Earlier this year, we saw Oris unveil the next generation of the much loved Aquis line in a series of time and date models. There’s seriously nothing to not like, when you have a solid combination of good looks, quality, performance and value. Now, Oris is adding a small seconds date version to the collection.
You’re probably thinking what’s the logic? The small seconds or running seconds is placed at 9 o’ clock on the dial and isolates the watch’s minutes hand, the most important hand to divers as they time their dives. During a dive, divers align the minutes hand with the minute scale on the watch’s uni-directional rotating bezel, enabling them to keep track of remaining dive time safely and securely. Oris worked closely with the diving community and developed the movement with small second at 9 o’clock in-house in response to its feedback.
With regards to the actual profile, this new version benefits from the same stylish design introduced to the Aquis line earlier this year. The reshaped horns, thinner bracelet and highly detailed crown gives the watch a more slender profile. The case itself measures 45.5mm in diameter in comparison to the date-only version which is 43.5mm. Slightly larger.
The hands and indices are bolder and the word ‘Aquis’ is proudly printed on the dial. Oris designers have re-engineered the bezel by creating a small gap between the case and the bezel to make it easier to grip and adjust. The Aquis Small Second, Date has a uni-directional rotating bezel with a scratch and fade-resistant ceramic insert and is water resistant to 500 metres.
The watch is offered in two versions, one with a blue dial on a blue or black rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet with the Oris-developed safety anchor and quick-adjust, sliding-sledge folding clasp; and the other in a black and orange version with a black rubber strap and orange Super- LumiNova® luminescent detailing on the hands and hour markers.
Price in Australian Dollars: AUD $3,400 on Metal Bracelet and AUD $3,200 on Rubber Strap.