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ReviewThe 2017 Oris Chronoris Date: A Retro-Inspired Timepiece with a clever name and an unmistakable design

Barrel case, Orange accents and vintage 70s cues, Oris is hitting it out of the park with this new watch that has all the coolness your wrist can handle.

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One major trend at Baselworld this year was the reissue of vintage timepieces, and this was seen pretty much across the board. From recreations of long-standing classic collections to interesting renditions of legendary timepieces, the watch world has presented us with an eclectic array in 2017. We have already covered a couple of tremendous watches since their Baselworld launch- from the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Power Reserve to the iconic return of the Oris Aquis Date. And today, we are back again with one of the most talked about and awaited releases of the year: the 2017 Oris Chronoris Date. If you think about it, Oris is actually hitting it out of the park this year with their reissues and tribute watches.

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With a cool factor that is undeniable, the 2017 Oris Chronoris Date pays homage to the Swiss brand’s legendary Stop Seconds Chronograph from 1970.

With a cool factor that is undeniable (I mean just look at the watch!), the 2017 Oris Chronoris Date pays homage to the Swiss brand’s legendary Stop Seconds Chronograph from 1970. With a solid horological heritage, splashy seventies inspired graphics and modern technical excellence, the Baselworld 2017 Oris Chronoris Date is an exciting watch that has all the cool-ness your wrist can handle!

Exciting, how? Read on to find out-

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This modern rendition, however, isn’t a stop seconds chrono but is a simple time and date model that has a creative ‘timer’ placed on the inner bezel (for timing events).

A clever name, and a 39mm, tonneau-shaped stainless steel case with vintage 70s cues:

What’s in the name? Well, it’s clever! You may have noticed that the name is a combination of the two words ‘chronograph’ and ‘Oris’. It is a take on the original model from 1970 that was a stop-seconds chronograph, and actually the first chronograph for Oris. This modern rendition, however, isn’t a stop seconds chrono but is a simple time and date model that has a creative ‘timer’ placed on the inner bezel (for timing events). See, clever.

We all know that the ’70s was a time of experimentation, a fact that’s also amply evident from the designs and graphics typical of that era. The 2017 Chornoris Date takes direct cues from its predecessor and features a tonneau (or barrel-shaped) case in stainless steel. Crafted in a 39mm case size that works perfectly for all wrist sizes, the retro, polished and brushed barrel case is equipped with a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside. A feature that lends the watch great durability and legibility.

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Crafted in a 39mm case size that works perfectly for all wrist sizes, the retro, polished and brushed barrel case is equipped with a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside.

A tone or two lighter than the grey sector-dial (more on that later), the case offers streamlined visuals and great graphics when worn on the wrist. On its right are two prominent crowns (a popular 70s feature) that are distinguished by different knurled/grooved finishes. The one placed at 2 o’clock allows you to set the time and date, while the one at 4 o’clock works the rotating inner bezel used to measure time intervals. A pretty creative ‘timer’ function in our opinion. The difference in the finishes of the two crowns helps the wearer make a clear distinction while manipulating them, without having to look down at the watch. A nice touch of ‘attention to detail’.

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A tone or two lighter than the grey sector-dial (more on that later), the case offers streamlined visuals and great graphics when worn on the wrist.

With such an attractive face, the screwed in stainless steel case back of the watch has intentionally been kept minimalist, with a simple engraving of the brand logo and the basic specs of the watch. If you are not racing, then the watch can easily be used for diving expeditions as well, courtesy the 100 meters water resistance it offers. You can see that Oris believes in making all their watches technically and functionally sound. They are designed for the new generation of watch enthusiasts who are younger and more actively involved in recreational and leisure activities.

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With such an attractive face, the screwed in stainless steel case back of the watch has intentionally been kept minimalist, with a simple engraving of the brand logo and the basic specs of the watch.

Grey, Black & Silver Sector-Dial with Orange Accents, A Distinctive date-window at 3 o’clock and Silver rotating inner bezel for timing events:

There is no doubt that Oris has made a compelling piece with this retro remake. One look at the dial of the Chronoris Date and you are immediately transported back to the seventies, a time that set a lot of trends in a lot of categories, watchmaking being one of them. The 2017 Chronoris clearly retains all of its ‘vintage’ lineages, but in a very modern and unmistakable racing-look.

Keeping with the 70s theme, the grey, black and silver sector-dial features a combination of bold colours that are distinct and sharp without being too loud. The pop of deep orange on the tips of the white Superluminova-filled baton hour markers, and the sweep seconds hand, creates a stark contrast against the other subdued shades on the dial. The white broad, stick hands too are filled with Superluminova for perfect legibility. On the outer flange of the dial lies the rotating inner bezel (one of its most attractive features) which is given a silver shade and an orange indicator at 12 o’clock. Like we said, this timer function is unique and creative. In fact, the entire package has that ‘wow’ appeal; highly legible and extremely cool.

