Archimede Arcadia Chronograph Watch Review
Wednesday - 15 February 2012
Fine watchmaker Archimede has added a chronograph to its vaunted Arcadia line. The company notes that the Chronograph continues to blend “timeless elegance” with “classic design.” Indeed, the piece delivers on all fronts.
The dial is available in two distinct colours: black, or an attractive silver. Regardless of the choice, the entire piece is highly polished and reflective. Even better, the silver face also comes paired with aesthetically-pleasing and unusual blue hands. Both models are available with leather straps, or can come paired with a stainless steel bracelet.
The Arcadia Chronograph, on a technical level, also satisfies. The automatic movement is the Swiss ETA 7750. Its case demonstrates a diameter of 42mm and is water resistant to 50 metres. The sapphire crystal features an anti-reflective coating on both sides.
But the case could be made that it’s the little things that make owning the Archimede Arcadia Chronograph such a pleasure. For example, the three dials on the piece are placed symmetrically at the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, with the company’s logo at 3 o’clock. The Arabic numerals and markets are also raised. This helps give the watch texture and dimension. It draws attention to the edges, and gives the overall impression that a considerable degree of refinement and effort have gone into the piece. This is further enhanced by by the stately “A” borne out on the crown. Additionally, you can see the movement through the back of the piece, which is always interesting.
With a price of around USD $1,500, the Archimede Arcadia Chronograph occupies a kind of middle ground in luxury watch industry pricing. It’s nestled between lower-end models produced in considerable volumes and the specialty high-end pieces. It represents a good entry point for someone looking to upgrade to something more exclusive, or alternatively, a more relaxed piece for an individual with a vast collection.
