IN GREAT DETAIL

We delve into what design upgrades in the Oris Aquis Date mean for the line...

- Preetika Mathew

The Aquis Date line of diver's watches make the cornerstone of the offerings at Oris. Not only are they the brand's flagship tool watches, but have also been positioned as the canvas for the hugely popular Upcycle Series that has one-of-a-kind dials made from recycled PET plastics gathered from oceans. This year, Aquis has been in the spotlight because of subtle design upgrades that it has been infused with, first made apparent at Watches and Wonders 2024 in its 43.5mm, 41.5mm, and 36.5mm sizes, and evidenced in every model launched hence. Though fine and exacting, each change has come together to make the collection more wearable, nuanced, and appealing across consumer groups.

"The goal was to make the collection much more fresh, fine, and luxurious. The focus was put on the silhouette and details of the watch design," says Leila Kamali, Region Director International & GM. At first glance one may not notice much, but a trained eye is bound to pick up on the upgrades. The first of these is that the case thickness of the steel watches has been reduced-the 43.3mm models now sit at 13.1mm (from 13.7mm); the 43.5mm at 12.9mm (from 13.3mm); and the 36.5mm at 12.2mm (from 12.5mm). In keeping with slimmer cases, the lugs have been made shorter and more ergonomic, along with crown guards. The bracelet has also been tapered, with brushed central links that are broader than before. Furthermore, the 43.5mm bracelet version watch powered by the Calibre 400, and the 36.5mm size, also offer the quick-adjust clasp system, which allows you to make small adjustments without having to take the watch off your wrist, and a quick-release strap system for changeability. All the watches continue to serve their diver watch capabilities with a water resistance of 300 metres, a screw-down crown with protection, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert.