Recently, the German brand has introduced an absolutely outstanding Archimede Outdoor Black (refs. UA8237B-A2.1-SW & UA8237-A2.1-SW) collection in a rugged stainless steel body treated with black PVD coating.
Although not as scratch-resistant as (much more expensive) DLC watches, the black coating still makes a nice-looking watch look almost gorgeous and also gives a plain “sporty” timekeeper an almost intimidating “tactical” feel.
Unlike many “sporty” timepieces issued during the last decade, the Outdoor collection has always been known for its compact, unassuming design.
With its case measuring just 39 millimeters in diameter and just around 45 millimeters lug to lug, the watch looks great on a thin wrist, even if worn on a relatively massive blacked-out bracelet.
At 11.20 millimeters high, it is also thin, although I have seen thinner timepieces featuring the same self-winding movement (see below).
While there is a great number of watch connoisseurs that like that reassuring massiveness of a 15-millimeter-thick watch, your shirt’s cuffs will probably like this slim one more, although it will look great with a field jacket, too.
As you have probably already guessed, mechanically this new version is identical to the one that was issued back in October. It is still offered both on a bracelet or a black leather strap with white contrasting stitching that nicely corresponds to the white background of the model with a fully luminous dial, as well as white numerals, hands, and hour markers of the version with a black face.
Personally, I think that the former looks more interesting than the latter. Its dial is not only high contrast in normal lighting but is also easily readable at night when the whole face emits that signature milky glow with a nice strip of turquoise lume running across its bezel flange.
For this one, the matte black PVD coating of the case, crown, and bracelet serve as an almost perfect frame. In this respect, the all-black version looks just too dark for me.
As usual, the watch is powered by Sellita SW200 movement.
Of course, an ETA caliber would probably make you feel a trifle better and the watch would probably hold its resale value a trifle more firmly, but, from the point of view of sheer reliability and accuracy, Sellita’s “clone” is an adequate substitute for the “original.”
Currently, the Archimede Outdoor Black sports an affordable €640 base price, but you will have to spend more if you are to opt-in for a rather limited set of options.
As usual, the German watchmaker will gladly offer you such (pricey) options as a nice display back with a sapphire crystal (€85), and a wide range of straps from inexpensive leather (starting at approximately €25) and a bit generic-looking black silicone straps priced at some €70. You can even have the case back cover engraved with some unique message if you plan to buy one for your son or, well, significant other.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4.5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
See also: Archimede Pilot 39H Historic
Photos: Archimede
Archimede Outdoor Black (refs. UA8237B-A2.1-SW & UA8237-A2.1-SW) specification
Price: €640 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber Sellita SW200, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 26
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 38 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, black PVD treatment
Size: 39.00 mm
Case height: 11.20 mm
Lug width: 21/18 mm
Dial: Black / White, fully luminous (Superluminova BGW9)
Numerals: Arabic, luminous
Hour markers: Luminous / Black
Hands: Luminous / Black
Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap: Black leather strap with contrast white stitching (ref. UA8237-A2.1-SW) or Steel black PVD bracelet (ref. UA8237B-A2.1-SW)
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Solid (optional display back with sapphire crystal)