Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

One of my favourite places to go during Baselworld is Oris. The laid-back atmosphere whilst being in the midst of chaos is impressive in their booth and, just as important, they keep introducing interesting and attractively priced watches like this Oris Aquis GMT Date.Just before I left for Baselworld, one of my friends ordered an Oris Aquis Date. Not per definition a watch guy (yet), but someone who likes to buy a good watch once in a while. I can see him slowly growing into becoming a watch collector, or at least as an enthusiast. The Oris Aquis is a great example of a watch that suits the needs of most people who are looking to buy that one good watch. An automatic movement, great water [...]

Back in December last year, Oris invited us to Zermatt for a presentation of their 2019 models. And not only for a presentation, however, for a marvellous day of skiing as well. So far for our writing being totally unbiased.While most of the models are under embargo and will be presented during Baselworld this year, one model was already introduced publicly by Oris two weeks ago. The?Oris ProDiver Dive Control Limited Edition.The all new and limited Oris Dive ControlOris ProDiver Dive Control Limited EditionThe thing was that Oris introduced this model a few days before the havoc of SIHH 2019 broke loose. I see a high risk of the watch being snowed under and forgotten because of that. And I [...]

We reported about the Oris Movember Edition 2018 before, but our focus was mainly on the good cause it supports, not the watch. I assume you also want to know about the watch, not only the cause it supports. So we requested a Big Crown Pointer Date Movement Edition 2018 for a review, and here it is.Oris Movember Edition 2018This watch goes by the name of Movember Edition 2018, but in fact, I am looking at a Big Crown Pointer Date model with some tweaks. As I wrote in the past, compared to the standard Big Crown Pointer Date in 40mm, this Movember Edition has rose gold coloured hands (4N) and a matching gilt minute track on the dial. The writing is also in this gold colour where-as the Arabic [...]

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of their Big Crown Pointer Date watch, Oris introduces this (stunning) bronze 40mm version of that watch, with a green dial.The story of the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date watch goes back to 1938 when Oris developed a watch with an?oversized winding crown for pilots. Very useful when wearing those leather gloves being high in the sky, and you need to set your watch. The date indicated by an extra hand, also known as a pointer date.Oris Big Crown Pointer Date In BronzeInterestingly, the Big Crown Pointer Date has been in the collection forever it seems (or at least since 1938, and Oris was founded in 1904). I write this, as it was exactly this model that also [...]

We all know someone who has or had this awful disease called cancer, perhaps you do or did yourself. Did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men? Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, and finding and treating it before symptoms occur may not improve mens health or help them live longer.?Today, 5.6 million men are living with or beyond prostate cancer. Testicular cancer continues to claim young lives. Every year, 500,000 men take their own lives that's one a minute. Keep on reading, theres a watch to talk about as well.The Movember FoundationYou might have heard about the Movember Foundation, or at least about this [...]

Oris has a good habit of bringing limited editions in their Aquis line to contribute to ocean conservation. This week we received a question from Apostolos, I guess one of our readers in Greece.You Asked Us: Will the dial of my Oris Aquis Clipperton fade in bright sunlight?Heres the original text of Apostolos question:Subject: WATCH DIALS AND SUN EXPOSUREHello,I recently bought an Oris Aquis Clipperton. Its graded blue dial is a real joy. The question is, is it ok to use in direct sunlight regularly, or it will soon fade and lose its fantastic contrast?Thank you,ApostolosMr. Ulrich Herzog explaining Oris contributions to Ocean conservationOris Contribution to Ocean ConservationAlready in 201 [...]

A new Oris boutique opened its doors in the heart of Amsterdam. The H?lstein (Switzerland) based brand chose a historic building at Rokin 48 to be their flagship for The Netherlands.The 16th Oris BoutiqueOris, as well, was one of the brands which surprised us during last Baselworld with many interesting and attractive models. Youll find reviews of these watches here and here. And at this point, we would like to mention Oris ongoing effort to help save the oceans as well. The last initiative in this field was with the Coral Restoration Foundation, from which youll find our report here. [...]

SIHH and Baselworld are behind us and with a few exceptions and later introductions planned for this year (wink wink), weve seen all watches for 2018. Time to make up our mind on the Top 5 Baselworld and SIHH 2018 watches. Mike will give an overview of his Top 5 watches that were shown to him in Baselworld and RJ will show his Top 5 watches that were introduced during the SIHH in Geneva.Top 5 Watches Baselworld 2018Please find Mike Stocktons Top 5 watches from Baselworld below.1. Tudor Black Bay 58For me, the Black Bay series of watches have always been great looking, but have lacked a certain staying power. I just forget about them and their normally thick cases really ruin it for me. The 5 [...]

Theres no doubt about it, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five is a bona fide hit.? When it was first released in 2015 in 40mm guise, it received near-universal praise and it has received continuous additions and updates since that time.? Currently, there are numerous dial colors and the case sizes available include the new 36mm diameter, a 40mm version and even 42mm variants.? Today, though, well focus on some pieces that debuted at Baselworld 2018, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Bronze Bezel.I suppose if youre a reader of Fratello Watches, youre a detail hound.? If so, my unabashed love for the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Bronze Bezel wont shock you because its a relatively minor detail that easily makes thi [...]

The Aquis is a bread and butter piece for Oris. A popular divers watch with a great price-quality ratio and aesthetics that are very likable by a large audience. Of the 12 different Aquis models (each with several different executions, with a total of 57 including 6 for ladies), 6 models are designated as limited edition. A quick look in their catalog learns me that of the 57 different Aquis models, 10 watches are limited editions., each around 2000 pieces only. Thats about 20.000 limited edition Aquis watches, from their bread and butter collection. There is no official number on the total annual production of Oris, but 20.000 watches is very substantial for them. Is that a bad thing? It se [...]

