ReviewThe 2017 Oris Aquis Date: A Legend Returns
From under the ocean to under your cuff, Oris brings you an updated diver's watch that is not just a tool anymore.
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When Oris introduced the Diver’s Sixty-Five, the watch world stood up and took notice. It was a true diver’s watch that played on vintage-inspired themes and strengthened Oris’ position in the world of serious diver’s watches. With innumerable variations and a high aesthetic appeal, the watch was an instant success, making it one of the best diver’s watches the world had seen. Now Oris, thanks to its history of excellence in diver’s watches, is a brand that professional divers across the globe trust blindly. However, despite the continued success, there was always scope for a modern and sleek diver’s watch—one that would be a subtle yet powerful evolution of a legendary diver’s watch.
Oris listened. And at Baselworld 2017, they launched the new Aquis Date. A reintroduction of ‘a legendary diver’s watch’, this comeback has been massive.
A product of extensive research and innovative engineering, the 2017 Oris Aquis Date is a state-of-the-art functional timepiece. With modern aesthetics like the immaculately designed black ceramic bezel (more on that later), sleeker horns and a high-grade stainless steel bracelet, the Baselworld 2017 Oris Aquis Date combines the technical sophistication of a professional tool watch without compromising on style and design.
A Legend Returns: The 2017 Oris Aquis Date
One of the top trends at Baselworld 2017 was the reintroduction or refinement of existing novelties, and the Oris Aquis Date was one of the much-talked-about ones. Like all diver’s watches, the Oris Aquis collection has always been characterised by performance and reliability with a strong, sturdy and powerful character. The 2017 version of the Aquis Date definitely brings modernity and refinement to the collection without compromising on its technical affiliation. While the new Aquis Date still houses the stellar pillars of the collection, namely high-performance, flawless legibility, muscular horns and the seamless integration of the bracelet with the case, it also features a more refined and sleek design. This change comes with Oris understanding the demand for versatility in diver’s watches. As diver’s watches today are not just tools anymore, the new and sleeker version adapts equally well when placed under cuffs or when worn casually.
43mm high-grade stainless steel case, unidirectional rotating bezel with virtually scratch-proof ceramic insert, see-through caseback and refined screw-in crown with solid crown protection:
The redesigned 43mm multi-piece case made of high-grade stainless steel offers a sleek silhouette and has a combination of polished and brushed finishes. This helps in highlighting the important lines and curves incorporated in the watch’s design. The screw-in crown helps in maintaining the high-level of water resistance (300m) that the watch offers. It is encased by solid crown-protectors that have been given a lean profile in accordance with the overall construction of the watch.
Like all diver’s watches, the new Aquis Date also features a unidirectional rotating bezel that has been given a virtually scratch-proof and fade-resistant ceramic insert for more durability. Also, the use of sapphire crystal on both sides of the case provides additional protection against scratches. The black bezel features a 60-minute graduated scale that is filled with Super-LumiNova® for better legibility. The watchmakers have incorporated a small gap between the case and the body to ensure a better grip. Speaking of grip, the bezel has also been specially knurled for a superior grip even when handled underwater with a diving suit on. And of course, the watch offers a 300m water resistance that will equip you well enough on a professional dive (even more so on a recreational one).
Gradient Blue & Black dial variations housing the “Aquis” name, bolder Super-LumiNova on hands and indices, perfectly cut-out date display window at 6 o’clock:
Keeping it classy, the new Oris Aquis Date, like many diver watches we have seen in the past, features a gradient blue or black dial (depending on the model you choose). The hands and indexes have been redesigned and given a more angular and sharper form, in conjunction with the modern and refined aesthetic theme. The indexes and the hands (hour, minute and the ‘lollipop’ seconds) are coated with Super-LumiNova for an exceptionally luminous glow and therefore great legibility even in extremely low light/dark conditions. A must-have feature for any diver’s watch.
We must emphasize that the striking gradient ocean pattern on the dial is brought to life when the watch is exposed to sunlight. That’s when you really notice how stunning the craftsmanship is. The signature ‘Aquis’ name has been proudly placed just above the date display window at 6 o’clock (for maximum ‘share of voice’).
