Monochrome Watches
An online magazine dedicated to fine watches
Introducing

The Oris Aquis Date, Now in a 39.5mm Case

The Oris Aquis Date, one of the greatest price/quality ratios for a dive watch, now in smaller size.

| By Rebecca Doulton | 3 min read |

Oris swims in new waters with its 39.5mm iteration of the iconic Aquis Date. A formidable underwater tool, the Aquis Date is more compact and stylish, ready to conquer smaller wrist sizes, with the same tool attributes and the new design introduced on the 2017 version of the 43.5mm case.

Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm
The new Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm next to the existing 43.5mm version

Hot on the heels of the recently launched Carl Brashear Chronograph in a bronze case, Oris presents a downsized version of its Aquis Date model. Sitting alongside the classic 43.5mm Aquis Oris models, the new, more manageable case size of 39.5mm is designed to appeal to men who probably spend more time on land than underwater. Men who want a watch that will slide comfortably under a shirt cuff without losing the macho sporty appeal of a proper dive instrument. It will also work well for men with smaller wrist sizes and even women who appreciate the rugged, masculine soul of a dive watch.

Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm
The Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm with black sun-brushed dial and polished bezel

Smaller dimensions, same attributes

A smaller case size doesn’t mean fewer attributes. After all, the Oris Aquis was engineered for professional dive situations with a stainless steel case capable of plunging to depths of 300 metres. Revisited in 2017, the Aquis Date proved that a real tool watch didn’t need to look utilitarian. Equipped with a glossy black ceramic bezel, a more streamlined and less bulky profile, and even a sapphire crystal case back to view the mechanical movement, the 2017 version of the Aquis Date looked good and came with a price tag few could resist.

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Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm
The Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm with black matte dial and brushed bezel

For 2018, the Oris Aquis Date incorporates all its vital dive and design features into a smaller area. The black ceramic inlay inside the unidirectional rotating bezel – used to measure dive times – is now available with a matte or polished finish. Legibility is of the essence in a dive watch and, like the 43.5mm model, the hands, applied hour markers and the central seconds hand with its lollipop feature are enhanced with Super-LumiNova®. Three choices are offered for the dial of the 39.5mm – in blue, matte black or polished black – and, in keeping with the current trend for versatility, the Aquis Date can be paired with a stainless steel bracelet, a dark brown leather strap or a black rubber strap. Once again, the price will tempt many to take the plunge: the Aquis Date on a steel bracelet retails for CHF 1,950 and a model with a leather or rubber strap costs CHF 1,750.

Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm
The Oris Aquis Date 39.5mm with blue sun-brushed dial and polished bezel

Fitted with the same automatic Oris 733 calibre as its 43.5mm cousin (based on a Sellita SW200), the new 39.5mm model comes with a date indication at 6 o’clock and a sweeping seconds hand. The case back is screwed and features a sapphire crystal to view the movement.

More details on oris.ch.

https://monochrome.website-lab.nl/oris-aquis-date-39-5mm-dive-watch-price/

13 responses

  1. What about thickness? I would guess it’s unchanged, but since here we are talking about fitting under the cuffs…

  2. No word from Oris yet about availability. It should be officially introduced at Baselworld 2018 (in March), so expect it probably in Spring 2018.

  3. No word from Oris yet about availability. It should be officially introduced at Baselworld 2018 (in March), so expect it probably in Spring 2018.

  4. Dear Anthony, as you might see, this is not a review but an “introducing” article, based on official images. We haven’t seen the watch yet, we mainly “spread the news”. We’ll come back soon on this watch with our own photos and hands-on impressions.

  5. Im a little excited..look forward to more details and some side by side comparison photos and video. I may not be able to resist. Love Oris more and more.

  6. After years of “bigger” it’s nice to see manufacturers acknowledge not every customer wants a 44mm+ behemoth on his/her wrist. Probably also following the lead of a strong vintage market and Rolex/Tudor’s commitment to classic sizes.

    My only nits with this Oris is it’s still a bit blingy for a tool watch (as Ms. Doulton noted) and the non-standard lugs really limit aftermarket strap options. But the price is nice.

    Cheers!
    HD

  7. In agreement with all of the above…. smaller is better. The power reserve is a little low.
    Nevertheless, the timepiece is an attractive buy.

  8. $2000 for a SW200 that can be found in $300 watches. All that shinny finish doesn’t justify the price.

  9. Brice: Any idea on the metal used for the hands and indicies? Hopefully polished stainless and not plated. I am an Oris fan….my 15 year old Oris BC as been a work horse and keeps better time than my COSC Omega, but the plating (I assume rhodium) on the hands is showing some degradation. Thanks.

  10. Any idea what Oris charges for the rubber strap (or the new leather one)? As some have noted, the big downside is the proprietary strap. But their rubber strap is supposed to be great — just wanna know what they charge for it. Thanks

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