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One look at the dial of the Chronoris Date and you are immediately transported back to the seventies, a time that set a lot of trends in a lot of categories, watchmaking being one of them.

The black on white date window at 3 o’clock stands out well and breaks (for a change) the sectoral-layout of the design. It is just the right size- not too large, not too small, to enable an easy reading of the date at a glance. With such attractive visual racing aesthetics, we can guarantee there is nothing like this out there in the market.

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The black on white date window at 3 o’clock stands out well and breaks (for a change) the sectoral-layout of the design. It is just the right size- not too large, not too small, to enable an easy reading of the date at a glance.

Automatic winding Oris Caliber 733 based on the Sellita SW 200-1:

As striking as the watch looks on the outside, its inner workings do not fall behind either. Under its hood is the automatic caliber 733 which is based on the Sellita SW 200-1, a proven movement in regard to its accuracy and durability. Apart from the usual hour, minute and seconds functions, the movement (made up of 26 jewels) also offers a date display, a date corrector along with a fine timing device and stop-second. The watch vibrates at 28’800 vph (4 Hz), clocks in a power reserve of 38 hours and is water resistant to 100m.

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Under its hood is the automatic caliber 733 which is based on the Sellita SW 200-1, a proven movement in regard to its accuracy and durability.

Like we pointed out before, while the watch draws inspiration from Oris’ legendary stop-seconds chronograph, it does not feature a chronograph function. However, there is no rule that binds timing events to just chronographs. The watch instead offers a rotating inner bezel to measure time intervals. The elapsed time bezel (controlled by the crown at 4 o’clock) is one of the Chronoris’ most unique and attractive technical features.

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The watch draws inspiration from Oris’ legendary stop-seconds chronograph, it does not feature a chronograph function.
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The elapsed time bezel (controlled by the crown at 4 o’clock) is one of the Chronoris’ most unique and attractive technical features.

Strap Options: Grey Nylon NATO, Distressed Leather in Black or Brown, Black Rubber Strap, and a 15-link stainless steel bracelet: 

One of the things that we like most about Oris is their deep understanding of watch buyers and the trends that the market suggests. And this translates to them offering their iconic watches in a variety of options; something for everyone. The 2017 Chronoris Date is no different. It is available in a variety of straps including a spiffy grey nylon NATO, a distressed leather strap in black or brown and a black rubber strap option. The magnum opus though is the very ‘vintage’ 15-link stainless steel bracelet, that has been designed to look like the original version of the watch.

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With its barrel case, orange accents and retro design, the 2017 Chronoris Date is clearly one of the few recreations that captures the true essence of the 1970’s original, without looking dated.

Price and Availability:

A heritage interpretation, the faithfully recreated 2017 Oris Chronoris Date is a relatively rare timepiece that falls (fortunately) under an accessible price point. With a starting price of ₹109,000, the 2017 Oris Chornoris Date is exclusively available at Ethos Watch Boutiques. A watch of such calibre, heritage and superior design cues is usually offered at a higher price tag from competitive brands.

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The 2017 Chronoris Date is available in a variety of straps including a spiffy grey nylon NATO, a distressed leather strap in black or brown and a black rubber strap option.

Discover the 2017 Oris Chronoris collection at Ethos

Trivia: Inspired by the 1970s Iconic Watch

Oris introduced their very first chronograph watch 47 years ago with the release of the 1970 Chronoris (notice how it was stylised earlier), a smart combination of the word “chronograph” and “Oris”. It instantly garnered global fame and marked the Swiss brand as one of the forerunners in the craftsmanship of fine watchmaking, especially in the world of motorsport. Thirty-five years after the introduction of the 1970 edition, Oris released their first reissue of the legendary Chronoris back in 2005. The 2005 edition featured the epic combination of a black dial, stainless steel case, decorated with orange accents. The automatic chronograph movement beating within, when combined with the black perforated leather straps represented the “motorsport” theme of the timepiece beautifully. A marvel no doubt!

As it had been quite a while (12 years to be exact), the second reissue of the iconic chronograph was released with a lot of expectations and bated breath at Baselworld 2017. With its barrel case, orange accents and retro design, the 2017 Chronoris Date did not disappoint. It is clearly one of the few recreations that capture the true essence of the 1970’s original, without looking dated.

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The iconic ChronOris first introduced back in 1970 (Left) and the 2017 Baselworld Oris Chronoris (Right).

What did you think of this retro-inspired timepiece? Let us know in the comments section below.

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