Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Oris Dive Control Limited Edition – A Robust Chronograph with Bezel-Locking Device
An evolution of the Oris high-performance ProDiver watch, made for professional divers.
There’s no denying that Oris has a consolidated background in diving watches. While recent introductions have been more “lifestyle” (yet very good) watches, the brand makes a comeback to rugged, professional-oriented, purpose-built watches today. An evolution of Oris’ high-performance ProDiver watch, made for professional divers, this new piece proves that a chronograph can be a proper diving tool too. Say hello to the Oris Dive Control Limited Edition, featuring a practical safety device for the bezel and a water-resistance of “just” 1,000m.
The combination of a chronograph and a dive watch has always been regarded as rather irrelevant. Not that this function can’t be useful for a diver – it actually makes a lot of sense – but a chronograph is, inherently, a watch with multiple holes in its case… and that isn’t the best situation for a dive watch. However, Oris believes that a diving chronograph is relevant and proves it with this new Dive Control Limited Edition and its robust, ultra-waterproof case.
Design-wise, this new model is based on the other ProDiver watches already in the collection. It means a hefty case of 51mm – yet still sort of wearable, as the lugs are extremely short – and full black attire, with a titanium case and PVD coating. The dial also relies on the usual wave pattern in the background and multiple yellow accents on the dial and pushers.
Being a robust diving watch, the Oris Dive Control Limited Edition features a screw-in crown and screwed pushers, as well as a plain titanium caseback and an automatic helium escape valve – the required elements of a watch capable of fathoming depths of 1 kilometre. The watch is delivered on a black rubber strap and an additional yellow rubber strap is included in the box.
What makes this watch unique is the presence of both a chronograph – a device that will be more precise than the rotating bezel when it comes to timing elapsed times – and a safety device on the bezel. In order to avoid false calculations, the bezel features the Oris-patented Rotation Safety System, or RSS, a signature device that securely locks the unidirectional rotating bezel in place during a dive. If you want to rotate the bezel, you first have to pull it up, then rotate and finally put it back securely in place.
Inside the case is the Oris Calibre 774, a slightly modified movement based on a Sellita SW-500 (itself a Valjoux 7750 clone). This means a solid automatic chronograph with a 48h power reserve and the usual 6-9-12 chronograph layout and date at 6 o’clock.
The Oris Dive Control Limited Edition (ref. 01 774 7727 7784-Set) will be produced in 500 pieces. It will be available at retailers in the coming days and priced at CHF 4,850. More details at oris.ch.
6 responses
Quite a nice watch. And finally not another desk diver.
Not sure about the „uniqueness“ though. The specs (including the bezel) sound much like a Sinn U1000 S – and that one having the advantage that the chronograph pusher can actually be used under water.
But I habe to check, whether it also has a helium valve.
I have to check. For the amount, a Seamaster Planet Ocean would be a more pocket justified purchase.
Marco
I’m a fan of Oris, but ain’t feeling this one. For one, the design of the various hands seem all over the place; thin and sharp subdial hands vs stubby and round hour-minute hands. Then we have the strap integration, which looks like an afterthought. Can’t imagine what it’ll look like on wrists smaller than 7 inches. Don’t even get me started on the date window. Maybe it’s just me…
this would be perfect in 42mm
I too have a soft spot for Oris and I own one myself. It is well-made and keeps good time. However, I feel this particular watch is a bit pointless. I mean sure, there are people out there with 9″ wrists who want a chronograph, but I don’t think many who make their living underwater are going to buy this. Oris’ recent in-house calibre models are also huge. I sincerely hope they are not becoming The New Breitling!
51mm – certainly not a desk-diver and as such sensible to make it in limited numbers. However, limited numbers are for short production runs, that sort of defeats the object. Why not rather consider a special ‘made-to-order’ program – then it will be there for those whom enter the market somewhere in the future.