Introducing – Oris Aquis Small Second Date

Earlier this year, prior to Baselworld 2017, Oris introduced a facelifted version of its most emblematic watch, the Aquis. More refined, better executed, more modern and of course still perfectly suitable as a professional dive watch… It seems that tool-watch lovers appreciated this new design, and so the entire Aquis collection is now going through this facelift process, to create a consistent line up. Today, the Oris Aquis Small Second Date, a watch that not only offers a different display but also a larger size and an increased water resistance, is introduced in its 2017 version.

As with the “Date” version of the Oris Aquis, the standard / cornerstone watch of the collection, the recipe used on the Small Second Date is similar. The new generation of Aquis is now being deployed throughout the range. The Oris Aquis Small Second Date benefits from the stylish redesign introduced to the Aquis line this year. Oris’s designers have made the horns and bracelet thinner, giving the case a more slender profile. The hands and indices have been redesigned to look bolder and sharper (with a more angular design, being more modern overall), and the screw-in crown and crown-guards have been refined to give the watch a sleeker silhouette. The bezel inlay is made of black ceramic, and the dial now proudly carries the Aquis name. Also, a small gap between the case and the bezel has been added, making the bezel easier to grip and adjust.

With the Oris Aquis Small Second Date, we have a slightly different display than on the standard time-and-date version. The indication of the seconds is a mandatory feature on a respected dive watch, as it ensures at a glance that the watch is actually running (as specified by the ISO 6425 norm), yet it is not the most crucial indication on such a timepiece. Thus, in order to bring the light on the minute hand (the one that helps to time diving sessions, thanks to the rotating bezel), the second has been placed on a sub-dial at 9. To balance the display, the date window has been placed at 3. This specific display has been created internally by Oris watchmakers (on a Sellita base movement), in response to the diving community’s feedback.

The new Oris Aquis Small Second Date not only differs by its display. Compared to the “Aquis Date” model, the water resistance has been increased to 500m / 50 bar – underlining its credentials as a powerful, toolish, professionally-oriented dive watch. Also, the case is now 45.5mm instead of 43.5mm on the 3-hand version. However, besides these technical evolutions, the design is now totally in line with the rest of the Aquis watches.

The Oris Aquis Small Second Date will be available to begin with 2 dial options, both well known by Oris collectors. The first one shows the classical black dial / orange hands and markers combination (orange is one of the most visible colours underwater). The second one features the very appealing “gradient blue” dial, with silver hands and indexes, with white luminous paint. Both editions can be ordered with a rubber strap (black or blue) or with a solid stainless steel bracelet. Whatever the option, both are fitted with security and quick-adjust clasps. The price for the Oris Aquis Small Second Date will be CHF 2,200 on a strap and CHF 2,400 on metal bracelet. More details on www.oris.ch.

Technical Specifications – Oris Aquis Small Second Date

• Case: 45.5mm Diameter – stainless steel, brushed and polished, screw-in crown – unidirectional rotating bezel with black ceramic inlay – sapphire crystal on the dial side, plain steel back – 500m water resistant
• Movement: Oris Cal. 743, based on Sellita SW 220-1 – automatic – 4Hz frequency – 38h power reserve – 26 jewels – hours, minutes, small second, date
• Strap / Bracelet: black or blue rubber strap, sliding-sledge folding clasp with extension – stainless steel bracelet with extension
• References: 01 743 7733 4135 RS (Blue dial) – 01 743 7733 4159 RS (Black and orange dial)
• Price: Swiss retail price – CHF 2,200 on a strap – CHF 2,400 on metal bracelet