Getting to know the new Oris Aquis Depth Gauge

The Oris Aquis Depth Gauge remains one of the coolest and toughest dive watches on the market, even more so now that the Swiss brand releases a new iteration with improved depth-reading technology coupled with its Quick Strap Change system

Oris has always been renowned for its well finished, affordable and technical tool watches, especially those able to function in salty water conditions, like the Aquis. One watch in particular from this collection is known as the Aquis Depth Gauge. The new model under reference 01 733 7755 4154 focuses on three key areas of improvement; an improved depth gauge system, a new patented Quick Strap Change System and a repositioned metres-to-feet-conversion chart in the caseback. The confident 45.8mm stainless steel model with 500-meter water resistance comes on a choice of steel bracelet or black rubber strap.

When it launched in 2013, the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge watch was hailed as one of the most interesting and innovative dive watches in the industry, with its unique mechanism to indicate depth whilst underwater. The unique patent enabled water to enter the watch through an inlet within the crystal front at 12 o’clock. A channel was milled into the outside edge of the crystal, just beneath the inlet, which created a watermark that corresponded to an indication marked on a yellow depth gauge meter applied to the dial. For those that don’t already know – this is how the famous dive watch acquired its “watch with a hole” nickname.

This whole process uses the Boyle-Mariotte Law principle – a gauge used for measuring depth during a dive. Oris has upgraded the watch since the first and original Aquis Depth Gauge watch, particularly in 2014 when it equipped the model with a bright yellow rubber strap and created a black DLC finished case alongside a tungsten insert on the bezel for a tougher finish. Other additions included a safety anchor built into the strap, preventing it from breaking loose under heavy impact, as well as a sliding sledge clasp that allowed for a seamless size adjustment to be carried out without needing to unfold the clasp. The design of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge watch has always been well thought out. You get the impression that the meticulous attention to detail applied to this new design (including its watertight Peli case diving box) is as much to do with the brand’s pride in creating a beautifully executed wristwatch from start to finish as it is to do with merely ticking a set of boxes. Now… here’s how the new Oris Aquis Depth Gauge differs from previous models…

To create the new Oris Aquis Depth Gauge ref: 01 733 7755 4154 watch, the Swiss brand has focussed on three key areas.

An improved depth gauge system

“Pressure x volume = constant” – that is the Boyle Mariotte Law on which the depth gauge in the Oris Aquis watch is based upon. Lets’ break it down. This means that the volume of air in the channel that is milled into much thicker sapphire crystal than seen on standard Aquis watches, would naturally reduce and compress under a dive. It is this compressed volume of air that allows water to enter the channel. Once the air decompresses during an ascent, the water is pushed out of the hole. So on dry land, the 12 o’clock location on the sapphire glass is filled with air, but when entering the water, the air is compressed by water pressure. Water enters the hole, filling the space in the channel, which then creates a watermark visible through the glass. The mark on the yellow depth gauge around the outer edge of the dial tells the diver how far under the water’s surface he is. But this time, the indication is even clearer, because the channel has been even more finely grained in the new Aquis Depth Gauge watch. The design of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge is genius since it only allows water into the channel, no into the case itself, promising unfaltering protection over the internally-fitted movement. This is also thanks to a gasket around the crystal, sealing the watch to benchmark-setting water tightness.

A new patented Quick Strap Change System

The new Oris Aquis Depth Gauge ref: 01 733 7755 4154  features the brand’s new Quick Strap Change system, enabling a seamless swapping over of the rubber strap to the stainless steel bracelet option and vice-versa without the need for a tool or regular visits to a local watch technician. This patented strap changing system is built into the mechanism of the steel bracelet and the black rubber strap and is designed to give the wearer better flexibility when it comes to transforming the watch from a sporty dive tool to something a little more refined once on its steel bracelet.

A metres-to-feet conversion chart

Thanks to its redesign, the new watch’s metres-to-feet conversion chart on the back of the case is now always set at a 90-degree angle to the 12 o’clock location, making it easier for the diver to reference the chart via this re-engineered design feature.

Additional features of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge

Following on from the methodology used to create the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge, the new iteration is crafted from a 45.8mm multi-piece stainless steel case. The lugs are angled and short for a more sculpted fit against the contours of the wrist. Although the unidirectional rotating bezel is sturdy, it is also easy to operate for effortless control under wet fingers. A nice play on contrast is given via the black ceramic insert and silver 60-minute dive scale on the top. Flanking the crown is the robust crown guard system at 3 o’clock on the case, whilst the back of the case sits flush with the wrist.

The new Oris Aquis Depth Gauge watch is governed by the tried and tested Oris 733 self-winding calibre. This trusty engine beats at a rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour, providing a 38-hour power reserve as it does so. The classic black design of the dial is accompanied by Super-LumiNova hands and indexes, just as one would expect. Lastly, a date aperture is positioned at 6 o’clock, balancing out the Oris lettering at the head of the dial at 12 o’clock.

To discuss the availability of the new Oris Aquis Depth Gauge ref: 01 733 7755 4154 or to register your interest today – you can call our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453

Technical Specifications of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge ref: 01 733 7755 4154

• Case; 45.8mm – multi-piece stainless steel – 500-meter water resistance – metres-to-feet conversion chart on screw-down caseback – screw-in crown with crown protection system – anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass lens with inlet at 12 o’clock – milled channel with corresponding yellow depth gauge chart on the outer edge of the dial
• Dial: Black – Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indexes – lollipop seconds hand – date aperture at 6 o’clock – yellow depth gauge meter
• Movement: Oris Calibre 733 – self-winding – 28,800 v.p.h – 38-hour power reserve – central seconds, minutes and hours, date function – date corrector – instantaneous date – stop second – fine timing device - 26 jewels
• Strap: Oris’ patented Quick Strap Change System – stainless steel bracelet – black rubber strap – Oris-developed folding clasp – diver’s extension facility
• Price: £2,900 (Rubber), £3,000 (Bracelet)
• References: Rubber strap: 01 733 7755 4154-Set RS / Stainless steel bracelet: 01 733 7755 4154-Set MB