The Big Crown Pointer Date has been a part of Oris’ lineup since 1938, but this new model featuring their in-house caliber 473 is perhaps the most important since the original. A signature concept, since its creation the watch has always featured an oversized crown for ease-of-use, and a pointer date complication, which sets it apart from standard date windows. The design of the new model is timeless, with a language that could have been plucked from anywhere over the duration of Oris’ existence, but what is within is entirely new.
Featuring a 38mm case, it rides right between 40mm and 36mm models of the previous generation, finding a sweet spot for an everyday, business-casual timepiece and can easily fit under a shirt sleeve. The dial steals the show, however, with gorgeous hour numerals in a bold type set against the blue surface. A railroad index divides the dial between time and date, while a small seconds hand quietly ticks away at six.
The Oris Big Crown Calibre 473, with its new highly innovative hand-wound mechanical movement was designed from the ground up in-house by Oris watchmakers. Why is this so significant for Oris? Because the iconic Big Crown Pointer Date houses for the first time in decades, a hand-wound in-house Oris calibre inside it, Calibre 473. And that’s a magical thing.
Often with a hand-wound watch, there’s no way of being sure when it will stop. Oris has developed a 120-hour power reserve indicator to sit on the back of Calibre 473, a useful function that clearly shows when the time to rewind its five-day reserve is approaching. The Calibre 473 took four years to develop and closes a circle for Oris.
In keeping with their philosophy, Oris Calibre 473 is highly resistant, highly accurate and low maintenance. They have developed the power reserve indicator to be simple to assemble and extremely durable, and we’re so confident in it that all Calibre 473 watches come with 10-year warranties and recommended service intervals. Perfect for those that don’t want the stress of servicing their watch very often.
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Blue
- Movement: Cal. 473
- Winding: Hand-Winding
- Complications:6 o’clock seconds, date
- Lens: Double-Domed Sapphire
- Strap: Olive brown strap crafted from sustainably sourced deer leather produced by Cervo Volante
- Water Res.: 5 bar
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 12.7mm
- Lug Width: 18.5mm
- Ref Number: Oris Big Crown Calibre 473
The rich history of Oris dates back to 1904, when Paul Cattin and Georges Christian founded the brand in Hölstein, Switzerland, where it is still based. Over the past century, Oris has reached many great achievements, including being one of the 10 largest watch brands in the world in the 1960’s. Since the 1980’s, Oris has pursued a catalog of unique mechanical watches that has channeled their independent spirit. From their patented Worldtimer to their depth gauge diver to their mechanical altimeter pilot’s watch, Oris has continued to innovate in a way few other brands can match. An achievement that is highlighted by the brand’s commitment to fare, and accessible prices.
