The independent Swiss watchmaking brand Oris unveiled the new Artix GT Chronograph to celebrate its partnership with Williams Formula 1 Team. Oris has been the Williams Team’s Official Watch Partner since 2003.
Oris Artix GT Chronograph Watch
The new Artix GT Chronograph Watch (ref. 674 7661 4434) is inspired by Oris’s rich motorsport heritage. The sporty style of this timepiece is visible in all its parts. The innovative newcomer features a distinctive dial that comprises a characteristic retrograde small seconds display at the 9 o’clock position which has been inspired by the rev counter on a race car. Instead of the ‘dial and needle’, there is a rectangular aperture that fills with red during the course of 60 seconds, returning to black as a new minute begins. The new Oris watch is also equipped with a bi-rotational bezel with a black ceramic minute scale and a “good grip” rubber coating which is yet another brand’s innovation that offers the quick and confident use for its future wearer.
Artix GT Chrono has a two-piece dial that comprises a tachymeter scale, as well as hands and indices which are filled with Superluminova for the best visibility under low light conditions.
Oris Artix GT Chronograph Watch Dial
The timepiece that has been inspired by the world of motorsports is housed in a round stainless steel case which measures 44mm in diameter. The beating heart of the Oris novelty is an automatic chronograph movement Oris Caliber 674 which is based on ETA 7750. The impeccable caliber powers the usual set of functions (hours, minutes and small seconds), as well as a chronograph function and a date. A date window is placed at the 6 o’clock position.
Oris Artix GT Chronograph Watch Crown
When you turn the watch upside down, there is a screwed case back with see-through mineral glass which allows a look at the movement’s inner beauty. The case of the Artix GT Chronograph is shielded with sapphire crystal, domed on both sides with inner anti-reflective coating. The water resistance is assured down to 100 meters (about 330 feet).
Oris Artix GT Chronograph Watch Back
Oris Artix GT Chronograph is attached to a black rubber strap fitted with a stainless steel security folding clasp. The retail price is CHF 3,150 (approximately $3,290).
A Finnish driver, Valtteri Bottas, was the first to try this newcomer and he said that it fits very well. “The rubber strap makes it very comfortable to wear all the time,” Bottas noted.
Oris Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas currently competing in Formula One with Williams has been a revelation this season. In 2010 he joined Williams as a test driver, having started his career in karting and then moved on to Formula Renault and Formula 3. In 2012 he became Williams Official Reserve Driver and earned his full F1 seat in 2013. This season was amazing for the Williams driver and he already secured his seat for the 2015 season.
