Oris renewed its Artix GT Chronograph. Now, this redesigned model features a novel countdown indicator in a vertical aperture which is placed at the 9 o’clock position and operates in the exactly same way as the lights on the start-line gantry at a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
This indicator is made up of fives squares which are filled in five seconds – one square per second – five seconds before the quarter, half, three-quarter and full minute, until all five become red. When that happens, they all return to white simultaneously. The same subsidiary dial at the 9 o’clock position also serves as running seconds, indicated by a single red square that moves continuously through a channel around the outside edge once every minute.
Just like its predecessor, this newcomer celebrates the Oris partnership with Williams Formula 1 Team. The independent Swiss manufacturer has a long-term connection to the world of motor sport. This relationship began back in the 1970s when Oris released its first auto-themed racing chronograph, dubbed the Chronoris. The story continues through the years via partnerships with several racing organizations, among them the F1 Williams team and the Audi Sport Team. The watchmaking brand has been the Williams Team’s Official Watch Partner since 2003.
The latest racing-inspired piece from the house of Oris features 12-hour chronograph with subsidiary dials inspired by the speed and rev counters on a sports car dashboard, as well as tachymeter and date functions. All these functions are powered with the Oris caliber 774 automatic movement which is based on the famous SW 500 movement. The Swiss made caliber beats at the rapid frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour (4 Hz) and provides 48 hours of power reserve. The see-through case back of the watch showcases the inner beauty of the movement together with its characteristic red rotor.
Oris Artix GT Chronograph Edition 2016 is housed in the multi-piece stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter and providing a quite decent water resistance up to 100 meters (approximately 330 feet). The sporty case incorporates a bi-directional rotating bezel with a matt black ceramic displaying a minute scale and a rubber grip for precise adjustment. There is also a stainless steel screw-in crown and chronograph pushers.
A double domed sapphire crystal, which is perfect for reducing lens distortion, shields the dial surface. The front sapphire glass also features internal anti-reflective coating for maximum legibility.
The black dial itself comprises red and white accents, and there are also some stealthy gray elements that goes perfectly with the established color palette. The indexes are applied, polished and filled with the generous Superluminova in the center, just like the polished nickel hour and minute hands. The central stop seconds hand do not need this lume substance because it stands out for its vivid red color. Its dial also includes a date window which is displayed at the 6 o’clock position with white numerals against black surface.
Oris Artix GT Chronograph Edition 2016 comes either with a perforated black rubber racing strap, ending with a folding clasp, or with a stainless steel bracelet.
The watch will be available from August 2016 with the retail price of Swiss Francs 3,200 (about $3,270).
