Watches and Wonders
Serenity Now: Oris Debuts Two Pleasing New Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 Models
These new timepieces come in earthy green and terracotta as well as two strap options.
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
At Watches and Wonders 2025, “storytelling” and “emotion” were big buzzwords, but long before this epic week in Geneva, Hölstein-based Oris has been excellent at capturing both qualities.
Founded in 1904, it’s one of the few remaining independent Swiss watchmakers. The brand’s story is also tied to its commitment to the environment – Oris is independently certified as climate neutral, and sustainability factors into all its manufacturing moves.
As for the emotion part, Oris has been crushing it with its dials. In the last three years, the Maison released the captivating ProPilot X Caliber 400 Laser (the dial is laser cut to allow light into mini pockets on the dial's surface), the feel-good Aquis Date Upcycle (one-of-kind faces made from recycled plastics), and of course, the super fun ProPilot X Kermit and Miss Piggy Editions.
This year, Oris delves into its history with two new editions of its Big Crown Pointer Date housing the brand’s in-house Calibre 403 and featuring calming green and terracotta dials.
Big Plans
Here’s the storytelling part.
The original Big Crown was introduced in 1938 and has been in production ever since. Designed for pilots, its defining feature is the date display using a central hand rather than an aperture. Like most Swiss brands, Oris went through some turbulence during the 1970s (we really should rename this era “the mergers and acquisitions crisis” and stop blaming everything on Quartz movements).
Anyway, when Oris regained its independence in 1982, a re-edition of the Big Crown Pointer Date was its standard bearer. Over time, this collection has remained a best-seller because of its historic legacy and its sheer Oris-ness. Just as the brand gives great value for the cost, the Big Crown Pointer Date presents its own duality. It works just as well a casual collection as it does in more formal situations.
More compelling still, it’s not so subtle that it doesn’t stand out. This year, the book of the Big Crown Pointer Date gets a new chapter with two additions to the Calibre 403 family. This in-house developed automatic movement was introduced in 2021 and features above par anti-magnetic performance that promises to be accurate to -3/+5 seconds a day. Housed inside a 40mm stainless steel case, this automatic also offers a five-day power reserve and a 10-year warranty.
Big Mood
Here’s the emotion part.
Colorful dials just make you feel good, and in the current climate, we need every little hit of joy we can get. The new Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 comes in either green or terracotta. As previously stated, Oris has had much success with rosy and verdant dials in the past – not just with the Kermit and Miss Piggy but with the Cotton Candy capsules. This time around, the shades provide a more grounding experience, with a subdued green and terracotta as substitute for pink.
The dial colorways aren’t the only thing making us emotional – the dial composition also features an incredible amount of depth. The surface has a stippled texture, which only adds to the soothing effect of the color. Yet somehow the printed Super-LumiNova-filled indices and numerals are so crisp that they appear separate from this plane. The case and smooth stainless-steel bezel also contribute to a sense of serenity.
Both versions are available with two strap options: the new H-link metal bracelet with brushed and polished links for a sportier look or a sustainable deer-leather strap supplied by Oris’ long-time Swiss partner Cervo Volante. Both options are very comfortable to wear.
Pricing & Availability
The price of this pair of Big Crown Pointer Calibre 403s is also mood-elevating. Both variations are available now, with pricing at $4,100 for the leather strap or $4,300 for the metal bracelet. For more information, head over to the Oris website.