As a brand, Delma might be somewhat under the radar, but from time to time it impresses us with robust constructions and competent tool watches at reasonable prices. Whether it's dive watches, field watches, or pilot watches, there's always something that simply catches the eye. Today, Delma expands its aviation-inspired Commander collection with three new models: the Delma Commander 3-Hand, Commander Big Date, and Commander Chronograph.
The history of Delma began in 1924, when Adolf and Albert Gilomen founded A. & A. Gilomen S.A. in Lengnau, Switzerland. The name Delma first appeared on a chronograph watch in 1946 and was eventually chosen as the brand's new name after the acquisition of Ulrich Wüthrich & Partner in 1966. A few years later, the first automatic diving watches (Delma Periscope) were released, marking the brand's development in the field of diver watches, such as the Shell Star Decompression Timer or the Blue Shark III Azores 4,000m Dive Watch.
Currently, Delma offers a wide range of watches, one of which is dedicated to aviation. The Delma Commander collection is inspired by the dashboard instruments of classic and modern aircraft, and now it has been enhanced with new models featuring 3 hands, a big date, and a chronograph. While there's nothing revolutionary in the Commander collection, it is perfectly suited for a life full of action and adventure, and in classic Delma style, it is offered at an affordable price.
DELMA COMMANDER 3-HAND
The first model is the simplest of the three, the Delma Commander 3-Hand. Alongside the Commander Big Date, this is perhaps the purest interpretation of a pilot's watch. The 45 mm stainless steel case allows for a fairly large and legible dial. Having long been part of the Delma collection, the brand introduces sunray dials in Ocean Blue and Forest Green to give the tactile Commander model extra expressiveness.
The dials are equipped with luminescent indexes and large Arabic numerals. The time is indicated by classic sword-shaped hands with large luminescent areas. The second hand is red, matching the date indicator on the dial. Through a large aperture at the “3 o'clock” position, you can see not only today’s date but also yesterday’s and tomorrow’s.
The Delma Commander 3-Hand is powered by the automatic Sellita SW 200-1 movement. Again, nothing revolutionary or impressive, but a good, reliable movement that helps keep the prices reasonable. This also means that the Delma Commander 3-Hand is easy to service, and spare parts are readily available if needed.
Delma presents the Commander 3-Hand on a three-link stainless steel bracelet with a matte and polished finish. Alternatively, a black leather strap with a folding clasp is also available. The retail price of the Delma Commander 3-Hand is 1,040 euros.
Key facts - diameter 45 mm x 10.5 mm height - stainless steel case - sapphire crystal - water resistance 50 m - Ocean Blue or Forest Green sunray dial - luminous indexes and numerals - large date aperture with three dates - sword-shaped luminous hour and minute hands, red second hand - automatic Sellita SW200 movement - Delma-signed rotor - 26 jewels - 28,800 vph - power reserve 38 h - stainless steel bracelet or black leather strap with folding clasp - 1,040 euros
DELMA COMMANDER BIG DATE
Next in line is the Delma Commander Big Date. While the date was also displayed (and even slightly larger) in the 3-Hand model presented above, in the Commander Big Date it is moved to the top and enlarged.
The 45 mm wide stainless steel case also pays attention to detail. It is available in plain steel or with black PVD coating. The Delma Commander Big Date features a large black matte dial with the same luminescent indexes and Arabic numerals, as well as the same set of hands as the Commander 3-Hand.
The biggest difference is, of course, the date display. Now located at the twelve o'clock mark, the date is indicated by two discs under a double-digit aperture. The Delma Commander Big Date model is equipped with the ETA 2892-A2 movement with the Jaquet 3512 Big Date module. This automatic movement with a Delma-signed rotor operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph and provides a 50-hour power reserve.
The stainless steel Commander Big Date model comes on a steel bracelet, while the black PVD-coated version is on a black leather strap with red stitching and a folding clasp. The Delma Commander Big Date model is priced at 2,190 euros and is limited to 150 pieces.
Key facts - diameter 45 mm x height 10.9 mm - stainless steel or black PVD-coated case - sapphire crystal - water resistance 50 m - black matte dial - luminous indexes and numerals - big date at 12 - sword-shaped hour and minute hands, red second hand - ETA 2892-A2 with Jaquet 3512 Big Date module - automatic winding - Delma-signed rotor - 21 jewels - 28,800 vph - power reserve 50 h - stainless steel bracelet or leather strap with folding clasp - limited edition of 150 pieces - 2,190 EUR
DELMA COMMANDER CHRONOGRAPH
Last but not least is the Delma Commander Chronograph. The matte and polished steel case again measures 45 mm across but is slightly thicker at 14.7 mm. The crown has a different shape compared to the two previous Commander models, and flanking it is a pair of chronograph pushers. The start/stop pusher at the “2 o'clock” position features a bright red ring for extra flair. The sapphire crystal with AR coating protects the dial and hands.
Like the Commander 3-Hand model, the new Commander Chronograph has a sunray dial, colored in blue or green. Legibility remains very good, with large indexes and numerals. The hour, minute, and chronograph second hands are the same as in other models. The chronograph display follows a classic 6/9/12 layout, with the day/date indication on the right side of the dial.
As clearly shown by the chronograph display, the Delma Commander Chronograph is equipped with the automatic Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement. This workhorse uses 25 jewels and has a frequency of 4 Hz. The power reserve is a respectable 48 hours. The sapphire crystal case back allows a view of the Delma-signed rotor that powers the movement.
Like the Delma Commander 3-Hand, the Commander Chronograph comes either on a stainless steel bracelet or a black leather strap with a folding clasp. The price is set at 2,670 euros.
Key facts - diameter 45 mm x height 14.7 mm - stainless steel case - sapphire crystal - water resistance 50 m - Ocean Blue or Forest Green dial - luminous indexes and numerals - sword-shaped hour and minute hands, red chronograph second hand - automatic Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement - Delma-signed rotor - 25 jewels - 28,800 vph - power reserve 48 h - stainless steel bracelet or black leather strap with folding clasp - 2,670 euros
For more information, please visit Delma.ch.