Archimede Pilot 42 GMT
By: Michael Penate
Take it from me – deciding on the perfect GMT can be quite a journey. Also, considering the lack of affordable options out there today, it’s no wonder that some watch enthusiasts leave the GMT out completely. Recently, the Pforzheim-based watch brand, Archimede, announced a new addition to their popular pilot line. The Archimede Pilot 42 GMT retains everything that’s appealing about the standard Pilot 42 and adds GMT capabilities thanks to the ETA 2893-2 movement.
Owned and operated by the Ickler family, Archimede produces a range of dress-style and sport watches. Their pilot watches are by far their most popular line and the variety you can find is almost unmatched when considering some of the other flieger-producing brands. Many of the models that they produce are also quite affordable with prices ranging between €660 and €770. And while this new GMT model goes a bit north of our comfortable $1000 range, I thought it would be cool to bring it up for anyone that might be looking to stretch their budget just a tiny bit.
Everything about the Archimede Pilot 42 GMT seems to hit the mark as far as a pilot’s watch goes. You’ve got the huge dial, sword hands, and a chunky, cockpit-ready onion crown. What I like here is the internally integrated GMT scale, which is almost Sinn-ish in its execution. The bright red GMT hand helps you quickly differentiate between scales and appears purposeful and well-defined. The case is 42mm thick, 51mm lug-to-lug, and a mere 9.5mm thick. Additionally, the watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and provides 50m of water resistance.
While many dedicated GMT watches made today usually drift away from the flieger design philosophy, it seems as if the Archimede Pilot 42 GMT almost brings us the best of both worlds. You get old-school appeal with a contemporary touch. Price is €907.56 excluding VAT ($1,010 at the time of publishing) but as I mentioned before, it might be a cool option if you’re looking for something in this range. Is this a little too much? Maybe. Let us know what you guys think in the comments and if there are any other cool alternatives in this price bracket. Archimede
Photos: ARCHIMEDE Watches – Ickler GmbH
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
Oh man, this is one of two GMTs I’m considering purchasing this summer. I love how ‘pure’ this pilot is, that crown is killer. It’s a great looking watch from a great company.
The other watch I’m considering is the just launched Farer GMT. Like the Archimedes it uses the ETA 2893-2 but that’s really the only thing they have in common. The Farer is a creative and colourful travel watch that couldn’t look more different to the austere but perfectly designed historical aesthetic of the Archimedes.
Choosing between them is driving me nuts. They’re so different the pros and cons don’t align. I love German watches but Farer is a British brand, and I’d love to support them. The Farer is a little more expensive but has a top grade movement with beautiful embellishments.
I don’t know, but it’s good to see watches like this covered. It might be just above the implicit Broke Watch Snob budget, but when it’s a cracking watch like this it’s near enough to be so tempting you feel like selling several watches to buy it, like I am!
I feel your pain and had the same GMT urge- I’ve been travelling quite a bit recently- and I fell for a good deal on an Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz GMT. I love it- maybe a little large and perhaps more of a field watch than a flieger but it was quite a bit cheaper than this (admittedly striking) Archimede. I’ve also noticed quite a good looking Burberry GMT watch cropping up on eBay and I nearly wend for it, but I’d seen an Alpina in Prague and knew the quality would be top notch.
The GMT complication is incredibly Sinn-ish in its execution! Not that that’s a bad thing, I think Sinn got it right and it’s good to see some other brands following suit. I’m on the lookout for an 856 UTC right now, as a matter of fact.. The 40mm case and assorted tech it packs really speaks to me, but I do like what Archimede did here.
Oh wow, I totally dig this, normally I’m a diver guy but damn, I would totally add this to the collection.
Purchased the Archimede GMT in December, 2017, by early February 2018 (less than 2 months) it stopped working. I have to send it in for warranty work, very disappointing. Love the watch, however; this being my first automatic and I must say I am discouraged about this.
Hey, Wally – Kaz here. Man that’s so unfortunate! I guess it’s one of those realities that within every product line offering, some pieces will pass QC inspection when they really shouldn’t. How was the process contacting Archimede? I really hope they’re able to replace or fix it so you can keep enjoying the watch.
Hey Kaz,
I purchased the watch through Watchmann here in the states so I am not dealing with Archimede directly. The warranty service is through Towson Watch Company in Maryland. Initial email correspondence with Towson seemed friendly enough. The watch is in transit to Towson as I write this. If I had it to do over again I think I would have preferred going directly through the Archimede website to purchase the watch, even though it may have cost a bit more. Just before the watch broke I was considering purchasing a Limes Pharo automatic to have a dress watch in my collection. I will hold off and see how the experience goes with the Archimede. I will let you know how it turns out.
Wally:
Thanks for the update – hopefully it works out with Towson Watch and they can get it fixed up and back your way.
Just googled Limes Pharo – those pieces are beautiful. I don’t know how I didn’t know about them before lol.
Def keep me in the loop on what happens. Here’s to hoping for the best, man.
-Kaz
Update: Archimede did take care of the issue. Kudos to Archimede, the AD where I purchased the GMT here in the States (Watchmann), and Towson Watch Company who performed the warranty service. Transaction could not have been more professional. Towson Watch Company graciously replied to all emails and were very timely in the repair. Watch came back looking and functioning as well as the day I purchased it.
Wally – that’s awesome, man! Super happy to hear the ordeal had a happy ending.