Oris is a sympathetic brand in my opinion. Independent (but not small) and very strong in the sub 2000 price range. We covered their Aquis and Sixty-Five Divers watches a number of times, as these are great value propositions. What also helps for us watch journalists, is that the people behind Oris are also sympathetic and real watch enthusiasts. That doesnt help or mean much for the end-consumer perhaps, at least not directly, but believe me, it does for us when the people behind a brand share the (true) love for watches. However, being very strong in that 1000 to 2000 segment, what happens if a brand like Oris creates a watch that retails for nearly 5000?For that kind of money, you are ent [...]

Just before the SIHH kicks off, a couple of brands that are not part of that exhibition are introducing new watches as well. Oris is one of these brands and they introduce you to the new Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition. The first bronze Oris Carl Brashear sold very well, and in the meanwhile has become a true collectors item. Prices on the market are well over the original retail (of 2600).Now, Oris comes up with the Carl Brashear Chronograph limited edition. Limited to 2000 pieces in total and this time, with a chronograph complication. For the background on the Carl Brashear connection, follow this link, where you will find an in-depth review on the first edition.Oris Carl Brashe [...]

Oris is on a roll, with their support to great projects like the Coral Restoration Foundation, Movember and now with its sponsorship of the Clipperton Expedition. Clipperton Island is worlds most isolated land mass, and only very few people ever set foot on land. It is the home of a number of threatened species, on land and in the water. Earlier this year, Oris sponsored an expedition to Clipperton Island together with a number of scientists and conservationists?to gather data to help develop existing shark migration theories, and to effect lasting change that will preserve Clipperton's ecosystem.Oris ClippertonNow, Oris introduces the Clipperton Limited Edition divers watch that is limited [...]

Yesterday Oris presented their Movember Edition of the popular original 40mm Sixty-Five Diver in The Hague Netherlands. As Official Watch Partner of the Movember Foundation, Oris herewith continues the company's Change for the Better campaign. And I was invited.Contents of the Oris Movember Edition setOris Movember EditionThe Movember Foundation was founded in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia by Adam Garone, Travis Garone, Luke Slattery, and Justin Coghlan. Meanwhile, its a multinational charity organization that aims to raise awareness for mens health in general. The foundation is active in 21 countries and has a global workforce of 130 people. It has funded more than 800 programs focusing on p [...]

Oris introduces you to their Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 with blue dial. Most interesting about this watch is the in-house caliber 111 movement that is being used. This hand-wound movement was introduced a couple of years ago, and now also available in the Big Crown ProPilot watch. In their Big Crown ProPilot collection, you will find a variety of models (with different complications), but this is the only reference with an in-house movement. Normally, Oris core collections use third party movements (from Sellita for example) to keep their watch affordable and in a certain price bracket. The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 starts at 5,200 CHF (up to 5,500 CHF for the watch on a croco [...]

Right before the Christmas madness will break loose, Oris introduces to you their new Artelier Date Diamonds models in 33mm. A mid-sized case watch for women whereas the watch was previously only available in a small 28mm. This Artelier Date with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds on the dial might be a great gift (for your wife, girlfriend, or yourself of course!) for Christmas.Oris Artelier Date DiamondsStarting at 1800 Swiss Francs for the version on a leather strap and 2000 Swiss Francs for the one with the stainless steel bracelet, this 33mm stainless steel watch competes with a number of other ladies watches out there. Whats especially nice, is that Oris made sure to fit a see-through case back [...]

Every November, the Movember Foundation (founded in 2003) encourages men to grow their moustaches to raise money in support of 1200 health projects world wide. The Movember Foundations mission is to help men live happier, healthier and longer, and raise awareness (and funds) for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Oris announces their partnership with the Movember Foundation and introduce to you the Oris Movember Edition. A special edition timepiece that is based on the iconic Divers Sixty-Five that weve praised here many times. Part of the sales will go to the Movember Foundation.Oris Movember EditionThe Oris Movember Edition has the original 1960s Oris [...]

At Fratello we all have a thing for vintage so its always a pleasure to see watch brands introducing vintage inspired models. Weve mentioned it earlier and now well have a closer look at the?Oris ChronOris Date that was introduced during Baselworld this year.Oris ChronOris Date, an icon returnsSo after almost 50 years the?Oris ChronOris Date returns. First introduced in 1970, the ChronOris watch was the first stop-seconds chronograph for the brans. Its name is derived from the words chronograph and the brand name. The original watch came with the typical 70s case design as seen on many watches from that era. With a pusher and two crowns the watch is a bit different from the re-launched versi [...]

Roughly a month ago, Oris reached out to us and asked if we'd be interested in testing a new watch prior to the lifting of a press embargo (yes, youre looking at a watch released out of cycle not at Baselworld). Naturally, we answered affirmatively to the rhetorical question and the mystery watch was on its way. A week or so later, I received what's known as the new Oris Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer and I have to say that I was interested from the first glance.Lets take a trip to the beach where I fought the quickly rising tide and even encountered a shy, but ultimately compliant crab. With pictures shot solely in the Algarve in Portugal, enjoy seeing how this new release fared.The New Ori [...]

Today, Oris introduces a new variation on the Aquis collection. The?Oris Aquis Small Second with date feature. Let us stress that the small in the model name has to do with the seconds and absolutely not with the size of the watch. A whopping 45.5mm in diameter for this Oris Aquis Small Second Date.The?Oris Aquis Small Second has the same design as the Aquis that was introduced earlier this year. Gerard did an interesting write-up on the new Aquis during his trip to Florida with Oris a few weeks ago, you can read it here.In short, the lugs and bracelet are a bit thinner than on the previous Aquis versions ?and the crown guards are a bit more tapered. These changes give the new Aquis models a [...]