Oris Aquis Calibre 400 In-depth Watch Review
Monday - 22 March 2021
Oris are no strangers to developing their own range of exclusive, in-house movements. Their first, the hand wound Calibre 110, was launched in 2014 and named after its incredible 10 power reserve. Following that, we saw several evolutions including the Calibre 111 with date window, the 113 with date, month, week and day and the 114 with its independently adjustable 24 hour hand. Now, Oris have unveiled their latest manufacture powerhouse, the Oris Calibre 400, which extends the durability of the Aquis model it inhabits with better magnetism, a 10 year warranty and an impressive five day power reserve.
The Oris Calibre 400 Movement
Until now, the Oris Aquis Date series has been equipped with other Swiss manufactures such as Sellita and ETA so when the Oris Aquis Calibre 400 watch was announced, there were high expectations for its already robust and reliable divers design to deliver even better performance. So of course, we had to get our hands on our own to find out if all the fuss was warranted. After unboxing the piece and testing it out ourselves, we can confidently say that expectations have been met and the Calibre 400 movement elevates Oris’ premium divers watch to a whole new level.
So, what makes the Oris Calibre 400 movement so extraordinary? First off, it’s power reserve. For the first time, the Oris Aquis is equipped with an extended power reserve of up to five days. Unlike previous Aquis’, self-sufficiency is extended by using a pair of mainspring barrels and a rotor placed on a more low-friction slide bearing system which winds in only one direction. The in-house calibre also impresses with its high levels of anti-magnetism achieved using silicon for its lightweight and lubricant free anchor and escape wheel. 30 specialised parts of the movement have also been tested to 2,250 gauss and promise a 90% reduction to magnetism.
Oris is so confident in the performance of its Calibre 400 movement that it is offering a 10 year warranty on all Oris watches powered by it. This means that if you were to buy the new Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 today, you wouldn’t have to have it serviced until 2031… that’s really quite extraordinary. For now, Oris have declined to submit the Calibre 400 to COSC for official chronometer certification, however the Swiss manufacturer have claimed the accuracy of the in-house movement is well within COSC requirements at -3/+5 seconds per day. The Oris Calibre 400 also promises a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, 21 jewels, central hands for hours, minutes and seconds and a date window at 6 o’clock.
The Oris Aquis Calibre 400 Watch
The Oris Aquis is arguably the Swiss watch brand’s most iconic design and for many, the archetypal divers watch for its durable, 300 metre water resistant case and instantly legible Superluminova markings. It was a relief then, that their new Calibre 400 movement would debut within one of these designs. The Oris Aquis Calibre 400 watch offers a fantastic view of the new in-house calibre working inside through what Oris describes as their largest ever installed sapphire crystal glass case back. Through the back, you can see the famous red Oris rotor, slide bearing system, parts of the gear teeth and small glimpses of the anti-magnetic silicon escape wheel.
Aside from a few subtle changes to its aesthetic including a new patented DIY Quick Strap Change mechanism on the bracelet and a slightly different inscription on the dial to mark its new power reserve, the DNA of the Oris Aquis is almost entirely unchanged. The 43.5mm stainless steel case boasts a familiar water resistant rating of 300 metres and is fitted with a unidirectional rotating bezel with blue ceramic inlay, sapphire crystal glass on top and a screw in crown. At its centre, a wonderful ocean blue dial brings to life classic three-hand and date functionality with Superluminova accents for optimal legibility in all lighting.
The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 is currently available on two strap options including a sporty black rubber strap and a dressier stainless steel bracelet. The rubber strap variant retails at £2,600 while the metal bracelet alternative comes in at £2,700. Both options are available to order now on the Jura Watches website with interest free finance and free delivery.
Unboxing the Oris Aquis Calibre 400 Watch
As soon as we could get our hands on one of the Oris Aquis Calibre 400 watches, we had to film an unboxing for you all. If you haven’t already watched the video on our YouTube channel, we have included it here for you now.
