Their spurning of precious metals and gemstones? Efficient manufacturing methods? Being independently owned? All of these are cited as being among the reasons the 1904-founded manufacture Oris is able to fulfil its unique selling point: the provision of watches which offer exactly the craftsmanship and aesthetics as those of their competitors, at a fraction of the cost.
Whatever the factors behind this core modus operandi, it’s a strategy that finds neat expression in this release, the latest addition to Oris’s Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph line, which the manufacture debuted in 2019. That initial release was 43mm wide and around 16mm thick – a little too bulky for today’s tastes – and Oris responded to trends accordingly with a 40mm release back in 2023.
This worthy celebration of the 60th anniversary since the manufacture launched its inaugural diver’s piece also measures up at 40mm: and the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph’s newfound diminutive status sings in glorious harmony with the vintage-inspired ocean-green accents and sunray silver grey dial – as well as retro factors such as the pump pushers, condensed numerals and a shield index at 12 o’clock – found here.
For our money, it’s a piece that can be worn with semi-tailored or smart-casual ensemble, whilst those who prefer to emphasize its sporty credentials – this is a fully-fledged “divers watch” in the meaningful sense of that phrase, with 10 bar water resistance – can opt for the sustainably sourced deer leather strap from made by Oris’s partners Cervo Volante instead of the link bracelet. The beating heart behind that elegant façade, with its running-second and 30-minute subdial indications, is Oris’s Calibre 771 movement with a 62-hour power reserve.
“We believe in sharing the joy of watches rather than promoting exclusivity,” the Hölstein-based brand’s CEO recently told Monochrome: “Luxury shouldn’t say, ‘I am here, and you’ll never be.’ Instead, it should bring people together, which is at the heart of Oris’s philosophy.”
It’s a philosophy that earns sincere admiration and applause from us here at I-M Inquisitive Minds. And, it’s one which, as this latest offering proves, is executed with an extra measure of guile and passion when it comes to diving watches. One of the first companies to produce a mechanical depth gauge built into a wristwatch, Oris clearly isn’t a company to rest on its laurels.
Author: Nick Scott
If you are interested in affordable luxury sport watches, you may also like the Tissot Seastar 1000 38mm Chronograph, the Micromilspec x Black Badger Milgraph Sabotage, and the Certina DS Action Diver.
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