Discover the Oris Aquis Date collection
Automatic winding Oris Calibre 733 movement, 38 hours power reserve and signature Oris rotating red rotor:
Apart from the aesthetic evolution of the watch, the 2017 Oris Aquis Date also delivers an array of technical and practical enhancements. Powered by an automatic winding date movement: the Oris Calibre 733 (based on the Sellita SW200-1), the watch vibrates at 28’800 vph and clocks in a power reserve of 38 hours. Unlike most diver’s watches, the engineers at Oris decided to give the new Aquis Date a see-through caseback so that the wearer could witness the intricate workings of the movement, along with the signature Oris rotating red rotor.
Strap Options: Stainless steel bracelet, high-grade rubber or leather
Oris has presented the new Aquis Date in a number of strap options to cater to varied tastes. From a stainless steel bracelet to rubber and leather straps, the watch will not just sit comfortably on your wrist but will also attune to your particular style. The stainless steel bracelet is fitted with a sliding sledge folding clasp that can be extended over a diving suit (should you decide to go diving).
Discover the Oris Aquis Date collection
Price & Availability:
For those of you familiar with the world of watches and particularly with the brand Oris, you would know that Oris has a reputation for great performance at an accessible price tag. All their watches offer undeniably great functionality and are offered in the market at a price that you would be more than willing to pay, thanks to the superlative price-performance ratio. The 2017 Oris Aquis Date is no exception. Rest assured, you will not find a watch of this calibre and technical excellence at a better price. Great aesthetic appeal, superior engineering and technical innovation, high-performance and value for money, combined with the excellence and heritage that Oris offers, no wonder this watch has become a bestseller within such a short span of its introduction.
Recap of the options available in the market: The Baselworld 2017 Oris Aquis Date is available in three dial options: gradient blue, black wth silver indices along with a black dial version with orange indices. The strap variations are stainless steel bracelet, rubber (black and blue) or a dark brown leather strap.
A Brief History of the Oris Aquis Collection:
Since 1960, when Oris dipped its toes into the world of diver’s watches, it has consistently produced an array of timepieces of the highest calibre. The Aquis collection was also born out of one such expedition, namely, the Oris Full Steel collection of the 1990s. Taking inspiration from it, the Oris Aquis has become an integral part of the high-performance sports watches that are currently under the brand’s umbrella. The earlier watches in the Aquis collection are distinguished by their tool-ish appearance, featuring muscular horns with ‘larger than life’ numerals on the unidirectional bezel. With such practical features, the Oris Aquis, in no time, became one of the most popular diver’s watches of its time.
About Oris:
For over 100 years Oris has been making watches in Switzerland. Their watches are purely mechanical and are marked out by their distinctive design as well as the red rotor, the symbol of Oris mechanicals. Oris watches are also popular, as celebrities from Formula One, diving, jazz and aviation queue up to wear and support their unique creations. Oris is one of a small handful of Swiss watch brands that make only mechanical watches. The Swiss Made brand is protected by law and serves as a guarantee of quality. All Oris watches are Swiss Made and quality controlled to the highest standards throughout the manufacturing process. The Red Rotor is a trademarked symbol of Oris’s High-Mech approach to watchmaking. Whenever you see the Red Rotor, you can be sure it’s inside a genuine, sensibly priced Oris watch that’s innovative, functional and designed to bring many years of pleasure. Oris is an independent company, which means its values are in safe hands. It also means they’re efficient and free to innovate and explore useful functions and features that the customers want and need. Read more…
What did you think of the 2017 Oris Aquis Date? What features did you like the most? Let us know in the comments section below!
How does it different from Rolex?
Hello KC,
Thank you for your query. When it comes to brands like Oris and Rolex that are well established and respected, it’s difficult to compare. They each have their own strengths and excel in various ways, even when it comes to their products that have similar features. You should probably weigh the strengths of each brand and decide which one works best for you.
We hope you make the right choice.
Thank you for reading.
The Watch Guide
I own this watch and I never stopped loving it. The best investment i made after a long time. The only con is the lack of anti reflective coating.
whats the diff betwn swiss & swiss made?
Hi Manoj,
Thank you for the query!
You can browse through our story on “Swiss Made” watches at https://www.ethoswatches.com/the-watch-guide/what-is-a-swiss-made-watch/
I hope you find it helpful.
Thank you
The Watch Guide