ReviewHands On Review of the Oris BC3 Day Date
A cool aviators timepiece that doesn't disappoint!
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1999 saw the introduction of Oris’ first ever ‘sporty pilots’ watch – the Big Crown or BC3. But what’s funny is that the brand themselves didn’t anticipate how popular this collection would go on to be. Since its induction, and an overwhelming response by the Swiss, the collection has by far been their most successful one and today occupies a mainstay within Oris’ catalogue of watches. The BC3 has also done a good job in being distinctly different from other watches in the same genre, courtesy its sizeable yet gorgeously designed case (that has remained largely unchanged), clubbed with one of the most reliable movements one can get in the same price range.
2016 saw the affordable BC3 reincarnated with the launch of the “BC3 Advanced Day/Date” in a cool new redesign that’s a lot more versatile than a simple pilot’s watch. For a pilot watch around the INR 100,000 range, it’s pretty well priced for a watch produced by a respected Swiss brand. But is it worth adding to your collection? Let’s find out:
The Case:
The uniquely designed case is the first thing that grabs your attention. Sized at 42mm with a thickness of just 11.5mm–it’s a balanced sports watch in terms of dimensions. But despite its overall thin profile (designed for comfort), the watch has more than an overwhelming presence courtesy its cylindrical case, angular lugs and crown guards on either side of the crown. The look of the circular dial really pops up on your wrist.
The “ORIS” signed crown is big and extremely easy to operate. All these ‘geometric’ inclusions add up to the personality of the watch and it’s pretty clear that we’re dealing with a cool looking watch here that has no subtleness in its DNA. And if you’ve ever had an Oris watch, then you know that the case finishing never disappoints.
The Dial & Variations:
Sunburst dials, when done poorly, can really cheapen the look of a watch. That’s not the case here with the very fine sunburst dial finishing complemented by numerals that give the watch a bit of a tactical look- large Arabic numerals as primary hour indexes complemented with a secondary index that represents the seconds/minutes (with heavier indices every 5 minutes). There’s no triangle at 12 like the usual B-uhr pilot’s watches but instead, features a split index.
The thick sword hands with painted borders and lume-filled centers are the hour and minute hands. There are two centrally aligned day/date windows just above the 6 o’clock index. The inclusion of two apertures for the day/date display adds to the uniqueness of the design.
Oris has an attractive palette of dial variations for the BC3 with silver, classic black and gunmetal finishes. All three are uniquely different with different strap-bracelet options.
Swiss Made Automatic Movement with a ‘see-through’ case back:
Flip the watch over and you have an open case back that displays the Swiss Made Sellita SW 200-1 movement with a custom red Oris rotor, a feature found on all Oris automatics. The movement features 26 jewels, has an accuracy of 28,800 Vph, and a ‘decent’ 38-hour power reserve when fully wound.
I’m sure the exposed movement, decorated or not, would excite a lot watch lovers! But what’s great is that the exposed movement doesn’t compromise on the water resistance of this timepiece. 100m of water resistance is a lot for an aviation watch!
Strap & Bracelet Options:
The BC3 comes with a heavy-duty, two-piece nylon strap, a rugged rubber strap, and a stylish brushed stainless steel bracelet. All the options are of high quality and extremely well made, so it’s really up to the wearer to decide which pairing works for them. Oris has made all the options additionally available for its customers regardless of the watch they chose. Personally, I loved the look of the nylon maybe because I got to spend so much time with it.
Final Thoughts:
The new BC3 doesn’t disappoint. The case design is unique and contributes to what makes the BC3 feel larger and more prominent on the wrist, which is why I mentioned that it’s not a subtle watch by any angle. But having said that, it’s a handsome watch with a tactical look and one of the more versatile looking casual timepieces I’ve seen in a while, that pairs with almost any casual attire.
Oris generally leaves you highly impressed for the value they offer and this is more of the same. For someone who hasn’t got a taste of a good Swiss made automatic watch or for someone just looking to add a good looking aviation watch to their collection, the BC3 fits in beautifully. If you’ve had your eye on this one, it won’t disappoint.
The Oris BC3 collection starts at INR 86,400 and is available exclusively in India at Ethos Watch Boutiques
(Image courtesy: Worn&Wound + Oris)
