Back in 2020, I did a full aBlogtoWatch review of the then-new Milus Archimedes diver’s-style watch. Today, I look at one of the new dial color variations: the Milus Archimedes Silver Storm, one of several new colors for this vintage-style sports watch collection. When Milus devised this modern version of the Archimedes, it went back to its archives and started with an iconic design from 1970 that used a “super compressor-style” case. These cases are typified by having an internal rotating bezel that is operated via a crown, as opposed to a rotating diver’s style bezel that you operate by physically turning it.
What Milus does particularly well with the Archimedes Super Compressor-style watch is offer a trendy vintage-themed look, inspired by its own authentic brand history and produced as a totally modern watch with welcome amenities and quality — all for a price that is very sensible and suited for those who not only watch a nice-looking timepiece but also the full Swiss Made experience from a historic brand. What I like about this particular version of the Milus Archimedes is the silver-on-silver look of the dial and case. This isn’t the first time we are seeing this color combination, but I really like watches in silver with blue trim. The watch also looks visually larger than it is, as there is no obvious border between the dial, bezel, and case.
The Archimedes case is 41mm-wide with 300 meters of water resistance and an automatic helium release valve. It wears rather thin at just 11.9mm-thick, which includes the box-style AR-coated sapphire crystal. It has a 51mm long lug-to-lug distance and lugs that accommodate a 20mm-wide strap. Milus pairs the Archimedes with a textured and perforated blue rubber strap that conveniently comes on quick-release spring bars. In addition to rubber straps, the Archimedes would look good on any number of NATO-style straps, as well.
Operating the inner rotating bezel is a pleasant enough experience, but it isn’t as nifty at Bremont’s Roto-Click or other toothed approaches to a turning bezel. The idea is that when the bezel operating crown is unscrewed, the bezel moves around relatively freely, and then the crown can be tightened down in order to secure the inner bezel from moving.
The Archimedes dial is a handsome blend of familiar elements including broad arrow-style hands as well as the font used for the hour markers. The level of luminant is, however, decent and despite the tone-on-tone look of the dial, the time is quite legible. This is in large part thanks to the use of brushes versus polished elements on the dial – such as for the hour, minute, and seconds hands. Speaking of the seconds hand, people seem to like the “lollipop-style” seconds indicator with its large, round lumed section.
Inside the Milus Archimedes watch is a Swiss Made ETA 2892-A2 automatic in “top” grade, meaning it is both decorated and comes with a custom Milus brand skeletonized automatic rotor. Too bad you can’t view the movement in order to appreciate it through the caseback. The 2892-A2 operates at 4Hz with about 42 hours of power reserve. It features the time along with the date, displayed at the 3 o’clock position on the case via a small window indicator.
One of the easiest ways to appreciate the Milus Archimedes is to simply show the design, demonstrate the features and durability, and then explain the price. That is a compelling reason in and of itself to put a watch like this on a short list of options for those seeking a classic-looking everyday sports watch with a real classic Swiss Made experience. Look deeper, and you’ll discover that Milus is one of the more interesting types of independent watchmakers we like to support — its product history has a lot of personality and nuance. There also happens to be very little out in the competitive marketplace with this type of color combination. Price for the Milus Archimedes Silver Storm watch is 1,919 Swiss Francs. Learn more at the Milus watches website here.
