At Watches & Wonders 2024, Oris unveiled a new generation of Aquis Date, the brand's best-selling dive watches.
While a radical design change to best-selling dive watches might deter loyal buyers and create an inconsistent identity, Oris opted for barely noticeable design tweaks. These well-considered, almost invisible changes have made the Oris Aquis Date watches more elegant, comfortable to wear, and balanced, without sacrificing their diving orientation.
The Aquis Date model, launched in 2011, was conceived as robust, waterproof watches. The Aquis model, appealing to both divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, is considered solid, modern, performance-oriented, and value-driven. Emphasizing its significance in the collection, the 43.5mm version of the Aquis Date was the first model equipped with the new automatic Calibre 400, featuring a five-day power reserve, anti-magnetic components, and a 10-year warranty.
What's New in the Oris Aquis Date Model?
The new Aquis Date models, designed for a wide range of wrist sizes, are available in 43.5, 41.5, and 36.5mm cases. All models feature the automatic Oris 733 Sellita movement, except the 43.5mm model, which can be ordered with either the 733 or the powerful in-house Calibre 400.
The first update is evident in the case with its shorter, more ergonomic lugs and tapered crowns. Additionally, the brand announced a slight reduction in thickness across all models: 13.1mm, 12.9mm, and 12.2mm for the 43.5, 41.5, and 36.5mm cases - compared to 13.7mm, 13.3mm, and 12.5mm previously.
Another notable enhancement is the new stainless steel bracelet with redesigned links, wider matte central links, and a more tapered profile.
However, the new practical quick-adjustment clasp system, allowing for minor adjustments without removing the watch from the wrist, and the quick-release strap system are only available for the flagship 43.5mm Calibre 400 model and the smallest 36.5mm model. A somewhat curious choice...
The unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert has been altered in proportions, and the dial features clearer outlines of the Alpha hour and minute hands and shield-shaped hour markers. A new font was developed for the dial inscriptions, but like many other updates, it's noticeable only upon close inspection. One update that didn't go unnoticed is the date aperture background, now matching the dial color.
Common to all case sizes, regardless of the movement beneath the deck, is the inclusion of the Aquis Date Upcycle model with a dial made from recycled PET plastic. In line with the brand's commitment to sustainability, the new packaging is made from 50% recycled cardboard and paper, reducing weight and plastic material consumption.
Although the subtle changes affected all Aquis Date models, the 36.5mm version received a more aggressive design to align with the concept that "many women want watches designed for women and are also an adornment."
The bezel became narrower and now features a ceramic insert with engraved markers instead of the embossed Arabic numerals and markers seen in previous versions. The watch case has more polished areas, and the new H-design bracelet is exclusive to this model.
Aquis Date Calibre 400 43.5mm
The flagship of the new generation Aquis Date, the 43.5mm model stands out with its high-performance in-house Calibre 400 movement featuring a five-day power reserve, anti-magnetic properties, and a 10-year warranty.
Presented with a blue or green dial, with a stainless steel bracelet or a matching color rubber strap, and also the Upcycle model with a tungsten bezel insert, these models are equipped with the patented quick-release strap system and a quick-adjustment clasp.
Quick Facts: 43.5mm x 13.1mm - stainless steel - rotating bezel with ceramic or tungsten insert - green, blue, or recycled PET dial - hands and indices with Super-LumiNova - screw-down crown - 300m water resistance - Oris Calibre 400, automatic, 120-hour power reserve, hours, minutes, seconds, and date - 10-year warranty - steel bracelet EUR 3,700, rubber strap EUR 3,600, Upcycle EUR 3,750
Aquis Date 43.5mm
Six models make up the new generation Aquis Date 43.5mm lineup, with green, blue, black dials, or recycled polyethylene dials, as well as stainless steel bracelets or rubber straps. The automatic Oris 733 movement (based on Sellita 200-1) has a 38-hour power reserve.
Quick Facts: 43.5mm x 13.1mm - stainless steel - rotating bezel with ceramic insert - green, blue, black, or recycled PET dial - hands and indices with Super-LumiNova coating - screw-down crown - 300m water resistance - Oris 733 (Sellita), automatic, 38-hour power reserve, hours, minutes, hacking seconds, and date - 3-year warranty - EUR 2,400 steel bracelet, EUR 2,200 rubber strap, CHF 2,450 Upcycle
Aquis Date 41.5mm
The Aquis Date 41.5mm model, with identical features to the 43.5mm model, is available with a green, blue, black dial, or recycled PET dial, with a steel bracelet or rubber strap and the automatic Oris 733 movement.
Quick Facts: 41.5mm x 12.9mm - stainless steel - rotating bezel with ceramic insert - green, blue, black, or recycled PET dial - hands and indices with Super-LumiNova coating - screw-down crown - 300m water resistance - Oris 733 (Sellita), automatic, 38-hour power reserve, hours, minutes, hacking seconds, and date - 3-year warranty - EUR 2,400 steel bracelet, EUR 2,200 rubber strap, CHF 2,450 Upcycle
Aquis Date 36.5mm
The Aquis Date 36.5mm model, undoubtedly undergoing the most changes, now features a ceramic insert with fine engraved markers on a narrower rotating bezel. Three dial options are available: black, creamy mother-of-pearl, or recycled PET plastic, with hands and indices with SLN coating.
The new H-design bracelet, unique to this sub-collection, is equipped with a new quick-adjustment clasp system. The Aquis Date 36.5mm model can also be fitted with a sporty rubber strap matching the dial color.
Quick Facts: 36.5mm x 12.2mm - stainless steel - rotating bezel with ceramic insert - black, creamy mother-of-pearl, or recycled PET dial - hands and indices with Super-LumiNova coating - screw-down crown - 300m water resistance - Oris 733 (Sellita), automatic, 38-hour power reserve, hours, minutes, hacking seconds, and date - 3-year warranty - EUR 2,400 steel bracelet, rubber strap EUR 2,200, Upcycle CHF 2,450
For more information, please visit Oris's official website.