Introducing the Oris Aquis Chronograph in 43.5mm

For Oris, Watches & Wonders 2024 saw a revamping of the brand’s most iconic watches, the Aquis. The diver was slimmed down and refined in a way that, while it didn’t change the overall aesthetic of the watch, improved upon it in pretty much all respects (check out our reviews of the new Oris Aquis Calibre 400 and the Oris Aquis Upcycle.

With Geneva Watch Days 2024 kicking off today, Oris is using the event to expand the Aquis lineup. Today the brand announced the new Oris Aquis Chronograph in 43.5mm. It’s a welcome addition to the Aquis lineup and after looking at the specs and aesthetics, we are already big fans.

THE BASICS:

BRAND: Oris
Model: Aquis Chronograph
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: 43.5mm
Water Resistance: 300 meters (30 bar)
Movement: Oris Calibre 771 (Sellita SW500 base)
Movement Specs: 62-hour power reserve, chronograph, date
Strap Options: Stainless steel bracelet

THE JUICE:

While Geneva Watch Days is growing in importance, we generally don’t see the magnitude of releases we see during Watches & Wonders. So an extension of the new Aquis makes a lot of sense to me. The new chronograph is attractive, with a mid-tone blue sunray dial that we’ve already seen on their standard three-hander.

The biggest change to the new Aquis Chronograph is the placement of the subdials. On previous iterations, the subdials were located at 6, 9 and 12. However, on this variation, the subdials are at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Oris refers to this as a “smile”, which is a fun way to look at it (and the brand is known for being silly and lighthearted at times). I tend to prefer this configuration, as most chrongraphs opt for it. But it really makes me ponder one question. Will Oris eventually release an Aquis with a panda or reverse panda dial? I wouldn’t be opposed to such a watch.

At 43.5mm in diameter, it’s not a small watch by any means. But the new proportions and the downward slant on the lugs, makes it a lot more wearable. While, as of this article, I have not yet tried this watch on. The two new Aquis’ I reviewed for Watches & Wonders were both 43.5mm in diameter, and I did not have any trouble pulling it off on my 6.75 inch wrist. That’s not say I wouldn’t prefer a 40 or 41mm size, though I am not sure how possible it is with a Sellita SW500-based movement.

Overall, I am a fan of the Aquis Chronograph. It takes the improvements made to the Aquis and applies it to a chronograph. There isn’t much to dislike here. The gradient sunray dial is lovely, and the large indexes and 300 meters of water resistance makes this a very capable diver. I am definitely excited to get this watch on my wrist when I have the chance to at Geneva Watch Days.

how much is the Oris Aquis Chronograph 43.5mm watch?

The Oris Aquis Chronograph will be available only on a stainless steel bracelet and will retail for $4,900 USD.