Monochrome Watches: Introducing the Updated Edition Oris Aquis Depth Gauge


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Oris is known for its rugged, sporty tool-watches. The Aquis is famous within the watch diving community – a collection that includes some interesting, technical, well finished but affordable tools to be used under the deep salt waters. One is particularly noticeable because it includes a clever mechanical depth gauge. On our Monochrome-Watches blog we look at this watch; the updated edition of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge.

The Oris Aquis Depth Gauge was hailed as one of the most innovative diving watches when it was launched in 2013. It answered the challenge of how to build a depth gauge into a mechanical watch. It had a pioneering depth gauge function, developed and patented by Oris. Even if we, at Monochrome-Watches, mainly focus on high-end watches, we recognized that this Oris Aquis Depth Gauge was truly interesting when it was first unveiled. And somehow, with its mechanical system to indicate depth, we found it really special – and we love special watches!

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Oris’s solution to producing a mechanical watch with a depth gauge is very unique as it allowed water to come into the watch, with an inlet in the crystal at 12 o’clock. Beneath that was a channel milled into the outside edge of the crystal covering the dial. The inlet allowed water into the channel, creating a watermark that corresponded to yellow depth gauge indications marked on the crystal, giving the diver a clear readout to a depth of 100 meters. Gaskets between the crystal and the case meant the watch was still water-resistant to 50 bar (500 meters).

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The new edition adds several visual novelties compared the previous one. Whereas the stainless steel case is still measuring a robust 46mm, it now comes in Black DLC finish. The bezel insert is changed from a black brushed finish to a tungsten insert with a silver brushed finish, with black numerals and markers for some more contrast. Tungsten is as hard as emerald. As we said, it is a proper tool watch. Inside ticks the Caliber Oris 733, a simple but robust ETA-Clone based on a Sellita SW 200-1, powering a date window at 6 o’clock and a power reserve of 38 hours.

The new edition of the Oris Aquis depth Gauge comes with a yellow rubber strap that features two additional Oris innovations – the safety anchor that prevents the strap from breaking loose, even after heavy impact; and the sliding sledge clasp, which enables the wearer to adjust the size of the strap without undoing the clasp. It is also includes a second bracelet – a black rubber strap – and comes with a pretty cool presentation box with several accessories (waterproof case, additional black rubber strap and strap-change tools.)

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The Oris Aquis Depth Gauge will be available from early May 2015 and is priced at 3,250 Swiss Francs or 2.800 Euros.

Specification:

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge – Ref. No. 733 7675 4754 Set – Ø 46.00mm

  • Automatic movement Oris cal. 733, based on Sellita SW 200-1, with date window at 6 o’clock
  • Multi-piece 46mm stainless steel case, screw-in case back and crown protection with black DLC coating. Water-resistant to 50 bar/500 meters
  • Diver’s unidirectional revolving top ring with tungsten inlay and minute scale
  • Protected screw-in crown with black DLC coating
  • Sapphire crystal, double domed with anti-reflective coating on both sides, featuring a milled channel that allows water into the watch as part of the depth gauge function.
  • Yellow meter scale read off against watermark in channel milled into sapphire crystal
  • Black dial with applied indices and Nickel hands, both with white Super- LumiNova® inlay
  • Yellow rubber strap with Oris-developed safety anchor and quick adjustment sliding-sledge folding clasp
  • Set includes waterproof case, additional black rubber strap and strap-change tools
  • Swiss Retail Price CHF 3,250/Set

 

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