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Oris Carlos Coste Cenote Limited Edition Watch Hands-On

admin — Sat, 28 May 2011 07:07:40 +0000

Continuing their relationship with deep going free diver Carlos Coste, Oris produces another limited edition dive watch for the world record holder. This new watch is the Oris Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series timepiece - and will be offered as a set of 2000 pieces.

Coste just completed a new dive record by diving to 150 meters into the Don Ojos cenote (cave network) under Yucatan in Mexico. Coste, a Venezuelan native, dove down using minimal equipment. I have placed some videos here of his other dives - and you can see him wearing an Oris watch in them.

The Oris Carlos Coste Limited Edition Diver is in high-grade titanium and 46mm wide. Oris makes some of the best diving watches around - and this piece exhibits all those features, plus a few extras. Additional features revolve around the chronograph markings on the dial which are said to assist with special dive times under water. Looking at the chronograph minute dial, you can see a special "1-10" scale done in luminant. The triangles are 2.5 minutes and 7.5 minutes refer to breath-holding records Carlos has set. While not functional - they aren't distracting and help remind of the diver's achievements.

Aside from this special dial, there is a unique blue and white caseback image to differentiate this limited edition watch. Oris watches typically have such special casebacks for these limited edition divers. The one here has Carlos Coste's logo - one that looks like a strung out wet rag... or worse. I actually think that it is supposed to be a profile look at him diving down wearing flippers - I think.

Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement with Oris' signature red rotor. The case is thick, but comfortable. It is water resistant to 500 meters and has an AR coated sapphire crystal. Diving features include an automatic helium escape valve on the side of the case and large pushers. Of course the case has a sizable diver's bezel that is in steel and ceramic. The black ceramic has cut numerals and markers that are are then filled with SuperLumiNova. The effect in the dark is quite cool. The dial is legible and all Oris DNA.

Like other Oris divers, the bracelet is very thick, but also comfortable. Here in titanium, Oris provides two rubber straps with the Carlos Coste Cenote Limited Edition watch as well. One strap has a traditional buckle, while the other has a deployment clasp. The kit also comes with strap changing tools. While not dramatically unique in comparison to many of Oris' other dive watches, The Carlos Coste is a great piece for his fans as well as those who are keen to own limited edition models. Price for each of the 2000 pieces is about $4,300.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris BC3 Air Racing GMT Limited Edition Watch Hands-On

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 09:24:43 +0000

The GMT version of the updated Oris BC3 comes as a limited edition done for the Oris Big Crown Sky Racing team. Why does "Big Crown" need to be in that term? I know that Big Crown is a line if watches from Oris, but does that mean there are other Oris Sky Racing teams? Anyhow - that BC3 Air Racing Limited Edition watch comes in the same 42mm wide case as the BC3, but here in titanium. It also has a special red ring about the crown to go with the GMT hand.

In the Oris promo video you can see these guys flying around at the Reno Air Show. I like all the air racing teams that various brands sponsor. I can name at least half a dozen brands that have them - most all are very talented, skilled, and impressive. The BC3 collection is just one collection of aviator Oris watches. They also have some vintage inspired ones, but the BC3 is a functionalist, minimalist's dream. The design is one that isn't immediately exciting, but it really does grow on you - especially because it is so comfortable and legible.

The addition of the GMT complication is thanks to use of a Swiss ETA 2893-2 automatic movement (don't forget that Oris uses their custom red rotors). This is one of the more discreet implementations of a GMT hand as it does not extend to the end of the dial. Though the hand is in red and does have a dedicated 24 hour scale. The face really is supremely readable.

On the back of the watch is an engraving of a Oris Sky Racing Team plane. The collection is limited to 1,000 pieces (not sure of price right now). Oris offers the BC3 Air Racing watch on a titanium bracelet or a rubber strap. I really like this limited edition GMT model, and think that it makes a pleasing addition to the standard BC3 watch collection.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator Watch

admin — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:02:58 +0000

Usually Oris "Big Crown" watches are rather retro. This one isn't as retro visually and feels like something a helicopter pilot would have worn during the Vietnam era, or even today. Though none of that is what the watch is based on - at least through name. Oris opted to dedicate this new watch to the famous Bell X-1 range of planes that were designed and flown simply to go fast.

