Oris really do hold their own when it comes to specialising in premium Divers watches. Those who have an affinity with vintage style timepieces will adore the new Oris Divers Sixty Five model which draws inspiration from its heritage. Cherishing the angular-design bezel and striking retro dial, the brand commemorates the success of the 1965 release and have upsized the diameter of the watchface to seize modern tastes. Fortunately Oris have not only refreshed the watch’s functionality with purpose, but have grasped the concept of a contemporary watch with taste and decorum also.
The original model featured a chromium-plated brass case, radioactive titrium filled hands/indices and a bi-directional rotating bezel. With that in
mind, the new reinterpreted version keeps a strong 60’s style conveyed through the baton hour markers and square numbers, however the strength and durability of the watch has been nourished by upgrading the materials used for the case and window. The bubble-glass scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass with anti-glare properties increases legibility and the anti-corrosive stainless steel case protects from eroding, chipping or shattering. The use of the uni-directional rotating bezel reassures the diver that spent oxygen and time can only display a longer duration (if the bezel is knocked or mistakenly adjusted),never shorter. The dimensions of the watch are ideal – a 40mm diameter and super thin depth which balances the large screw down crown with good proportion. Basic daily functioning of the watch will be a guilty pleasure for all Oris lovers as it is apparent that attention to detail and great thought has gone into the conservation of the original design. The subtle date window is a beautiful addition to the simplistic physiognomy of the watch, bringing a gentle contrast to the black aluminium inlay of the bezel and pill-shaped winding crown. The non-intrusive font and size of the integrated chapter ring offers a perfect match to the black backdrop. Overall the watch looks symmetric and easy on the eye – a certainty found within any line of Oris’ achievements but particularly those of the Divers’ bloodline. The lollipop pip seconds sweepers hand adds weight to the face without over exaggerating its definite presence. But if it is one thing in particular that I love about this watch, it is that the Divers Sixty Five manages to remain so grounded to its roots. It really hasn’t journeyed too far away from its modest genetic make-up. Whether we inspect the interiors, the exteriors, or just admire the watch from a distance, we can appreciate that this new offspring has been nurtured to carry all the admirable traits of a pedigree Oris masterpiece.
Both configurations of the watch on either the tropical rubber strap or the nato style with embossed textile pattern completes the timepiece exquisitely, add to the vintage-inspired decor. Although the basic bricks and mortar of the watch have undergone specialised improvements, the Oris Divers Sixty Five priced at a pleasant £1,150.00, has been carefully and lovingly refined to retain its genuine aesthetic and enticing appeal. pre-orders for both versions of the watch are now taking place here.
