![]() ![]() The stunning-yet-subtle blue dial adds just enough spice to the flavour of the watch. But is so simple, subtle and understated. It has everything- minute markers, a date and a sweeping seconds hand. ![]() The style of the watch is classy and understated. The double-folding clasp is smooth and secured by two little buttons or pushers for opening it. And then I was really impressed by the tapered bracelet- elegant. The word that comes to mind when describing the Oris on the wrist is “elegant.” It felt surprisingly light when I first tried it on. Right now, I have the seconds hand perfectly synced so that it hits 60 exactly as the minute hand lines up with its marker. Sometimes, the minute hand does not actually jump, in which case, I repeat the process and succeed the second time. I set the minute hand to half a minute behind the time I want and, when I snap in the crown, it almost always hits the minute marker dead-on. It is incredibly frustrating! I played around with it for a couple of days and I refined my technique. After setting the time, you push in the crown and the minute hand jumps off its position. Setting the movement is very awkward at first. But I certainly love this aspect of the Caliber 400.īefore trying the Oris, I was reminded that a double-barrel movement can act and feel differently to a typical movement. I was not able to test the power reserve, as I wanted to wear and experience the watch rather than letting it sit for 5 days. And the accuracy on this test watch is good- running at +2 to +3 seconds per day. The Caliber 400 hits all the right notes for me. As you wind the movement, you can see the big gears turning, which is really cool. It looks fantastic and you can see it through the exhibition case back, which you don’t have on most diving watches. The look is all compact, monotone, industrial, sleek and modern. There is no signature red rotor as on other Oris (Sellita) movements. I also had a stand-alone Caliber 400 movement to examine. Through the wondrous Oris virtual reality kit, I have seen the Caliber 400 from the inside! I am not a technical guy, but I loved seeing the escapement and the barrels as well as all the tiny screws. The Aquis takes this sophisticated engine and packages it within a beautiful and simple watch. And my favourite aspect of Caliber 400 is the whopping 10 years of warranty. Dual barrels offer 5 days of power reserve, while some new silicon components help the movement to achieve an accuracy of -3 seconds to +5 seconds per day. It contains over 30 anti-magnetic components that allow resistance up to 2,250 gauss! In a world surrounded by speakers, monitors and smart devices, this is a comforting level of protection- probably more significant than the 300m water resistance. At the heart of the watch is a brand new engine with advanced anti-magnetic properties. The essence of the Oris Aquis Caliber 400 is its blend of simplicity and complexity. ![]() And the Caliber 400 seemed like a big step forward for Oris. A new movement from a top brand is always big news. I first heard of the Caliber 400 about two days before the story hit the news! In my mind, the Caliber 400 was one of the most exciting and noteworthy nuggets of news from the watch world of 2020. I just did not feel the motivation to do it. I have actually declined offers to review a few different watches in the past year. But it has been a long time since I actually obtained a watch for the sole purpose of testing it. And I have reviewed some of my own watches. How did the Oris address my queries? Let’s find out…Įven before COVID hit the world, I had really slowed down my watch review activity. What role can a “diving watch” play in such an environment? How will I be able to enjoy this luxury piece in the eventual new normal? These are the questions I asked myself as I came home with the Oris Aquis Caliber 400 (and a pile of promotional goodies). I am not seeing anyone except for my own family. ![]() And we are still right in the middle of it- how can I evaluate a luxury wristwatch while confined to my basement? I am not going to the office, or on vacation, or to cocktail parties where I can show off a watch. In a previous article, I wrote about the relevance of watches during a global crisis. ![]()
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