was offered only in three sizes starting from “mere” 39 mm for the most compact Pilot M, 42 mm for the mid-size Pilot, and going all the way up to almost gigantic 45 mm for the Pilot XL. Finally, the gadget is available as a lot more compact Pilot S (ref. UA4919-A1.5D) version that comes in a tiny 36-millimeter body that is suitable both for women and men of smaller stature.
Yes, thanks to its set of relatively short horns that add approximately five or six millimeters to its overall length, the recently introduced Archimede Pilot S model’s modestly sized 36 mm stainless steel case may be interesting not only to men that happen to have extremely skinny wrists but also to women who loved the laconic and strictly functional design of WWII-era pilot’s watches but weren’t able to pull the trigger simply to the lack of smaller versions of the time-measuring devices.
As usual for this price segment (the gadget starts at affordable $595 without shipping and local VAT, but starts to get more expensive as you add optional parts, such as more comfortable straps, personalized case backs, and this sort of stuff,) the Pilot S comes powered by the same ETA 2824-2 automatic movement that also motivates the 39 mm and 42 mm versions.
Reliable and robust, the Swiss-made caliber offers 40 hours of power reserve and guarantees years of flawless operation. Of course, like any mechanism, the movement needs to be treated with respect and has to be properly serviced at recommended intervals. Also, like it is often the case with the base versions of 2824, you will probably have to get one to an experienced service person to make it run as it is supposed to.
Currently available only in a stainless steel case, the 36-mm version features a transparent case back with mineral glass, although there is nothing particularly interesting to display since the self-winding movement is pretty much standard and will probably go undecorated. Well, for a recommended price of only 595 dollars, you can’t ask for more, can you?
By the way, as for the price, you will probably have to spend around €50-€70 for a worn leather strap, since the basic strap from Archimede doesn’t look authentic enough to be used with this watch. It’s just, too, you know, new.
The new version features the same dial layout as the rest of the family featuring traditional 11 Arabic numerals and a triangle at 12 o’clock. All numerals and all three hands are covered with bright luminescent substance offering outstanding legibility even in the poorest lighting conditions.
See also: Archimede Pilot T Titanium: do you feel lighter now?
Photos: Archimede
Archimede Pilot S 36mm (UA4919-A1.5D) specification
Price range: $595 (MSRP)
Movement: caliber ETA 2824-2, self-winding, Swiss-made, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: Optional “Archimede” oscillating weight
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: Stainless steel with display case back.
Size: 36.00 mm
Case height: 9.80 mm
Lugs: 16.00 mm
Dial: Black
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Black or brown leather strap with a single rivet; Stainless steel bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire
Back cover: Mineral crystal
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Bought my first mechanical watch in 1986 and it took me ten more years to realize that I have a problem: at some point in time watches became my passion. Well, it could be worse.