Thoughts: Armida A2 ETA Dome Custom Bezel w/ Pics

[jganovsky]

I've had many watches in my past- some I'm not too proud of. What's my number? Well, I'd be embarrassed to say. I've had many long term relationships and short term flings with horological pieces.

I've realized that basically, +/- I'm a 42mm, 51mm lug to lug, 22mm lug width, stainless steel, black bezel, black face, no HEV, sapphire, brushed and some polished sides, C3/BGWY lume (NO vintage fake lume), 200m+ kind of guy. I like function but want style as well. I like history with a modern interpretation. I don't like near copies or replicas. I also like a little history and legacy mixed in. I like it when one thing suits many purposes and can easily go from beach to board room without a hiccup.

The Rolex and Omega line suits me well except the price. A Submariner or Sea Dweller or PO or Sea Master can do it all. I was looking for something in the same genre. I found that the Rolex 5517 Milsub is my preferred go to look. It is Rolexy enough but not a direct copy. Functional with a rich history. Unfortunately, it costs > $100k for one.

Armida, MKii, Hager, Alpha, Steinhart and others make ISO and homage watches to the 5517.

Based on my thoughts, only the MKii LRRP and Armida A2 are considerations. The MKii is not made anymore and 2x the price of the A2.

The A2 is my choice for daily wear to the beach and board room. It looks best on a Zulu or Bond keeping with its heritage. I can change the strap from black to gray bond to vintage bond and it looks great in any situation from wet suit to business suit. Functional and stylish.

The A2 is well made, comes with exceptional customer service and all the functional specs you'd need. It is good to go anytime and anywhere. My preference is not for the stock fully lumed bezel. My custom A2 has a bezel that is only lumed at the 12 o'clock triangle. The bezel markers are painted white without lume. Much more traditional and sophisticated looking. Less tool look and strange daytime C3 glow.

[hotriverstone]

Really nice! How do you like the domed crystal? Does the reflection detract from readability at all?

[jganovsky]

I actually have both an A2 with a flat and one with a dome. I prefer the dome. It has no effect of readability yet looks more unique. The flat is nice, but the dome is nicer. The dome is more accurate to the Rolex 5517 that it is based on too.

[jsinnard]

The watch looks great and the dome appears much less pronounced than I originally thought. I really like having all the numeral markers but still retaining a date function and the drilled lug holes. To me, that's what set it apart from the Steinhart and the Hager.