NEW Watches & Wonders 2024 – The Oris Aquis Date Gets a Revamp

At the Watches & Wonders 2024 event in Geneva, Oris’ inaugural attendance wowed enthusiasts as the company revealed some immense modifications to the popular Aquis Date watch.

The new Oris Aquis watch release for 2024 is the Swiss brand’s core launch this year. The revamp is subtle but substantial. The flagship Aquis collection, particularly the Aquis Date, is ultra-popular and over the years, has seen so many different itineraries enter and exit its itinerary. Now it’s time for the next generation. Something that Oris refers to as an “everyday tool watch”. If you thought that was what the design of the Oris Aquis delivered all along, you’re in for a treat, because these subtle modifications are worth their weight in gold. Let’s take a look at what’s changing about the mega-popular Oris Aquis and, above all, what’s going to stay the same.

“Designed to be More Wearable and More Stylish…”

The new Oris Aquis models are designed to be “more wearable and more stylish”, says the brand. Most collectors would agree that they already tick those boxes. But compared to their predecessors, these models have reworked lugs and crown protectors that contribute to a more well-rounded and ergonomic design. It’s unthinkable that Oris would ever produce a luxury timepiece that wasn’t centred around wearer comfort, but it’s now apparent that there was some small room for improvement. 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.

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. Similar to all Aquis watches that have gone before these younger models, these cases will offer 300-meter water resistance and feature unidirectional rotating bezels that sit on dimensions of either 41.5mm or 43.5mm.

The Dial

All new-generation watches from the Oris Aquis line will feature revamped dial elements. The applied hour markers are shield-shaped and the Alpha-stye 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. The new models come in dial colours of green, blue and black and will feature the traditional three-handed dial format with the date window situated at 6 o’clock.

The Mechanics

Horology fans will be pleased to hear that the new Oris Aquis watches will come packed with the Sellita-based Oris 733 automatic Calibre or the superior Calibre 400, developed by Oris specialists in-house. For the 43.5mm size, you get the option of the Calibre 400 with a five-day power reserve and anti-magnetic technology. Those Calibre 400 models will also come on a bracelet equipped with the innovative Quick Strap Change system, enabling you to swap safely and quickly between interchangeable straps and metal bracelets, depending on the occasion and your preference. You also get the Oris-patented quick-adjust clasp system with three comfort positions that will accommodate wrist expansion and contraction depending on the environment you’re in.

The Bespoke 36mm Option

Of course, what many enthusiasts will want to know more about is the reimagined 36mm option. Oris has revealed that the smallest configuration will be made available in two dials and will flaunt a newly designed bezel, along with a bracelet design that has been developed exclusively for the model. This, undeniably, is the most abstract of all new Oris Aquis watches for 2024. The slimmed-down bezel creates a look that has never been seen before in an Oris Aquis watch. Manufactured from black or white ceramic, the Arabic numerals that once denoted the 60-minute dive scale, have been replaced by slim baton markers, opening up the spacious feel of the dial, while enabling the watch to wear and feel more compact on the wrist. The new 36mm Oris Aquis Date watches are available in a black dial version or a white mother-of-pearl dial option. Both models are fitted on a special H-link bracelet that has been developed especially for this size. Powered by the Calibre Oris 733 movement, they make a great women’s option thanks to their specially developed hour markers with diamond-shaped tips.

Recyclable Materials

Over recent years we have seen Oris launch several striking timepieces crafted from multi-coloured recycled PET plastic. As an extension to this, Oris has revealed four new recycled editions for the Oris Aquis Date line. One measures the broader 43.5mm size, kitted out with the Calibre 400 movement, while the other three are powered by the Oris 733 movement, measuring 43.5mm, 41.5mm and 36mm respectively. One of the most appealing features of these recycled plastic Oris Aquis Date watches is the fact that each timepiece feels one-off and exclusive. Due to the manufacturing process of these watches, no two dials are ever the same, bringing that novelty element into the Aquis line for true enthusiasts.

It is the result of several years of intensive research and development that these new modifications come to us in the form of these new Aquis Date watches. The products are stylish, functional and more wearer-friendly than ever before. To round off, the brand’s Co-CEO Rolf Studer explains;

“Rebooting a best-seller, a watch that people already love comes with risks. But because Oris is an independent company making us free to go our own way, we could be confident that it was the right thing to do. We’re excited to share the new Aquis with you as we build up to the official launch at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, and kindly invite your feedback.”

If you’d like to pre-order one of the new Oris Aquis Date watches for 2024, you can get in touch with our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 today, or email us at help@jurawatche.co.uk