An Oris Aquis Chronograph To Get You Smiling

Oris has released a new deep blue-coloured Aquis Chronograph in the “Smiley” layout. Learn more about it here.

Despite elite watch collecting circles accusing some brands of being too “safe” this year at Watches & Wonders, Oris stood by its decision to play things simple. It chose to focus on remastering an already popular design, adding tweaks here and there to improve the Aquis Date. As a result, they are now designed to be “more wearable and more stylish”, says the brand. Most collectors would agree that the Aquis Date already ticked those boxes but you can’t complain when a revamp warrants a fresh slew of releases to enjoy.

Compared to their predecessors, these models have reworked lugs and crown protectors that contribute to a more well-rounded and ergonomic design. These designs enhance the experience of wearing the Oris Aquis watch both from an experienced collector’s point of view and a novice's. The lugs, too, have been given a more sculpted appearance. One can only guess that this modification helps prevent the risk of snagging and enables them to hug the wrist better. The crown protector now tapers towards the screw-down crown, guarding the crown better to protect it from accidental knocks and shock impact. What else is new, you ask? Well – some dial and bracelet elements too!

The case of the new Oris Aquis has now been refined to accommodate a slimmer profile. Oris specialists equip the watch with a three-link bracelet crafted from stainless steel that now features central links that are broader and skilfully tapered. On the whole, the proportions of these new Oris Aquis 2024 watches are balanced and easier to wear. The applied hour markers are shield-shaped and the Alpha-style hands are bespoke - made and finished in a typography that is exclusive to Oris Aquis models. The date window wheel will now be dipped and colour-matched to the exact tone of their respective dials. These will serve as a catalyst to enhance the contrast between the dial colours and the Oris dial text. It’s hard to envisage all these details unless you’re looking at an Aquis watch as an example. So, without further ado, take a look at the new Oris Aquis Chronograph, which takes on some similar design cues to the Aquis but with more sportier appeal.

Smile For the New Oris Aquis Chronograph

Oris’ unwavering commitment to attention to detail is impressive, to say the least. The company continues on its path of an Aquis overhaul with the new chronograph design, complete with a trio of sub-counters. The “Smiley Face” Chronograph isn’t a name that gets thrown about all that often in today’s watch-collecting world, though it has been used by the likes of TUDOR before. Oris, has also used the term when referencing its chronograph dial with two sub-counters located at 3 and 9 o’clock to create the eyes, a 6 o’clock sub-counter nose and, of course, the base of the bezel, which forms the smile, like this new model.

The new Oris Aquis Chronograph shares similar features with the Oris Aquis Date models released this year at Watches & Wonders. The case and bezel have been manufactured with a lighter profile to make the watch more wearable for sports and outdoor pursuits. Again, the bracelet has a more tapered profile to enable it to sit better on the wrist, constituting a more ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing design. The watch is appealing both functionally and visually, thanks to a well-balanced dial that delivers accurate, clear information as and when you need it. Regardless of all these tweaks, the new Oris Aquis Chronograph still looks and feels as an Oris should. It still features the familiar Oris silhouette, delivering its promise as an everyday sports watch that is both classic and pared back enough to wear with smarter attire too. The screw-down crown still exists, as does the unidirectional rotating bezel used for marking the point at which a descent begins. The zero point on the bezel can be aligned with the minute hand to track underwater durations and helps prevent any accidental extending of the time thanks to its innovative design, moving only in the counter-clockwise direction. The crisp 60-minute markings are set against a very rich blue ceramic inlay that is both fade-resistant and scratch-resistant. Lumed detailing also enhances legibility while referencing the time underwater or during the night. These luminous elements not only feature on the bezel itself but also on the essential dial features.

When you flip the case of the new deep blue Oris Aquis Chronograph watch over, you’re treated to a unique insight into the movement as it propels the hands of time around the dial. This is the Oris 771 engine beating inside this watch – a self-winding movement capable of performing at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivering a power reserve of 62 hours once fully wound. The movement also comprises 27 jewels for smoother, better mechanical performance and sits inside a 300-meter water-resistant case made from stainless steel.

As with all Oris watches, the case of this chronograph comprises a three-piece structure with bits of brushing and polishing to its surface. The push-pieces promise effortless operation under the fingertips, while the crown, stamped with the Oris logo is the screw-down type to enable the case to uphold its water-resistant capability. The top of the case is crafted from sapphire crystal too, offering a domed protection over the gradient blue dial. The material is second hardest to a diamond, giving it the best scratch-resistant and tough qualities possible for preserving the beauty of the case and dial.

It is the dial, however, that is the star of the show. A quick glance at this display and it’s clear to see that the watch is inspired by water. More specifically, the gradient blue dial is reminiscent of the sun’s rays as they burst through water. Of course, the concept has been done before, but the silk-like smoothness of this dial looks almost fluid-like. It is joined by crisply carved shard-like hour markers that have been treated with Super-LumiNova and a set of central glowing hands. As you would expect of any chronograph, the top pusher activates and stops the chronograph and the bottom pusher resets the timing mechanism. The display features a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour totaliser at 6 o’clock and a small second subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock. The date aperture is finished in a matching colour to the dial, as part of the brand’s new-age design features, and integrates with the 6 o’clock sub-counter very tastefully.

The three-link stainless steel bracelet of this Oris Aquis Chronograph watch features a mix of polished and brushed elements and encloses with a patented security clasp with a fine adjustment system for more wearability.

If you’d like more information on the new Oris Aquis Chronograph watch, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 or email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk.