Delma Commander Collection Watch Review
The Delma Commander Collection has recently been expanded to include new big date, automatic and chronograph models. The firm from Lengnau has clearly referenced pilots’ watches of yesteryear with some design elements, but it has also embraced new, vibrant shades as well. Consistent with the firm’s reputation, these latest models again appear to offer incredible value for money.
Delma watch
When listening to the radio on a regular basis, one thing becomes clear. The output of some pop and rock bands can be somewhat lacking in terms of variety. Those artists that are blessed with the most talent often produce a more diverse body of work. Arguably, the same premise could be applied to watches.
Delma, the Swiss watch brand based in Lengnau, has an impressive repertoire, making dress watches, über-robust divers’ models, ‘racing’ themed timepieces and pilots’ watches. These latter watches belong to the Delma Commander collection, a range of models that has just been expanded and now includes some fresh-faced beauties endowed with interesting complications and dial colours.
The name of the Commander Big Date says it all. The model is housed in a 45 mm steel case. The case is offered in a choice of plain stainless steel (with matching bracelet) or coated with black PVD (with matching leather strap). At the heart of the model is an ETA 2892A2 movement with a Jaquet 3512 Big Date module. Two date discs impart the date via two sizeable apertures, located below noon.
The plump hour and minute hands emulate the hands found on cockpit instruments. Each hour is denoted with Arabic numerals, save for those at the cardinal points. The minute track is marked with crisp white markings, facilitating read-off. The central sweep seconds hand is red, while the prominent triangular index at 12 o’clock upholds pilots’ watch tradition. Both options are limited to 150 pieces each.
A further addition to the Delma Commander Collection is a 3-hander with an altimeter-style date, positioned at 3 o’clock. This model, the Commander Automatic, subscribes to the traditional pilots’ watch design with its bold hour and minute hands along with highly legible hour markers. Where Delma has deviated from convention is by adopting two eye-popping hues for the dials, ocean blue and forest green. However, traditionalists can relax, black dial variants are also available. In this instance, the Maison has equipped the watch with a Sellita movement, the SW200.
The previously mentioned shades of ocean blue and forest green found on the Commander Automatic deliver a repeat performance, this time on the Commander Chronograph. Again, this model is housed in a generously proportioned 45 mm stainless steel case and comes supplied on a 3-rows bracelet or black calf leather strap depending on the dial hue selected. The family likeness is clear to see, with the chronograph sharing a similar style of hands and indexes to those found on its siblings.
Delma has chosen to fit the Commander Chronograph with the venerable ETA 7750, a self-winding movement famed for its reliability and ease of servicing. The dial incorporates three counters as well as day and date indications.
An attribute common to all watches made by this firm is they deliver an impressive quality/price ratio, a characteristic also found on the Delma Commander Collection.
Delma Commander Collection – the brand’s press release
DELMA expands its renowned Commander collection with the introduction of two new big date models and new dial colours for the three hands and chronographs. The new formats enhance the series’ distinctive bold disposition while redefining a classic pilots’ watch.
Like the early pioneers in flight, the Aero collection has always been daring and industrious. In December 1903 the Wright Brothers combined their natural talent for engineering with experience owning a printing press and bicycle shop to invent, assemble and fly the world’s first successful motor-operated air machine. With the young inventors’ success came international fascination with aviation. Motivated by the new necessity for pilots to have a timekeeper visible at a glance, the wristwatch emerged almost simultaneously as an essential tool for aviators and a fashionable accessory for those who aspired to see the world. These early timepieces were designed to be robust and pragmatic but the resulting design yielded an ageless category in wristwatches which would be infinitely sought after.
The new Commander’s unadorned yet sleek case epitomizes the quintessential simplicity and strength of a professional pilots’ watch complete with a prominent crown or pushers for ease of handling with gloves. Bold Arabic numerals are clearly presented alongside luminous hour and minute hands and a striking red seconds hand makes legibility effortless even in the dark. All black dial Commanders including the big date limited editions are matte for extreme clarity. The addition of navy blue and green sunray brushed dial options mounted on a stainless steel bracelet exude a more formal appearance for elite aviators and intrepid explorers. The new big date and chronograph models are accentuated with red details on the zero index triangle while the original and new three hand models highlight the date with a red arrow and contrasting white backdrop. The big date models are powered by an ETA 2892A2 movement with a Jaquet 3512 Big Date module with its 50-hour power reserve sufficient to fly across the globe.
The format and spirit of the new Commanders stay true to Delma’s first Aero models, inspired by the revolutionary period of flight discovery. The new big date and dials present high contrast practical timekeepers with effortless style and elevate the collection to new heights.
Delma Commander Collection – prices
- Commander Big Date – stainless steel £1,950 / Black PVD – £1,950 (RRP as at 30.9.2021)
- Limited Edition: 150 pieces each
- Commander Automatic – stainless steel £925 (RRP as at 30.9.2021)
- Commander Chronograph – £2,290 (RRP as at 30.9.2021)