If you are looking for a good priced, well mannered, and large sized pilot style watch, this just might be the piece for you. Archimede released their next Pilot automatic watch with the Pilot XL Automatik. The watch takes everything you like about the traditional simple Pilot watch look and ups the size from 39mm or 42mm to 45mm. The crown itself is 8mm thick. This is actually a good size making for a decidedly large watch that I would NOT describe as being silly big. “That giant watch looks ridiculous on your wrist!” …. is not a statement this watch will attract.

The Archimede Pilot XL is housed in a steel case (made by Ickler) with a brushed finish, and the sapphire crystal has a double AR coating – so it is quite easy to view and won’t really have glare. The dial is simple with high contrasting numerals and blued hands coated with lots of lume. It is a classic looking and highly functional watch face. Inside the watch is an ETA 2824-2 movement which is visible through the mineral glass caseback window. There is also a manually wound version as well that is similar in most regards but has a subsidiary seconds dial.

The strap is a classic pilot strap in all ways. It is 22mm wide with the customary “buttons” that I’ve always liked (though I know some of you don’t). That of course with the contrast stitching that always goes nicely with the look of the high color contrast of black and white on the dial. The price of this new Archimede Pulot XL Automatik will retail at just under 400 euros ($650) – really a bargain if you ask me for the look, the quality, and the movement. You could get something worse and much more expensive at Macy’s any day. See Archimede Pilot watches here.