Oris Unveils New ProPilot Altimeter Watch for 2023

The new Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch for 2023 now promises a smaller, strong and slimmer case crafted from black carbon fibre and an improved altitude feature, as well as an automatic movement that offers a longer power reserve.

The story of the Oris ProPilot Altimeter

In 2014, Oris released the world’s first mechanical watch to offer an altimeter function. To unveil the watch, the Swiss brand waited until after the Baselworld showcase and debuted the timepiece at the Ambri airport in Switzerland where Oris participates in its own flying academy. It was the perfect location to launch such a special timepiece. Those attending the special event got to fly and test the Oris Big Crown ProPilot out at the same time. In addition to flying prop planes, attendees of the event also got to enjoy some military jets. The special timepiece was launched as part of the Oris ProPilot watch collection which also launched in the same year, home to a series of wristwatches that built on the design of the original Big Crown watch.

Amongst these modern aviator watches is the Big Crown ProPilot Chronograph GMT, a day-date model and a three-hander with a date function. The great thing about the Oris watches from the Big Crown ProPilot watch collection is that these functional wristwatches are not just for pilots alone. They also appeal to hikers, adventure-seekers and skiers, for example. The Swiss brand has been focussing on developing wristwatches with a real purpose for professionals and explorers since the launch of this collection and now we see it grow once more with the redesigned Oris ProPilot Altimeter.

What’s new for the Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch?

The new Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch now adds elevated performance and a new carbon-fibre composite case for a slimmer and lighter design developed by Oris’ partner 9T Labs. Added to this new recipe are an improved altimeter module and a case design based on “additive manufacturing and moulding”. In doing so, 9T Labs also focuses on what it refers to as the “climate neutral mobility of the future”, which introduces a new manufacturing standard that develops this stronger and lighter case at a lower cost by producing zero waste in the process. The new-for-2023 Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch is also powered by the Calibre 793, which offers an improved power reserve of 56 hours.

Everything you need to know about the new Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch

The Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch works by relaying the time, air pressure and altitude simultaneously on one single dial. It has taken Oris a total of three years to redesign and improve this concept, partnering with 9T Labs to create a stronger, lighter and slimmer case design that is more environmentally friendly. The keys things to note about the new model is that it features an improved altimeter module that is now capable of measuring altitudes up to 19,700ft (6000 metres) compared to the original model which indicated an altitude of up to 15,000ft (4,500 meters).

Let’s take a look at how the altimeter can be used in the new Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch…

When the crown is in the 0 position, the Oris Pro-pilot Altimeter works traditionally, displaying the main time on the centre of the dial, with hands that can be adjusted once the crown is pulled out to position 2. To activate the altimeter feature of the watch, you simply pull the 4 o’clock crown out to position 1. To show that the altimeter is in use, a red ring will be displayed. To set the altimeter, rotate it so that the reference air pressure is aligned with the red triangle at 6 o’clock on the dial. The yellow indicator will then show the current altitude and the current absolute air pressure in red. Whilst activated, Oris have equipped the altimeter-adjustment and venting crown with a PTFE vapour barrier that keeps the internal environment of the case moisture-free. Once you have set the altimeter, push the crown back into position 1. Any changes in the altimeter are shown in the yellow numbers on the edge of the dial measuring from 0-19,700 feet, or 0-6,000 metres.

The new Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch measures a diameter of 47mm and is crafted from a one-piece black carbon fibre construction with a grey PVD-coated titanium bezel and caseback. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters and features a domed scratch-resistant and anti-reflective piece of sapphire crystal glass. Grey PVD-coated titanium crowns feature at 2 and 4 o’clock, whilst the back of the case features an engraved feet-to-metre conversion chart. Co-founder of 9T Labs, Giovanni Cavolina explains a little about the chosen material for this unique pilot’s watch.

“Oris wanted a watch made of lightweight, extremely strong materials, but in a new, innovative way. Watches produced using carbon fibre composite are two-a-penny, now. It’s become a bit boring, and the materials are not sustainable. 9T Labs was commissioned to use carbon fibre composites in a way never seen before: using sustainable processes and a unique design, with an artistic, natural pattern. It’s a composite of carbon fibre and a polymer called PEKK that has high mechanical, heat and chemical resistance. Together, they form a material that’s as light as plastic and that can be stronger than metals, so it’s low weight, high stiffness and high strength”.

The new Oris ProPilot Altimeter features a black dial with an altitude scale on the dial ring in yellow. The central hour and minute hands in white have been treated with a generous layer of Super-LumiNova . whilst the altimeter hand has been crafted from lightweight laminated carbon fibre. The model is offered on a green textile strap with brown leather lining and a grey PVD-coated titanium folding clasp with a fine adjustment system.

The Oris ProPilot Altimeter watch is available with a meter reading on the altimeter scale (ref 793 7775 8764-Set) or a feet reading (ref 793 7775 8734-Set). To place an order for either of these two models, you can check the watch out in more detail here, or call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453.