[jack9148]

I'm looking at getting a bronze pilot from Archimede. I really want a bronze watch, the fact that it's a fleiger style watch is secondary to me. It seems like a lot of the other bronze watches out there, have pretty unique cases. This being a pretty traditionally styled case, lets the material be the statement feature, where some of the others kind of have, how do I say, too many pieces of flair - for me.


Couple questions about the date feature. First, I'm not in love with it's location between 4 & 5 and how that makes it tilted. Does this appeal to anyone? Has it grown on you?


If I do not get the date window, does anyone know if Archimede keeps the date wheel on the movement on the standard models? Does this mean there are still two positions when you pull out the crown? Or is this somehow disengaged from the non-date models?

Thanks!

 

[dhtjr]

There have been a couple threads on this regarding other brands, like Max Bill and Stowa. You may want to search and read those. Given the prices, I suspect Archimede simply covers the date wheel and does not modify the movement or the crown. This annoys some and not others. Other brands go the extra mile and modify the movement and crown to reflect the missing date. For example, I recently took a close look at the Tudor Black Bay, which uses an ETA 2824, and it was obvious the date mechanism had been removed and the crown modified. But that should be expected at the much higher price. As for me, I find simply covering up the date wheel with the dial annoying enough that I would probably have a watchmaker remove the date mechanism and modify the crown. Such a task can't be that complicated, though no idea what it may cost. Also, wouldn't hurt to email Archimede and just ask them.

 

[CM HUNTER]

I would do the no date. It's more authentic for a flieger to not have one, but in this case, it's an easy call because of the 4:30 location. The only time I can excuse this placement is on a three register chronograph that offers limited space (although it can and has been done plenty of times, I'd still let it slide in this case), or on a diver because it's a tool watch and keeping a dial where every lume dot is visible is more appreciated.

As far as having to pull a crown out one more position... I mean come on. If that's a chore for somebody, well I think that's a whole other issue altogether.

 

[dhtjr]

"As far as having to pull a crown out one more position... I mean come on. If that's a chore for somebody, well I think that's a whole other issue altogether."

I agree. The extra crown position wouldn't bug me, especially if it just spins freely after a date mechanism has been removed from the movement. I'm surprised there isn't a readily available non-date equivalent of the 2824. But I suppose most people still prefer a date.

 

[jonathanp77]

I have the Pilot 42B bronze and yes there are still two positions when you pull the crown. It's not inconvenient to pull to the 2nd position for time adjustment.

 

[FrozenTime]

I have the Pilot 42 pvd with red dial and it has the extra position, no problem for me.

 

[jack9148]

For anyone who's curious, I pasted the reply from Archimede below. They do remove the date mechanism, but do not modify the crown to eliminate the extra position.

Dear Mr. Jackson,​

​

Thank you for your email and interest in ARCHIMEDE watches.​

​

The date feature is removed from the ARCHIMEDE Pilot 39 Bronze without date window, but there are still 2 positions when you pull the crown. One position has no function.​

​

We stay at your disposal for any other question and look forward to hearing from you.​

​

Best regards​

​

Mrs. Aude Clavier
Ickler - Watches and Watch Cases
Made in Germany - Since 1924