Home » Baselworld - World Watch and Jewellery Show » Baselworld 2012 Preview – Oris Presents Two Boldly Looking Aviator Models (BC4 Retrograde Day and Big Crown Date Watches)
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Taking the inspiration from the world of aviation, Oris created two interesting timepieces that will be officially presented at the Baselworld 2012 watch and jewelry show. Thanks to the innovative linear retrograde calendar, a BC4 Retrograde Day watch needs to be set aside as the true technological masterpiece. Besides, there is a new Big Crown Date “Stealth” timepiece, firstly distinguished by its unique dial and bold appearance that associate on a military aircraft.
A clever design of the BC4 Retrograde Day watch looks so simple and clear, but at the same time, it is pretty rare and authentic. Furthermore, the fact that everything functions nice and smoothly testifies about a great job in terms of technology. The retrograde calendar indicates days of the week on a linear display, by a triangle (white for workdays, red for the weekend) that jumps one position every day, moving back to its primary position at the end of the week.
Oris BC4 Retrograde Day Watch
The two- piece black dial also features Superluminova hour and minute indices, Arabic numerals and hands (a second hand features a luminescent tip), which makes the watch perfect for reading even in the dark. A nice square aperture at the 3 o’clock position displays the right date.
The multi- piece stainless steel case is extremely robust, with the diameter of 42.70 mm, which also contributes to the great readability. It is secured with four screws and nicely polished. The front side of the watch is protected with an anti- reflective sapphire crystal, while the transparent case-back is covered with a mineral glass that reveals a Swiss made Oris self-winding movement, based on Sellita SW 220 Calibre, with a bi-directionally rotating red rotor, the symbol of Oris’ mechanicals. It beats on the frequency of 4 Hertz (28’800 alternations per hour) and provides the power-reserve of 38 hours.
Oris BC4 Retrograde Day Watch
Oris BC4 Retrograde Day Watch
Two versions of the BC4 Retrograde Day watch are available. The first one comes with a cool black Gaucho leather strap, with an interesting stitching detail and a special folding clasp, for the great comfort. The second version features a stainless steel bracelet. Both versions have solid water-resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet).
Stealth Grey on the New Oris Big Crown Date Watch
Featuring the authentic “stealth grey” dial with 3D hour indices and Arabic numerals, composed of small, dark grey Superluminova blocks, the new Big Crown Date model is recognizable at the first glance. Inspiration for this boldly looking timepiece, Oris took over from the distinctive style of stealth planes.
Oris Big Crown Date Watch
The idea of making an “all in grey” kind of watch is visible on every single detail of the Swiss brand’s latest product. (Compare with Fortis B-42 Black Black Automatic Day/Date.) Watch hands are treated with grey PVD to match the color of the surface. They are framed with dark grey Superluminova that goes perfectly with hour markers. A small, 24 hours scale takes the central part of the dial, while the miniature, but nicely visible date aperture is located at the 3 o’clock position. The large dial, over-sized markers, luminescent material and clear design make this timepiece highly readable.
A multi-piece case is crafted in stainless steel and then coated with grey PVD for a unique aesthetic look. Its masculine form and the diameter of 44 mm are completely understandable for pilot timepieces. However, an extra-large screw-in security crown and a bold fluted bezel make the watch look even more robust and tough. The front side of the watch is protected with a double doomed sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating on the inside.
Oris Big Crown Date Watch
A screwed case back is transparent and covered with mineral crystal that completely exposes the mechanism. It is an Oris 733 self-winding movement, based on Sellita SW 200 Calibre. This mechanism incorporates a bi-directionally rotating red rotor and oscillates at the frequency of 28’800 vibrations per hour.
Although a dark brown leather strap with a grey PVD treated stainless steel buckle makes a nice match with the dark grey case and the dial, I have to say that Oris could have found some better solution to emphasize the great job it has done on the dial. However, it looks like the Swiss watchmaker did not want to step away from its central idea and it will probably find the way to its costumers. Anyway, I would like to see a version with a rubber strap.
Besides these two watches from the Aviation Collection, Oris has also created the spectacular Chet Baker Limited Edition watch, inspired by Baker’s jazzy tunes and his song “My Funny Valentine”. (Read the review of this watch.) This Limited Edition will be available from March, so the upcoming month is going to be pretty exiting for the Oris’ fans.
