Oris Divers Sixty-Five 12H Calibre 400: The Pleasure of Discrete Performance

The phrase ‘the only watch you’ll ever need’ is not one I consider using lightly. Few watches can live up to the standard of the phrase by my requirements, though some do come awfully close. The newest to do so is the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 12H Calibre 400.

The watch is not even that different from the other timepieces in the Divers Sixty-Five collection from the brand, with the exception that it features a turnable bezel with 12-hour markings, easily allowing it to display a second timezone. One can debate if you can still call it a bonafide divers watch with such a bezel, but personally, I travel more than that I dive.

This makes the Divers Sixty-Five Divers Sixty-Five 12H Calibre 400 most of all a practical watch, which is honest and straightforward in its design, yet with enough details to keep things interesting. Another advantage of this is that I expect this model to age with grace, making it perhaps even more desirable as it collects a few scratches and patina decorates your faithful (travel) companion.

Oris maintained the 40mm case and fitted it with their manufacture caliber 400, satisfying the watch snob in me. This movement is not only pleasant to look at, with its nearly symmetrical layout, but also a more than ample performer offering a power reserve of 5 days. A date function is neatly integrated into the design of the dial at 6 o’clock. While it is easy to read, it doesn’t dominate, giving the rest of the dial a chance to shine with its powerful ‘less-is-more’ approach.

Some might furrow an eyebrow at the 10 ATM/ 100 meters water resistance of the Divers Sixty-Five Divers Sixty-Five 12H Calibre 400, but I, for one, have never come even close to this depth when scuba diving. Oris is offering the watch on either a metal bracelet or a black leather strap. My advice is to get both. On the bracelet, it is a superb sports watch, while the black leather straps makes it look surprisingly formal.

As the diameter is relatively modest, and the design restrained, it never overpowers an outfit, making it appropriate for a broad range of social functions. I would even suggest that you find yourself a nice brown strap as well, as this gives the Divers Sixty-Five Divers Sixty-Five 12H Calibre 400 a slightly more classic vibe. Overall, I still don’t believe that there is one watch out there for me that has it all, but this Oris is the closest I most likely will ever get.

For more info, visit Oris, here.