Oris has been stepping up the game lately with their recent Calibre 400 movement release, and now a watch to house this incredible movement. The Swiss brand’s current collection is made up of high-performance fit-for-purpose mechanical watches. It was a tough choice however, to see which of their current timepieces would be worthy and fit to house the new groundbreaking Calibre 400 movement. First model that was chosen to implement the new calibre 400 is the Oris Aquis Date.
Watch advice recently had an in-depth look at the Calibre 400 movement from Oris and how this is groundbreaking for not only the brand but for the watch industry as a whole. For the price that the Calibre 400 movement is offered for and the amount of value you get back, Oris has redefined what a timepiece should provide for the everyday collector.
Oris chose to use a model from the Aquis range for the Calibre 400 movement due to characteristics of the Aquis timepieces. The Aquis around the globe is recognised as being an iconic contemporary divers watch. The timepieces are robust, reliable and come equipped with a variety of functions—the perfect candidate for the Calibre 400, a movement that share the same characteristics.
Case:
The new Aquis Date Calibre 400 comes in a multi-piece stainless steel 43.5mm case. The case has been designed using sharp lines and chamfered edges, creating an overall refined look. The case has a water resistance of 300m (30 Bar), making it safe for swimming and everyday wear. A unique feature that has been implemented into the case is Oris’s newest patented development, the Quick Strap Change System. Oris has engineered the new system in a way that allows the wearer to be able to quickly release the strap for changing by merely lifting a flap from the back of the watch. No tools or jewellers are required. Quick and easy.
The Aquis Date calibre 400 comes with a uni-directional rotating bezel with a beautiful blue bezel that nicely compliments the dial. The bezel markings are done in contrasting white for easy legibility.
Dial:
While this Aquis Date Calibre 400 looks similar to other models in Oris’s Aquis collection, this new model comes with a number of differences to the standard model. The first notable difference is the inscription on the dial where it says “5 days”, a reference to Calibre 400’s staggering 5-day power reserve. The date window at 6 o’clock position has also been given a bump in size, with the background of disk changed from white to black.
Oris has given the Aquis Date Calibre 400 a stunning gradient blue dial. The outer colour of the dial starts of almost black with the colour blue becoming more prominent as it gets to the centre of the dial. Under different lighting angles, you get a beautiful sunburst effect as well. The hour indices along with the hour, minute and seconds hand with their white Superluminova coating stands out well against the gradient blue dial.
The dial, as it should be on this timepiece, is kept relatively simple. This simplicity lets the beautiful gradient blue dial with the white contrasting markers/hands be the main centrepiece and talking point of the dial.
It’s worth nothing that Oris’s Aquis range comes with many different shades of blue. The Aquis date Calibre 400 addes another shade of blue to an already extensive colour palette, with this new shade sitting more closely to the Great Barrier Reef models blue.
Movement:
The engine powering this new Aquis Date Calibre 400 is Oris’s latest masterpiece. We have covered this movement in full detail, which you can see here. To put it simply, the new calibre 400 movement will revolutionise what an everyday watch movement should offer. The Calibre 400 movement comes with numerous features including being highly anti-magnetic and also high precision (-3/+5 seconds a day, within COSC tolerances). The main feature is, of course, the 5-day power reserve. For how much this watch is priced at, to be able to offer a movement with 5-day power reserve from a Swiss brand is very impressive.
The Aquis Date Calibre 400 does come with an open case back in which you can admire this wonderful movement in full operation. The sapphire case back is also the largest Oris has ever installed on an Aquis date, so the viewer can see as much of the movement as possible. The rotor on the movement has Oris’s logo, with the rest of it being hollowed out so that it doesn’t obstruct the view of calibre 400 underneath.
How does it wear?:
For me the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 sits well on 6.5inch wrist without feeling too large and has excellent wrist presence. With the watch case being 43.5mm it might seem like it’ll be on the broad side for some, but Oris has done well to reduce the perception of the watch being big by tapering in the lugs for a snug fit. The watch does feel a bit thick as it measures roughly 12.5mm, however, this is a dive watch with a solid build, and a little bit of thickness comes with the territory. It’s not something that will deter you away from making this a daily wearer.
The gradient blue dial certainly is aesthetically pleasing to look at. In low light conditions the dial appears to be navy/black, but outdoors and in sunlight, the blue really comes out. Legibility of the dial as we have already mentioned is super clean that’s to the direct colour contrast. This is certainly a watch made for the outdoors and social events, and if you don’t mind a little bit of bulkiness, can certainly be matched with formal wear.
We had the opportunity to wear this watch prior to launch, and everyone that had a chance to try it was pleasantly surprised by the design, the price point and the impressive 5-day power reserve. We can’t wait to see how well this watch will be appreciated once it hits the market.
The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 has two strap options available. Firstly the stainless steel bracelet, which in our opinion is the best option as it matches nicely with the case and brings the best out of the timepiece. The second option is a black rubber strap, which can be worn for more sporty events or swimming. Thanks to Oris’s new quick strap change system, this interchangeability along with the 5-day power reserve, will make this timepiece a great daily all-rounder.
If you are in the market for a robust dive watch, an entry level all rounder or even your first Swiss watch, we can’t think of many watches that can offer what the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 can.
Oris’s has an impressive 10-year warranty on the Aquis Date Calibre 400. In fact, its any timepiece carrying the Calibre 400 movement. It shows how reliable this movement is and how Oris proudly stands by their latest creation. To be eligible for the 10-year warranty, you need to register the watch at MyOris.
The best part of this watch is its price point. Oris has done extremely well to keep this watch under 5000 AUD, in fact on stainless steel its priced at 4800 AUD and with the Rubber strap its priced at 4600 AUD.
Oris have been releasing some great watches in 2020 and they have saved the best for last. This latest timepiece is sure to be a hit in the watch community and watch lovers all around. A timepiece sitting at a great price point with a game-changing movement and with beautiful looks to match, this is just the beginning for Oris!
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 Specification:
- Case : 43.5mm, 12.5mm thickness and approximately 50mm lug-lug
- Case material : Stainless steel
- Dial: Blue
- Crystal : Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
- Water resistance : 300 meters
- Movement : Oris 400
- Power reserve : 5 days
Australian Retail Pricing :
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 on stainless steel bracelet : $4,800.00
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 on rubber strap: $4,600.00
Availability : Available now
Enquire at local Authorised dealers :
- Brisbane – The Hour Glass
- Melbourne – Hardy Brothers
- Sydney – Gregory Jewellers and Wamada Jewellery
- Perth – Hardy Brothers
