The New Delma Commander 40mm, A More Compact and Versatile Pilot’s Watch

In 2024, Delma celebrated its 100th anniversary with a few pleasant releases, such as the Heritage Chronograph, and even unexpected ones, such as the 1924 Tourbillon. Unexpected because the brand is particularly known for professional dive watches such as the Shell Star, Blue Shark and Quattro, alongside sports-oriented collections like the Midland and racing-inspired Continental. An aviation-inspired series has also long been part of Delma’s portfolio, with the Commander serving as its dedicated pilot’s watch. For 2026, the brand introduces a thoroughly revised, more contemporary version of this model, with a newly developed 40mm case and an updated dial.

While earlier Commander models leaned towards larger pilot watches at 45mm, the new Commander adopts a more compact and versatile 40mm diameter. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case combines satin-brushed surfaces with polished bevelled edges. At 11.5mm thick and with a lug-to-lug of 48mm, the watch is designed for comfortable daily wear. The fluted crown features the brand’s logo. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the dial, and the transparent caseback offers a view of the movement. Water resistance is 100m.

On the dial, large lumed Arabic numerals dominate the display, with the central hour, minutes and running seconds hands treated with Super-LumiNova C3, ensuring excellent legibility. A newly designed minute track with dots and numerals to mark the 5-minute intervals runs the periphery, and a 24-hour scale positioned closer to the dial’s centre strengthens the instrument-like character of the watch. The date window is at 3 o’clock. Delma offers four dial colours at launch: classic black and navy blue, an olive green with subtle military undertones, and a distinctive salmon-toned version.

Powering the Commander is the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, an alternative to the ETA 2824-2. Operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour, the calibre delivers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.

Each version is fitted with a handmade Italian leather strap featuring matching stitching and a stainless steel pin buckle. The Delma Commander 40mm is now available, the price is CHF 890 or EUR 1,050. For more information, please visit delma.ch.