First flow in what I believe was the late 1940s, the X-1 was basically a flying bullet powered by a rocket engine. It was also the first plane to break the sound barrier and had a top speed of about Mach 1.1. They look a bit ahead of their time, like fighter planes from a 1960s era sci fi flick. Especially because many of them were painted orange. Aside from feeling like something that would be at home in the cockpit of an X-1 plane, the only real nod to the X-1 are the "X" and "1" character done in relief on the chronograph pushers.

Like any aspiring pilot's chronograph watch, the Oris Big Crown X-1 Calculator has a rotating slide rule bezel (hence the "calculator" part of the name). I know, I know, but recall that back in the era of the X-1, slide rules were still used. While the dial is bold looking and cluttered, it doesn't feel like a sad joke of hands and markers. This is thanks for the polished layout and large hands that are ready to read above all the stuff going on at the outer edges of the dial. Inside the case is a Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. Oris placed the day and date indicators at different places on the dial.

The case is pretty hefty being 46mm wide - larger it seems than other Oris Big Crown watches as of late. The steel case is done in a gunmetal PVD coating which looks cool with the dial and coined edge bezel. While the case and dial are pretty nice, I feel that having a water resistance of only 30 meters for the case is too little. The crystal however is sapphire, and the dial is coated with SuperLumiNova luminant. Not being a limited edition Oris watch, the Big Crown X-1 Calculator will be part of the standard collection for a while and is matched to a black calfskin strap. Because the watch uses a basic movement and a design that is only a basic revision of things we have seen before, I don't anticipate a huge price for this timepiece.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris Artix Complication Watch

admin — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:51:15 +0000

Oris continues their classy "Complication" watch collection with the Artix. Easy on the eyes, and available with a six-link steel metal bracelet or leather strap. It is a graceful creation, and offers a decent mechanical annual calendar watch (with a symmetrical dial layout) at a reasonable price. With more and more watches like this coming out, I wonder what Oris' new direction in the States is going to be.Â I say this because Swiss Oris recently fully took over the US division. So we will just wait and see.

The Artix Complication looks like it uses a stripped down ETA Valjoux 775 automatic movement in the watch. Though it does not. The 7751 provides these functions (and more), but can be stripped down to this style. Oris instead uses a Sellita SW200 with a module for the annual calendar and moon phase functions. They call the movement the Calibre Oris 915.Â The style of the layout is in the traditional "triple calendar" look - which is most always appreciated. An interesting point here is the "pointer" style date indicator while uses a dial in the center of the face as opposed to on the periphery of it.

Coming in a 42mm wide steel case, the size is good for most people, and a watch of this style. Crystal is sapphire, with another one over the caseback. Oris says that they place SuperLumiNova on the hands and indices, but I don't see lume on places other then the hands. I quite like the sloped flange ring with the applied metal Arabic hour numerals - a nice touch. I think that overall the dial should have a nice three dimensional feel to it. You tend to see Oris watches like this designed well, and I appreciate that they are competent with dive, racing, vintage style, and classy watches alike. Price should be somewhere in the $2,000 range.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris 4e RHFS Limited Edition Watch

admin — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 07:01:15 +0000

Based on the good ol' Oris BC4 watch, comes this special limited edition version that was made for, and tested by the French 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4ème Regiment d’Helicoptères des Forces Speciales). These are one of the main helicopter regiment guys in France. Would it be a good idea for anyone to make more watches to celebrate US regiments and divisions? While I am sure these guys in France are as hardcore as they come... on the world scene the French military doesn't exactly have a bad-ass "we are gonna win and beat the crap out of you" reputation. That pretty much ended with Napoleon. And these days most people just remember him as a funny little man as opposed to a brilliant military leader-Â but I digress.

According to Oris, the 4e RHFS watch (that totally could have been named better) was actually tested by the 4th regiment - which is pretty neat. Like I said, the watch is based on the Oris BC4 collection, but has some fun differences. First is the 42.7mm wide steel case (water resistant to 100 meters) with PVD gunmetal gray coating. It has an aviation style black leather strap with white stitching and a very easy to read dial.

