Just Landed: The Oris Aquis Small Second Date 45.5mm Watch
Thursday - 22 June 2023
The new Oris Aquis Small Second Date 45.5mm watch is now offered in a larger sizer for the first time and features a Super-LumiNova-coated small second sub-dial hand to show that the watch is continually working
Despite its rarity on a dive watch, Oris has been offering a small second function on its Aquis Date watch for some time now. Back in 2017, the brand decided to slim down the case and move the date from 6 o’clock to 3 o’clock, creating a dive watch with a date that we have all come to know and love. That aside, the isolating seconds function at 9 o’clock seen on the Small Second iterations enables the diver to focus closely on the main hour and minute hand without distraction, so it’s a wonder why this layout is not more common practice amongst dive watch manufacturers. Still, the latest Oris Aquis Small Second Date 45.5 doesn’t disappoint. Delivered in a rich blue colour reminiscent of the ocean that it is fully equipped to take on – the new model to the line is both robust and legible and comes with a choice of a matching dark blue rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet. More importantly, it comes in a brand-new size of 45.5mm.
The Oris Aquis
Oris has been invested in developing cutting-edge dive watches ever since it released its first water-resistant dive watch back in the 1960s. Ever since then, the Swiss company has been advancing in its techniques, releasing the Aquis watch collection in 2011. Reliable, functional and available in many different dial colours, there is nothing not to love about the Oris Aquis watch series. The models are incredibly good value for money, with higher-end models offering the added feature of a depth gauge as well as regulator displays and multiple limited edition watches to choose from – many of which focus on the importance of ocean conservation. Not just for underwater environments, however, the Oris Aquis watch can be enjoyed on dry land too thanks to a superb choice of models that are developed with a core focus on reliability and strict functionality. Above all, the Oris Aquis is a diver’s best friend. Most models have a 300-meter water resistance and a diameter of 43.5mm, yet this new model offers a broader diameter of 45.5mm – a new size for the line.
The new Oris Aquis Small Second Date 45.5 watch
Showcased in a striking deep blue hue, the new Oris Aquis Small Second Date watch has a captivating unidirectional rotating bezel to assist you with effortlessly measuring elapsed time whilst underwater. It features a matching dark blue ceramic centre and is equipped with a 60-minute dive scale executed in white with lashings of Super-LumiNova to assist with handling elapsed time under dark conditions or during the night. The refined diver’s bezel, now larger in size, surrounds a dial that features luminous baton hour markers and a set of luminous central hour and minute hands. As mentioned, with this dial layout, attention can be paid in full to the main hour and minute hand as opposed to any distraction from the constantly moving seconds hand. Instead, the seconds can be found in the small second sub-dial at 9 o’clock, filled in with a rich black colour and finished with concentric circles. The shift, of course, from a smaller to a larger case is not as simple as it may first seem. The enlarged bezel means a larger dial and therefore a redesigning of the measurements between the hour markers and all other elements on the display. Suffice to say, Oris has done a grand job and the dial features a legible date window at 3 o’clock, set against a black background and the unmissable Oris lettering at 6 o’clock in white.
The new Oris Aquis Small Second Date watch, now in a larger size of 45.5mm, is equipped with a strong piece of anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass sealed to the top of its case. This material helps to keep dirt and moisture out and works in combination with a screw-down crown at 3 o’clock to uphold the watch’s impressive 500-meter water-resistant capability. Typically, Oris Aquis watches offer a water resistance of 300 meters, making this model a particularly appealing timepiece for serious divers. The crown, stamped with the iconic Oris logo, is also flanked by a protective structure that ensures it won’t snag on heavy diving gear when being used.
Other features of the new blue Oris Aquis Small Second Date watch include an automatic movement known as the Oris 743, based on a Sellita movement. It beats at a rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour and produces a power reserve of 38 hours once fully wound. It sits behind a solid stainless-steel caseback engraved with special details. To complete its dive-ready look, you can choose between a quick-drying dark blue rubber band that is perfect for dipping in and out of the water with, or a more sophisticated stainless steel bracelet that pairs well with evening attire. The three-link bracelet is a mix of polished and brushed effects and secures comfortably to the wrist with a folding clasp and diver extension feature for adding over the top of a diving suit.
If you’d like more information on the new Oria Aquis Small Second Date watch, now in a new size of 45.5mm – you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453.
