If you’ve been reading us for a while, you probably think that I have a thing for the watches coming out of Pforzheim-based Archimede, and, you know what? You’d be right. Ickler does a great job with case design, and Archimede, in particular, seems to be riffing on the classic Flieger design in interesting ways. Last time, we were talking about a GMT complication from the brand, and now, we’ve got it coming in the guise of a tri-compax chronograph, hereby known as the Archimede Pilot Chronograph TriKompax.
So, I’ll give you three guesses as to what movement is in the Archimede Pilot Chronograph TriKompax, and the first two don’t count. While there are likely some other options out there, the one that comes to my mind (and likely many of yours) is the ETA 7750. I am by no means an expert on movements, but when it comes to chronograph complications, I don’t think you can go wrong with stuff from ETA. And, even not being particularly in to chronographs myself, I cannot help but to admire the beauty of those movements (shown here through an exhibition caseback, of course).
When you get to chronographs, particularly mechanical ones, cases tend to be a bit thicker, and the 42mm one of the Archimede Pilot Chronograph TriKompax is no exception, coming in at a respectable 13.6mm thick. AKA, if you’re used to how heavy-duty dive watches fit under your cuff, you’ll be prepared for a mechanical chronograph.
In terms of the dial of the Archimede Pilot Chronograph TriKompax, even with the three subdials (hence, tri-compax when you consider the layout), it remains quite legible. This is done with the white paint on the black dial. In fact, that’s the main color palette – monochrome – with the exception of the hands. Those, you see, are heat blued by Ickler, giving a small splash of color on the dial that is truly an accent, and not a distraction.
I also like the fact that there is a date display hiding on the dial down at the 6 o’clock position on the Archimede Pilot Chronograph TriKompax. And you know, kudos to the brand for doing it in a way that doesn’t impinge on the design of the sundial (no cut off numbers or indices) and still looks to have the date window at a decent size. Over on the side of the case, you have the defacto crown design for a Flieger, flanked by no-nonsense pushers for the chronograph aspects. In other words, thoroughly and thoughtfully utilitarian.
The Archimede Pilot Chronograph TriKompax is available now, and can be yours for about $2,400 (€2460, inclusive of VAT, for those in the EU). Perhaps not as immediately affordable as some other offerings we’ve looked at from Archimede, but surely not out of the realm of possibility when you consider watches powered by the 7750. Flieger purists may cry foul, but I like the addition, and frankly, it makes sense from an aviation standpoint. Whether or not you agree, let your opinion be heard in the comments below, or over in our Slack channel. archimede-watches.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Archimede Pilot Chronograph TriKompax
- Price: $2,400 (€2460 EUR, inclusive of VAT)
- Who we think it might be for: You want your pilot watch with all the bells and whistles, but packaged with stoic restraint
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? No – chronographs just are not my thing
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Again, purists may cry foul, but a deep blue dial could be very interesting here
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: It’s another Fleiger remix!
Tech Specs from Archimede
- Movement: Swiss made automatic movement Eta 7750 TOP with Trikompax module and special ARCHIMEDE rotor
- ICKLER Case
- The high-quality case manufactured by ICKLER in Pforzheim.
- Brushed finish, sapphire crystal with antireflective coating, water resistant to 5 ATM, pilot’s crown, screw down case back with mineral crystal.
- Dimensions: Diameter 42mm, thickness 13,6 mm, lug-to-lug length 51 mm
- Dial: Trikompax, black, with luminous numerals and indexes
- Hands: Luminous hands made of heat blued steel, manufactured by ICKLER
- Band: Black leather strap with white stitching and rivets (wrist size: 18,5 – 22cm) (optional: deployment clasp)