Oris watches tend to always have highly legible dials, but this one is a great mix of style and beauty. There is something even classic to it. There are also indicators of what the special edition is all about. First, note the blue, white, and red colored tip at the end of the chronograph seconds hand. French flag anyone? There is also the lightly done logo of the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment in the subsidiary seconds dial. Nice integration of the date window in the chronograph hour subdial - and properly done on a black disc. The chronograph pushers are simple looking, but functional. Overall this watch has a distinct "tactical" feel to it that will feel at home on most men's wrists.

Crystal is AR coated sapphire, and said to be domed on both sides. Interesting... I wonder the effect that this has. I have probably seen it before but not realized that the crystal was "double domed." SuperLumiNova on the dial for darkness viewing completing the list of features you want in a serious performance piece. The French helicopter boys much has loved it (expect for that one guy who I am sure held on dearly to his digital watch - ugly but reliable right?). Inside this limited edition Oris watch is a ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movement. Oris hasn't indicated the amount in this limited edition. Why? Cause they probably don't know how many they want to make yet. So if demand is high, so will the numbers. Look for this watch soon in the $3,000 - $4,000 range.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris Williams F1 Team Day Date Watch For 2010

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 07:03:10 +0000

Continuing their partnership with the Williams F1 team, Oris has released a new motor sport watch for 2010 that is likely the nicest yet when it comes to a watch made for Williams. This is at least the fourth watch to come from the partnership, and it looks really nice in mostly black with a technical looking blue trim. Oris is further refining the dial design, offering a fascinating, yet polished look.

The case itself is 44mm wide in DLC black. Notice the thin blue line that extends around the periphery of the side of the case. It is a neat little detail helping the case of the watch to stand out. The colors are also of course those of the Williams team. The little blue line is actually rubber, and Oris says it acts like a bumper to protect the case (a bit). Though with the DLC coating, it shouldn't need as much protection. The case of course has the special hinged lugs that help the watch be really comfortable, and comfortable it most certainly is. The numerals on the bezel flow naturally into the several rows of numerals and indexes on the dial. The black metallic dial has some hour indicators that are actually cut slits showing the day and date discs below. An interesting rendition on the skeletonization theme.

You'll notice that Oris has refined the look of the "open date" window. The almost triangle-like shape now integrates the day and date indicators and allows for that "open date" design. Oris watches are often innovators when it comes to continuously polishing existing designs. I appreciate them for that. Reading the watch isn't touch at all. The hands have larger lume covered sections in white that contrast nicely with the dark dial. The blue bordered race-font style hour numerals are easy to spot as well - while there are lots of little lumed sections of the dial.

Apparently there is also a non Williams F1 version of the watch as well. This model will be mostly the same, but with red, versus blue trim (and no Williams name). The crystal is sapphire over the dial, with a mineral crystal caseback over the movement. Inside the watch is a Oris 735, which is basically a Sellita SW220 (like an ETA 2836) automatic. It is quite a nice watch for gear-heads and F1 fans. Not to mention Oris watch lovers. A very youthful look that has that expected level of Oris fit and finish. Not always a great "any occasion," but fun and lively nonetheless. Look out for it soon.

Oris Williams F1 Team Automatic Chronograph Watch 673 7563 4754 RS

US $1,700.00

Oris Williams F1 Team Automatic Chronograph Watch 673 7563 4184RS

US $1,600.00

Oris Williams F1 Team Day Date 635 7560 4142 MB New

US $725.00

ORIS TT3 DAY DATE MENS WATCH MODEL 63575887067RS

US $895.00

BRAND NEW ORIS WILLIAMS F 1 TEAM DAY DATE MENS AUTOMATIC WATCH 73576344764RS

US $895.00

Oris Williams F1 Team Mens Watch 735 7634 4765RS

US $990.00

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris Great Barrier Reef Diver Limited Edition Watch

admin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 07:02:18 +0000

This is the new limited edition Oris sub seconds diver made to help out the Great Barrier Reef. Each watch that is sold will have Oris donating 50 Swiss Francs (that's it?) to the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS). Didn't anyone tell Oris they don't use Swiss Francs in Australia! I joke! The money will go to help keep creatures in the Great Barrier Reef alive. Basically, there are a lot of serious issues with the reef and rather than help preserve certain areas, the project is going to relocate animals. A brave endeavor indeed. "Little fish! Sign these papers, you don't live here anymore." Now get out of here... we are gonna take you to a better place... Yea, a much better place (chuckle)."

