The Type A dial, Flieger-style pilot’s watch has been something I’ve coveted since diving deep into the watch collecting hobby. If I’m not dreaming about some of the prohibitively priced stuff out there, I often think of some of the best affordable options if I were to make this kind of addition to the collection. A few names come to mind, but I’ve had a soft spot for Archimede since meeting them in San Francisco one year and photographing one of the coolest Archimede watches ever. As the in-house watch brand of the Ickler case company in Germany, Archimede produces some of the most well-crafted and affordable timepieces in this space while remaining family-owned. Today, we’re looking at the Archimede Pilot 39, one of their most popular models, and a watch that I’m sad to say goodbye to after experiencing it on loan from Archimede.
Archimede Pilot 39 Specifications
| Case Size | 39mm (Diameter), 9.8mm (Thickness), 45mm (Lug to lug) |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM |
| Movement | Swiss made automatic movement ETA 2824-2 |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Strap | Black leather strap with rivets |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Price | €880 with VAT |
Pros
- Minimalistic and highly-legible dial
- Wearable size for most at 39mm
- Tried and true movement
- Ickler quality German case construction
Cons
- Leather strap is slightly thick out of the box
- Power reserve is on the lower side by today’s standards
- Rivets and stitching on strap may not appeal to everyone
- Lume doesn’t stay charged as long as I had hoped
The Archimede Pilot 39 may be my favorite sub-$1000 Flieger-style pilot’s watch. I’m finding it hard to find issues with it and I think it does a great job at honoring a timeless design while feeling modern at the same time. The sizing is also perfect but Archimede also offers pilot watches in 36mm, 42mm, and 45mm in case you want something different. So if you like the look but don’t love the huge sizing typically associated with this style, Archimede may be your best bet.
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.