In the modern age of constant limited-edition releases, many watch brands are left with a dilemma. Although the proliferation of LE models has led to a greater frequency and variety of releases than ever before, the specific theming of many of these limited-edition tie-ins can affect their appeal outside a specific niche of the enthusiast community. Sometimes, however, a themed limited-edition design can be so charismatic that it breaks out of its prescribed niche to appeal to a general audience. The new Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition is just one such design, combining a timelessly sporting colorway with a classically handsome layout to create a compelling tribute to one of baseball’s greatest-ever stars that should connect even with those who’ve never watched a game.
The key to the Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition’s success starts with its light touch. Mechanically, this is more or less identical to the standard-production Oris Big Crown Pointer Date, and this similarity begins with the 40mm wide stainless steel case. The long, gently tapering unchamfered lugs, slim polished case profile, and the distinctive narrow coin edge bezel are all Big Crown Pointer Date hallmarks, rendered here in fine fashion. It’s a design that skirts the border between athleticism and classical refinement, with a vaguely pilot-esque feel on the wrist undercut by the ornamental look of that polished bezel. In short, it’s an easy case to wear for a variety of settings and a variety of wrists, and the brand’s limited-edition tweaks do nothing to change that. These tweaks are confined to the caseback, where Oris adds a smooth, handsomely polished engraving of “Hammerin’” Hank Aaron himself midway through his distinctive cross-grip swing. Like the standard Big Crown Pointer Date, Oris rates the Hank Aaron Limited Edition for a somewhat light 50 meters of water resistance.
Like the case, the Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition dial cleaves close to the standard Big Crown Pointer Date in design. The ‘30s-era combination of rounded Arabic hours numerals, cathedral hands, and the titular pointer date complication all work well thematically with the classic all-American style of baseball, reinforcing the core themes without any overt changes. Of course, it doesn’t get more all-American than the Hank Aaron Limited Edition’s dial colorway. The classic Atlanta Braves trifecta of an opaline white base dial, navy blue numerals and scales, and judiciously restrained crimson accents practically scream Americana, calling to mind warm summer nights and the Fourth of July. That said, it’s also subtle and versatile enough to slip into plenty of scenarios that don’t involve either a ballpark or fireworks. However, the pointer date function itself creates some interesting questions surrounding packaging. Dedicating a broad outer ring around the dial solely to date numerals arguably pinches the rest of the dial layout visually, leading to a dial that can sometimes feel too small for the case it inhabits.
Inside the Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition beats the Sellita-based Oris Caliber 754 automatic movement. The Caliber 754 has been a long-term staple of the Big Crown Pointer Date collection, and while it may provide reliable performance, it’s also beginning to show its age somewhat. The 38-hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph beat rate is particularly under-gunned in a world full of massive mainsprings and in-house powerplants, but the dependability and easy servicing of these movements should not be overlooked. Oris completes the Hank Aaron Limited Edition with a deep navy blue leather strap. Double-stitched in white to echo the look of a classic baseball glove, this strap offers some of the best texture and detail I’ve seen in a leather strap at this price point while deftly reinforcing the Hank Aaron theme. Oris also includes a red, white, and blue NATO strap with the Hank Aaron Limited Edition, but our review sample, unfortunately, did not feature this strap.
While many specifically themed limited editions may struggle to connect with enthusiasts outside their niche, the new Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition succeeds in creating something with truly broad appeal — a handsome, classically sporty riff on one of its core designs with a versatile, attractive colorway. Only 2,297 examples of the Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition will be made, and the watch is available now through authorized dealers. MSRP for the Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition stands at $2,500 USD as of press time. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
