When it comes to the ongoing bronze watch trend, perhaps no other brand has done more to stoke the flames for enthusiasts than Oris. The marque has delivered some stunning entries into the segment over the past few years, including the limited-edition Carl Brashear chronograph and specialty versions of the fan-favorite Divers Sixty-Five. For its latest entry into the segment, the brand doubles down on the material with the Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date — adapting the signature Oris design with not only a bronze case, bezel, and crown, but a bronze dial as well.
This dial is, undoubtedly, the Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date’s party piece, as it’s not only made of bronze but the metal is also chemically treated at the factory and sealed with a transparent lacquer “to create a unique finish for every piece,” according to the brand. It’s a bit unclear what that means, whether the dials will each show unique finishing right out of the box or if patina will develop over time, but once hands-on images are available for these pieces out in the wild, the questions should be answered.
That said, what we can see so far works well. The classic cathedral hands, railroad minutes track, rounded Arabic numerals, and bright red pointer date mesh well with the warm tones of the bronze surface to create something that highlights the vintage nature of this 81-year-old design.
The 40mm bronze case of the Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date is identical to last year’s Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition, offering pilot watch proportions with signature Oris touches like a coin edge bezel and the namesake oversized screw-down crown at 3 o’clock. One of the main elements that keeps this bronze-on-bronze treatment from feeling overwhelming is the alloy used for the case. Not all bronze alloys are created equal, with different proportions resulting in drastically different colors, finishes, and material properties. For the case, Oris opts for an alloy with a lighter, almost golden tone, keeping the overall product from becoming too visually heavy while providing a clear contrast with the darker alloy of the dial surface. The only change of material here comes courtesy of a stainless steel caseback with a mineral crystal display window.
Like the steel Big Crown Pointer Date, the Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date is powered by Oris’ own caliber 754 automatic movement. With bi-directional winding and trademark Oris red winding rotor, this powerplant is a staple of the brand’s lineup and features a 38-hour power reserve.
Oris complements the warm, rugged tones of both the dial and case with a unique strap pairing. This tobacco brown suede combination is made of chamois deer leather for a softer, more luxe feel with a touch of exclusivity.
While bronze watch mania continues unabated, the Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date ups the ante with a bronze on bronze design that transcends the novelty of its materials to become a genuinely attractive take on a hallmark Oris model. The Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date is available now at authorized Oris dealers for a retail price of $2,000. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.