The watch world is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation, where brands often delve into their past to create something new and exciting. Oris, a name synonymous with quality Swiss watchmaking, has recently done just that with their new Divers Date collection. This isn't just a rehash of old designs, though.
Oris has taken inspiration from its rich history, specifically the vibrant and optimistic era of the 1960s, to craft a watch that captures the spirit of that time while offering modern functionality and style.
To truly appreciate the new Divers Date, we must first understand the legacy it builds upon. Oris, founded in 1904 in the picturesque town of Hölstein, Switzerland, has a long and impressive history of crafting reliable and innovative timepieces. From their early days producing pocket watches to their groundbreaking contributions to the world of aviation and diving watches, Oris has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and functionality. Their watches aren't just about telling time; they're about accompanying individuals on their journeys, whether it's exploring the depths of the ocean or conquering the skies.
Courtesy of Oris
The Divers collection, first introduced in 1965, is a testament to Oris's dedication to creating purpose-built tools for underwater exploration. The original Oris divers watch was a robust and reliable companion for adventurers, featuring a highly legible dial, a sturdy case, and a unidirectional rotating bezel for tracking dive times. It was a watch that could be relied upon in the most demanding environments, embodying the spirit of exploration that defined the era.
The new Divers Date takes inspiration from this iconic design, channeling the essence of the 1960s – a decade of cultural and social revolution, where creativity and optimism flourished. The world was emerging from the shadows of war, embracing new ideas and possibilities. This spirit of innovation and joie de vivre is reflected in the Divers Date's design, which seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with modern watchmaking techniques.
Think of the 1960s, and images of Sean Connery as James Bond, Alain Delon's effortless cool, and the vibrant fashion of Mary Quant might come to mind. It was a time of bold self-expression, a celebration of life, and a belief in a brighter future. This sense of optimism is palpable in the Divers Date, which exudes a playful yet sophisticated charm. It's a watch that invites you to embrace life's adventures, to explore the world with confidence and style.
Courtesy of Oris
Looking at the watch itself, you can see how Oris has carefully balanced vintage cues with contemporary design elements. The 39mm stainless steel case is robust yet refined, with a slightly thicker profile than its predecessor, the Divers Sixty-Five, giving it a more substantial wrist presence. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of dive watches, has been upgraded with a scratch- and fade-resistant ceramic insert, ensuring its functionality and longevity. The fluting on the bezel's edge has also been refined, offering a more tactile and precise grip.
The dial, available in black, blue, or beige, is a study in understated elegance. The colors, inspired by the industrial palette of the 1960s, evoke a sense of timeless sophistication. The hour markers, now with beveled edges, add a subtle yet noticeable touch of refinement, enhancing legibility without disrupting the overall aesthetic. A new condensed typeface, developed exclusively for the Divers collection, gives the dial a commanding presence while retaining a retro charm. The hands, filled with Super-LumiNova, ensure excellent visibility in low-light conditions, a crucial feature for any dive watch.
One of the most significant upgrades in the Divers Date is the increase in water resistance from 100 meters to 200 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving. This enhancement underscores Oris's commitment to creating watches that can withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. The addition of a transparent case back provides a glimpse into the intricate workings of the Oris Calibre 733 automatic movement, a testament to the brand's watchmaking prowess.
Courtesy of Oris
The metal bracelet, a key element of the Divers Date's design, has been subtly refined and now features a quick-change system, allowing for easy swapping between the bracelet and the supplied black rubber strap. This versatility ensures that the watch can adapt to different occasions and styles, making it a true all-rounder.
The Divers Date is housed in a multi-piece stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter. This size strikes a perfect balance between vintage proportions and modern wearability, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The case features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert, a crucial tool for divers to track elapsed time underwater. Ceramic is known for its exceptional scratch and fade resistance, ensuring the bezel's longevity and functionality. The bezel's fluting, carefully re-engineered for improved grip, provides a satisfying tactile experience when setting dive times.
Protecting the dial is a domed sapphire crystal, a hallmark of the Divers collection. This type of crystal not only adds a touch of vintage charm but also offers superior scratch resistance compared to traditional acrylic crystals. The crystal features an anti-reflective coating on the inside, minimizing glare and ensuring optimal dial visibility.
Courtesy of Oris
The dial itself is a masterclass in understated design. Available in black, blue, or beige, each color option draws inspiration from the 1960s industrial palette, evoking a sense of retro cool. The hour markers, meticulously applied and featuring beveled edges, enhance legibility while adding a subtle touch of refinement. The hands, filled with Super-LumiNova, provide excellent low-light visibility, a crucial feature for any dive watch.
Powering the Divers Date is the Oris Calibre 733, an automatic movement based on the reliable Sellita SW 200-1. This movement offers a solid 41-hour power reserve, ensuring accurate timekeeping even after being off the wrist for an extended period. The movement's functions include central hands for hours, minutes, and seconds, a date window at 6 o'clock, and a stop-second mechanism for precise time setting.
Flipping the watch over reveals a transparent case back, showcasing the intricate workings of the Calibre 733. This exhibition case back allows watch enthusiasts to appreciate the mechanical beauty of the movement, with its decorated rotor and intricate gear train.
The Divers Date comes with a multi-piece stainless steel bracelet featuring a folding clasp and a quick-change system. This system allows for effortless swapping between the bracelet and the supplied black rubber strap, providing versatility and adaptability to different situations and styles. The bracelet itself has been refined for improved comfort and stability, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.
Courtesy of Oris
One of the key upgrades in the Divers Date is its increased water resistance, now rated at 20 bar (200 meters). This enhancement makes the watch suitable for recreational diving, allowing wearers to confidently explore the underwater world. The increased water resistance, combined with the robust construction and reliable movement, makes the Divers Date a true tool watch, ready for any adventure.
The Oris Divers Date is priced at $2,700, offering exceptional value for a Swiss-made automatic dive watch with such a rich history and impressive specifications. It's a watch that appeals to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of mechanical watches, thanks to its blend of vintage charm, modern functionality, and accessible price point.