The back 0f the watch doesn't have an engraving, but rather a special plate to honor each of the 1000 pieces in the limited edition set. The colors of the watch are done in ocean blue and a high contrasting orange. It makes for a neat look, and a very easy to read dial. You can see for yourself. The Oris Great Barrier Reef watches comes on their standard rubber diver strap with metal deployment. Though I think that the steel bracelet is also available for the watch.

What about the rest of the watch? Some Oris watches that are limited editions are dramatically different that their core collection. This is just a thematic change with some different colors, etc... but gives people a nice reason to invest in a subsidiary seconds diver if they have been wavering before or needed something a bit more snazzy. The watch is 47mm wide in steel and has that great dive watch case that Oris is well-known for. Double crowns on the left side of the case are for adjusting/winding the movement, and for the helium escape valve.

The 1000 meters water resistant case is solid and comfortable. Love that blue wave pattern dial with matching blue bezel. The watch is amazingly easy to read. Inside the watch is a Swiss base ETA 2895 automatic movement with the date and a subsidiary seconds dial. Some call it the perfect dive watch. The version comes in a neoprene case with a dive log book. Price is 1,800 euros.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris Col Moschin Limited Edition Watch Hands-On

admin — Sun, 02 May 2010 07:06:00 +0000

The green, white, and red colors of the power reserve indicator disc are a subtle reminder that this new limited edition watch from Oris has something to do with Italy. The dive watch is actually made as a limited edition piece with the Col Moschin in mind. Col Moschin is the Italian special forces. The only one that they have I believe. They seem pretty bad-ass (duh), and are known for having a very arduous training regiment. Col Moschin is also known as the Italian 9th Parachute Assault Regiment (you can read more about them here). While most of the elements from the Oris Col Moschin limited edition watch are taken from other Oris dive models, there are a few unique elements that makes the watch worth looking at.

In mostly titanium, the watch is 49mm wide. It doesn't wear that big due to the thick bezel. Oris has a special ring grip around the bezel that it calls the "Rotation Safety System." Part of the outer bezel is in tungsten. The point of the system is to prevent the bezel from rotating unintentionally. You need to pull (or maybe it is push) the outer ring up to rotate the bezel. It functions a bit like the concept of safety top on a prescription pill bottle. This isn't the first appearance of this special safety rotating bezel, but it works here perfectly. The case also has gunmetal toned PVD elements such as the screwed-on crown guard. The point of the watch is to be very durable and easy to use. It has a very modern military look to it - as much as an analog instrument can have in a digital world. There is still style though, such as the wave pattern on the dial of the watch like other Oris ProDiver watches.

The thick case is lighter than you might think given its titanium construction. It is 1000 meters water resistant (with automatic helium escape valve on the side of the case), as well as antimagnetic. The Col Moschin special forces needed a watch that would survive a high parachute fall straight into the watch without a hiccup, and the watch performed as intended. The sapphire crystal is AR coated on the inside making it easy to see the dial. Oris hit a sweet spot a few years ago with this dial design. Meaning it is attractive and very easy to read. The hands and hour markers have SuperLumiNova lume applied, and everything looks big enough without being too big. In addition to the date, the dial has that power reserve indicator that I mentioned along with another complication, a torque indicator for the movement. This is labeled as "Force," and functions to tell you how optimal the movement accuracy is. When a mainspring is either too tightly wound, or not wound enough, the power coming from it is different than in the mid range of being wound. This can affect the accuracy. Basically you want the watch wound enough, but not wound all the way for optimal timing accuracy. A torque indicator is a big gimmicky, more of a gadget-style information indicator. Though it is interesting to see the relative performance of your watch. You basically have all the information you need with the power reserve indicator. The "Force" indicator still is cool looking and doesn't take up much room. So all in all I think it is a nice addition.

