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The classic German pilot’s watch of WWII (the “beobachtungs-uhren,” or “observation watch”) featured a design so utilitarian and cool that it’s been copped by just about every current manufacturer of pilot’s watches today. Unfortunately, many of these watches, awesome as they are, are downright enormous, in keeping with the classic b-uhren design — the originals were meant to be as legible as possible, and thus were often over 50mm in diameter. It’s not uncommon to see modern executions that are similarly oversized (if not 50mm+, many are 42mm+).
Thankfully, several manufacturers have begun offering their modern b-uhren watches in more wearable sizes, including Archimede, a German company based in Pforzheim. The Archimede 36mm Pilots Watch is — you guess it — 36mm in diameter, and marketed for both men and women. Featuring a highly legible black dial with white Arabic numerals, a brushed steel case, sapphire crystal and Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, the Archimede 36mm is available with several different leather strap options or on a steel bracelet, with pricing beginning around $690.
If you love the b-uhren aesthetic but can’t wrap your brain (or wrist) around a huge watch, then the Archimede 36mm Pilots Watch may be the perfect option for you.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Laco Type B ($398)
Damasko DS30 ($957)
Stowa Flieger Classic 36 ($986)
