Oris Williams Valtteri Bottas Watch Review
Thursday - 21 July 2016
A new addition to the Oris Williams collection celebrates the talented Formula 1 Driver Valtteri Bottas naming the powerful design in his honour. The Finnish driver has raced for the Williams team for four consecutive seasons after earning his seat in 2013 due to his excellent performance as official reserve driver. Standing at his first podium back in 2014 in Austria led to a successful 2016 season boasting of eight podiums and 326 points from 57 Grand Prix, with a highest championship finish of 4th in 2014. The 26 year old was the natural choice for Oris’ next collaboration with Williams; an opportunity to celebrate his victories over the last 3 years!
The result was a slick, fierce piece that embodies the speed, intensity, power and technology of the sport. Taking influence from the Oris Williams Chronograph Carbon Fibre Extreme, the instrument has a 44mm carbon fibre case, which is crafted by using an Oris-patented manufacturing technique with inspiration from Formula 1. The hand made process in Switzerland involves sheets of woven carbon fibre reinforced polymer that are layered manually in individual moulds in two steps and then twice hardened at 130°c in special ovens. The outcome allows for high performance due to strength, rigour and water tightness; a technique that is completely new to watchmaking and derives from the fibre polymers used in racing car monocoques and steering wheels. A truly innovative technique that provides Oris with an air of exclusivity and contemporary thinking. At just 7.2 grams, the device remains lightweight on the wrist.
Oris have skilfully executed a masterpiece that looks superb. Dressed in black, the Limited Edition at 770 pieces is incredibly striking. A sharp hint of royal blue, injection of stark white indices, numerals and markings against the intricate pattern that embodies the carbon fibre dial is truly stunning. The weave continues to meet the streamlined rubber strap that fastens with a folding black DLC-coated titanium clasp; the design combination is a work of art that reaches beyond convention.
Engraved into the black DLC-coated titanium case back is Bottas’ car number -77 - along with his name; a confirmation that the Oris beauty is a tribute to the Finnish driver. The case back seals the 674 calibre automatic movement that ensures precision and reliability; factors that are essential to Formula 1. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating protects the striking dial layout and markings that are visible in restricted lighting due to Superluminova.
Oris have unveiled an impressive piece that represents the speed and power of such a sport. Due for release in September, the masterpiece honours a remarkable sportsman that has consistently accomplished incredible achievements!
