Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403
Dubai Watch Week
Oris Upgrades Its Big Crown Pointer Date With A Calibre 403 Movement
Today, Watchonista goes hands-on with Oris’ newest Calibre 400-equipped timepiece.
By Josh Shanks
Contributor
Our friends at Oris have been on a tear recently with their in-house Calibre 400 movement. Thanks to silicon anchor and escapement wheels and a slew of technical achievements, the new movement features optimal anti-magnetism as well as a service interval of 10 years.
And since the launch, Oris has been quietly adding the Calibre 400 movement throughout its product lines. From the Aquis Date to the Carl Brashear, Oris has equipped almost every one of its new releases with iterations of the Calibre 400 movement. My favorite might be the 41.5mm Aquis Date versions released this summer.
However, since its introduction in 1938, the Big Crown Pointer Date has endured a World War, the quartz crisis, and now a pandemic. Yet, despite all these obstacles, ever since its debut, the Big Crown Pointer Date has been in continuous production and celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2018. And, today, it gets upgraded for generations yet to come.
Its First Appearance at Dubai Watch Week
For the brand’s first appearance at Dubai Watch Week, Oris has introduced a new Calibre 400 equipped model of the Big Crown Pointer Date and a unique re-introduction of the Oris Rectangular, but more on that in the days and weeks to come.
The New Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403
This past summer, the Calibre 400 movement made its first appearance inside a Big Crown Pointer Date model (one of Oris’ most popular families) with the Big Crown Pointer-Date Hölstein Edition 2021. A monochromatic model, this special edition was created to celebrate the birthday of the Hölstein, Switzerland-based brand. And while the Hölstein Edition 2021 has long been sold-out, today Oris introduces a non-limited version: the Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403.
This new Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 features a glossy blue dial with printed Super-LumiNova indices and numerals. The Calibre 403 movement is equipped with small seconds and pointer date complications, which gives it the 403 classification from the original Calibre 400 ebauche. The new movement is visible via a sapphire crystal caseback. Most notably, the brand has replaced the fluted bezel with a smooth stainless steel one.
Boasting a five-day power reserve and an accuracy of -3/+5 seconds a day, the new Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 is not only aesthetically pleasing but accurate to boot. The game-changing movement also comes with a ten-year warranty, unheard of in today’s market.
Oris’ Senior Product Design Engineer, Lukas Bühlmann, explained why this new timepiece was such a step forward for the brand: “This is a milestone product for Oris because it demonstrates how our design heritage and innovative Movement Creation Program can come together in a contemporary watch design. There’s huge potential in it.”
In the metal, the watch is remarkably robust despite its small stature. The collection’s signature oversized crown feels substantial to the touch, and the piece has a vintage aesthetic despite its ultra-modern movement. Oris continues to make strides with its leather straps, and the black leather version on the new Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 might be the softest and most supple yet. Like other Big Crown Pointer Date models, the strap features a quick strap change system on its underside.
If I didn’t already own a gaggle of Oris watches, I’d highly consider picking up the new Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403. As a collector of the brand, it might soon be time to acquire a Calibre 400 piece. It really is an impressive movement.
Pricing & Availability
The new Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 is priced at $3,400 and is available now at authorized Oris retailers and the brand’s website.
To learn more about the Calibre 400 movement, check out our in-depth article and interview with Oris Co-CEO Rolf Studer and COO Beat Fischli.
Visit our dedicated Dubai Watch Week page to read all about this week’s latest releases.
(Photography by Liam O’Donnell)
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