Oris continues their classy "Complication" watch collection with the Artix. Easy on the eyes, and available with a six-link steel metal bracelet or leather strap. It is a graceful creation, and offers a decent mechanical annual calendar watch (with a symmetrical dial layout) at a reasonable price. With more and more watches like this coming out, I wonder what Oris' new direction in the States is going to be. I say this because Swiss Oris recently fully took over the US division. So we will just wait and see.
The Artix Complication looks like it uses a stripped down ETA Valjoux 775 automatic movement in the watch. Though it does not. The 7751 provides these functions (and more), but can be stripped down to this style. Oris instead uses a Sellita SW200 with a module for the annual calendar and moon phase functions. They call the movement the Calibre Oris 915. The style of the layout is in the traditional "triple calendar" look - which is most always appreciated. An interesting point here is the "pointer" style date indicator while uses a dial in the center of the face as opposed to on the periphery of it.
Coming in a 42mm wide steel case, the size is good for most people, and a watch of this style. Crystal is sapphire, with another one over the caseback. Oris says that they place SuperLumiNova on the hands and indices, but I don't see lume on places other then the hands. I quite like the sloped flange ring with the applied metal Arabic hour numerals - a nice touch. I think that overall the dial should have a nice three dimensional feel to it. You tend to see Oris watches like this designed well, and I appreciate that they are competent with dive, racing, vintage style, and classy watches alike. Price should be somewhere in the $2,000 range.
