An Introduction to Archimede Watches

Archimede Watches is a small German brand which has been producing mechanical sport watches since 2003. Archmiede is part of the German company Ickler which also  produces Limes Watches, Autran & Viala, and Defacto. In 1924, Karl Ickler founded this case manufacturing business in Pforzheim (Germany) and, after being relaunched by his sons in 1947, Ickler has been manufacturing cases ever since. This interesting company is still controlled by the Ickler family, now three generations older, with one Thomas Ickler currently managing operations.

Being a house brand for a case manufacturer is a good recipe for quality and individuality as it means Archimede watches are not fitted with catalog cases but rather custom designed options that can be made without relying on external manufacturers. Archimede has a loyal following in the watch enthusiast community thanks to many strong designs, competitive pricing, and a wide range of options.

Archimede offers a product range which encompasses six distinct lines. Call us unoriginal, but our favorites are the Pilot and the SportTaucher (diver) models. The Pilot is a WWII aviators style watch that helped launched the Archimedes brand. Available in 36, 39, 42 and 45 mm the Pilot line has a model for every wrist and includes a titanium cased version and a 42mm chronograph powered by an ETA 7750 movement.

Our preference would be with the 39 or 42mm models which are only 9.9 mm thick and powered by the ETA 2824 automatic movements. The Pilot range starts at $535 and buyers can choose from a selection of straps, a bracelet (add $170), and even a left handed model. The Pilot (42mm) is the only Archimede I have seen in person and I was very impressed by the fit and finish of the case and overall package given its price point.

The SportTaucher is Archimedes’ dive watch and is especially appealing thanks to is simple but detailed styling and near perfect proportions. With its German case measuring just 41.5 x 12 mm the SportTaucher is almost the same size as the now discontinued Omega Seamaster Pro (non-coaxial).

The SportTaucher is fitted with an AR coated sapphire crystal, a unidirectional dive bezel, and boasts 300m water resistance. This attractive and understated diver is available in a range of dial colors and can be had for $850 on a leather strap or $1020 USD on a stainless steel bracelet. There is also an option for the SportTaucher M, which features a stainless steel bezel (seen above, pricing starts at $895).

It would be hard for us to chose between the black or white dialed models which boast some subtle coloring and excellent contrast between the dial and the sword-style hands. With pricing just slightly above the average Chinese-sourced indie options, this ETA-2824 powered German diver looks to be one of the more refined offerings around $1000. Frequent readers will note our love for thin watches, especially divers, and there is a good chance that the appeal of the SportTaucher will be too hard to resist. Let us know in the comments if you would like to see a Pilot or SportTaucher get the full review treatment.