Powering the watch is a Swiss ETA 2897 automatic movement that has been modified a bit by Oris. The back of the watch is engraved with the Col Moschin seal, and looks pretty nice. As a limited edition of 1000 pieces, this is certain one of the nicer limited Oris watches for activities purposes this year (aside from the "cultural" limited edition models they have). The rubber strap is a really nice element as well. It is thick at the lugs and tapers in sizes a bit for comfort. The nicely engineers titanium deployment strap hides excess strap on the inside. This is the new way rubber straps are being made by the best brands. Basically you get the clean look of a rubber strap that is cut to size, but here you don't have to cut it, as the strap is still totally adjustable. I say "so long" straps that have to be cut, and "long live" the
hidden excess" style rubber straps. If you don't like the rubber strap or want a metal bracelet, the watch looks like it can accommodate the standard bracelet for other Oris ProDiver watches (that you'd have to get separately of course). Price for the Oris Col Moschin is between 3,000 - 5,000 Swiss Francs. Available soon.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris RAID Chronograph Limited Edition Watch

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:37:45 +0000

Have it known that the US side of Oris's operation is comprised of some very lovely, helpful people. While I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked with them at Baselworld 2010, I will be spending more time with their watch collection in June. I was able to get shots of a very cool limited edition piece - the Oris RAID Chronograph. RAID is a rally race of vintage cars. It now takes place in Switzerland and France, and only includes automobiles made before 1975. If you want to learn more about it, just Google it.

This should explain the styling of the RAID Chronograph watch. It looks quire retro and reminds us of when cars had really swoopy roofs. Specifically, the dial is influenced by the tachometer of a 1952 Jaguar XK 120 - that has the redline area reversed. Use of this concept adds that always welcome splash of red to the dial. Seeing the font of the Arabic numerals on the dial, and you can bring yourself back to the era of 1950's British roadsters. It is done quite well actually. Oris could have been OK just giving the watch a cheeky dial, but there are other little details that you should appreciate. Look at the unique chronograph pushers for example, and the charcoal gray tone of the face.

Not coincidental at all is how legible the watch is. A lot of the time brands make silly homage watches like this that fail to be useful as daily wears - not here. Oris stays true to its ideals as a watchmaker, so the 43.5mm wide steel case has a very legible design, properly sized nickle needle hands with SuperLumiNova luminant, and a very easy to read chronograph.

The automatic movement is a base Swiss ETA. Perhaps an 2894 given the layout - or a modified 7750. Either way, the movement has been modified given the starting positions of the chronograph - that coincide with the unique layout of the tachometer on the 52 Jag XK 120. The watch case has a AR coated sapphire crystal, and water resistant to 30 meters.

I enjoy the watch case finishing and the typical attention to detail that you see in most Oris watches. The back of the watch is engraved with the RAID logo, and the edition number of this limited edition piece. I am really amazed at just how varied Oris brand watches can be, but still be well executed in their own right. The Oris RAID Chronograph will be limited to 500 pieces. Not totally sure about the price right now, going to be maybe $4,000 - $5,000. I will try to update the price as I get a better figure. Look for this cool watch later this year.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Oris BC3 Sportsman 42mm Watch

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:17:29 +0000

More relatively affordable Swiss watch action from Oris. New for 2010 is this updated BC3 Sportsman model in a 42mm case. This is about as no nonsense as you'd want to get with a watch, and Oris keeps all the functionality you've come to expect in this collection. For years that have been centrally aligning the day and date windows for a nice clean look. As you can see, at 6 o'clock you have two stacked windows with the calendar information. Done well with white text on black discs to match the dial. Hands are long and easy to read, almost as though the watch were a dive watch. The hands and some of the numeral markers are coated in SuperLumiNova for ease of reading. That combined with the well placed markers make this one highly legible watch. The Arabic numerals on the dial are polished steel, and applied to the dial.

Oris watches never forgo at least some decoration. The 42mm wide steel case has a thin polished ring around bezel that matches the polished crown. The case design is functional, but not sexy - though you don't always want sexy for sports activities. Oris isn't trying to make a watch fit for the club and the cabin. The red inlay in the screw-down crown is a hint at the Oris signature red automatic rotor, that is visible through the sapphire caseback window. The crystal over the face is also sapphire (AR coated).

Attached to the watch here is a classic three-link steel bracelet, that Oris makes relatively well. The BC3 Sportsman will also be available with a rubber or leather strap. It will look more sporty on the rubber strap, but I happen to like the sober look of it on the metal bracelet. Its makes a hell of a reliable no-frills timepieces.

Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic mechanical movements. Likely here an ETA 2834-2, or similar. For the guy who does not like things that are too flashy, but will do the job right (and want a good Swiss name), this is a good choice from Oris. Plus, it will be pretty reasonably priced for what you get. Look for this new Oris BC3 Sportsman watch soon.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.