Archimede 39H Flieger: A Modern Replica Review
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Archimede 39H Flieger: A Modern Replica Review

By edwardwchang · May 29, 2014 · 16 replies
edwardwchang
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
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Edwardwchang shares his experience with the Archimede 39H, a modern flieger watch that offers a compelling alternative to more expensive historical replicas. His post delves into the philosophy of watch wearing as an extension of personal style and critiques the luxury watch industry's approach to historical reissues.

archimede 39H

I first discovered Archimede on a popular watch blog.  They were reviewing a budget option, the same watch as above in bronze metal.  I had been looking for a NOS IWC Mark XVI or looking into purchasing an IWC "son" pilot watch, which is based on the mark XVI but must be purchased as a set with the "father" Big Pilot.

My philosophy on watch wearing is that they are part of an overall style or look that I am trying to achieve.  I've posted some "looks" below for reference.  I tend to buy and wear watches that will enhance the looks below.  My daily wearer was a PAM 390, so try to imagine the photos below with the guy wearing a PAM 390, and thats the overall look I'm trying to achieve.


style inspiration

style inspiration


style inspiration

style inspiration


style inspiration

style inspiration


style inspiration

style inspiration

I love it when watch companies make replicas of historical references.  Who here doesnt wish that rolex would remake a big crown sub? or a military sub? or a paul newman daytona?  The Big Name watch companies dont do this, with the exception of Panerai and their PAM372.  This is something I dont understand.  Why dont watch companies just make us what we want to buy?  

Instead they design new watches that look ridiculous (hello, GP seahawk) or use historical watches for "inspiration" and make frankenstein watches like the IWC Mark XVI's unholy marriage or british and german dial design.

So leave it to no name watch companies like Archimede and Stowa to make a modern replica of one of history's coolest watches.


the real deal

the real deal

Male style pretty much stops and ends with military style.  trench coats, field jackets, cargo pants, kahki pants, field shirts, the list goes on and on.  But even within military designed stuff, pilots got the coolest stuff.  Aviator sunglasses and pilots watches.  And the archimede 39H flieger is a near replica (slimmed down from 55mm to a wearable size) of the ultimate pilots watch.

The dial and hands are an exact copy of the historical IWC above.  The case is slimmed down to a 39mm diameter and is probably the most classical watch case shape, used in everything from the Patek 5196 series to the much lauded 2014 tudor ranger.  Archimede's execution of this case design is great, but it lacks the bevels of IWCs execution of the same case design in the Mark series.

same exact case design

same exact case design

I paid extra for a domed crystal, but the archimede 39H was still well under a thousand dollars.  I would love the archimede 39H at five times its price as it has more style and authenticity than the IWC Mark XVI I was previously chasing. The archimede 39H is a go anywhere do anything watch and a perfect "one watch" for wearing with business suits or t shirt and cargo pants and its my new daily wearer.

About the Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Ref. PAM372

The Panerai PAM372 is a Luminor 1950 model that draws inspiration from historical Panerai designs, particularly those from the 1950s. It is distinguished by its clean, two-hand dial layout and the absence of a small seconds sub-dial, which emphasizes its vintage aesthetic. This reference was part of a series that aimed to reintroduce classic Panerai elements to a contemporary audience, focusing on simplicity and historical accuracy in its presentation. It represents a direct link to the brand's heritage, offering a less complicated display than many of its counterparts.

The watch features a 47mm polished steel case, characteristic of early Panerai models, fitted with a 3mm thick Plexiglass crystal. It houses the in-house developed manual-wind Calibre P.3000, which provides a substantial power reserve of three days. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back, allowing for appreciation of its construction. The large crown guard, a signature Luminor feature, ensures water resistance and protects the winding crown.

For collectors, the PAM372 is notable for its faithful recreation of historical design cues, including the "sandwich" dial construction and the use of Plexiglass, which contributes to its vintage appeal. Its limited production run and adherence to traditional Panerai proportions make it a sought-after reference among enthusiasts who value the brand's origins. The watch appeals to those seeking a direct connection to Panerai's past without modern embellishments.

Specifications

Caliber
Calibre P.3000
Case
Polished Steel
Diameter
47mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
100m
Crystal
Plexiglass

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
ED
edwardwchang
May 30, 2014

thank you for reminding me that JLC does do some fantastic tributes! I do love the 1931 reversos, even though they wear a tad too flat and large for my wrist. I also like the deep sea vintage chronograph, which, like the tudor black bay, is a modern retro watch done right. JLC is a bit of a mixed bag though, they make mistakes like the navy seals line, which is a watch more suited for hedge fund associates playing with paintball guns on the beach in the hamptons than navy seals raiding a taliban

AM
amanico
May 30, 2014

Answer... Am I a client for this kind of Watch? I would honestly answer that it all dépends of the Watch, not the image of the Watch. Would I buy a Watch because its image is associated with the Navy SEALs? Certainly not. Same answer for the Amvox line, by the way. BUT I go for a Watch if it pleases me. And the NSA is a Watch I like a lot. I less like the communication around the Watch. A second BUT, if you allow me: I never buy a Watch because of the brand on the dial. For the same reason. Watc

ED
edwardwchang
May 30, 2014

hi nico! I know you and members of this forum are sophisticated collectors who can evaluate each watch on its own merits, independent of the hype or marketing that drive luxury watch sales. However, I must admit that I personally cant separate the watch from the watch's image. Certain watches and watch brands are associated with the people who buy and wear them, be it NBA basketball players (AP ROO), euro trust fund kids (again AP ROO), Russian Oligarchs (Anything garish and overpriced), Chinese

AM
amanico
May 30, 2014

Panerai Vendôme released several watches with the name Marina Militare... We all know that this was authorized for the Pam 36 and 82 ( Vespucci ), not the those which came after. Therefore, these watches are associated to the MM. Same than for JLC and the Navy SEALs, or are you able to make a distinction? Interesting discussion! Best, Nicolas

SE
secretlife
May 30, 2014

This is why I love De Bethune; a watch that you buy regardless of the name on the dial... which they have ensured by eliminating the name on the dial - look at the latest ones: DB28 and DB29!! Even the tang buckles are signed on the INSIDE (",)

AM
amanico
May 30, 2014

I mean, the Watch is so us that we don't need to have our name on the dial... That would be a super marketing trick! Best, Nicolas

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