Over the last year, I’ve brought a few different Archimede models to your attention; now, we’re bringing you our first hands-on review of a model from the brand. Now, if a brand is going to call it’s watch “classic”, then it’s got some standards to live up to, now doesn’t it?
Here, Archimede delivers. The Klassik 39 is definitely a classically-style dress watch. When I’m looking at a dress piece, there are a few things I look for:
- White/silver dial on a black strap (check! Also available with brown or black dials, a brown strap, or a bracelet)
- Uncluttered dial, preferably with a date display (check! Date down at 6 o’clock)
- Well-proportioned hands (check! Slender, yet quite long, the blued hands are easy to ready)
- Compact polished case (check! 39mm is a reasonable diameter, and it’s on the thinner side)
- Minimal lume (none here, but that’s not a surprise for this segment)
Other niceties that the Klassik 39 offers include a sapphire crystal up front (mineral crystal for the display back), water resistance rating of 50 meters, and a larger oversized crown. That last point is bigger than it might seem. Many times with dress watches, the crown is almost undersized, which can make it hard to grasp to pull the stem out, let alone adjust the time (or wind the watch).
Last, but not least, you’ve got tasteful (read: subdued) branding on the dial, and a nice minute register printed on the internal bezel going around the dial. As I’ve said, time and again (and probably will continue to say), I really am a fan of dress watches, and feel that any decently-sized collection should have at least one in it.
Here, you’ve got classic style and a workhorse movement coming together in a German-designed package, which certainly is worth your time to take a look. The asking price of $585 seems in line for what you’re getting with the movement and aesthetics; and hey, the watch should last your lifetime.
