Introducing the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403

There’s something to be said about a watch that’s been in near-continuous production for nearly 90 years. Oris’s Big Crown Pointer Date isn’t just some revived archival throwback—it’s a real piece of watchmaking history that has aged with purpose. And today it’s getting a low-key but meaningful update: two new dial colors, a new bracelet option, and the continued presence of Oris’s in-house Calibre 403 movement. In a world of short-lived limited editions and design-over-function pieces, Oris continues to do its own thing. The new versions come with either a terracotta or green dial. These earthy tones are both charmingly off the beaten path. They’re available with either a stainless steel H-link bracelet or a sustainably sourced deer leather strap from Cervo Volante. It’s not a revolutionary update, but it doesn’t need to be. That’s kind of the point.

The Basics

Case: Stainless Steel, 40.00mm diameter, 12.30mm thickness, 47.50mm lug to lug
Crystal: Domed sapphire.
Movement: Oris Calibre 403, automatic, 120-hour power reserve, 4Hz, 24 jewels
Water Resistance: 5 bar (50 meters)
Strap Options: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp or Cervo Volante deer leather strap
Price: CHF 3,600 (leather strap), CHF 3,800 (metal bracelet)

The Juice

Let’s talk movement first, because it’s a big part of the value here. The Calibre 403 is part of Oris’s in-house 400 Series, and while the specs have been around for a couple of years now, they still impress: five-day power reserve, anti-magnetism, and surprisingly a 10-year warranty. It’s a movement that feels engineered for people who actually wear their watches, not just store them in winders.

Then there’s the dials. The green and terracotta colorways aren’t your typical “safe” hues, but Oris doesn’t really chase trends. These pastel shades are aimed at enthusiasts who want something unique to them and their taste, not those of the market. The green is mossy with a bit of warmth. The terracotta feels even more offbeat: it’s a burnt orange that’s more natural clay than anything neon- a far cry from some of Oris’ fabulous sunburst dials. Both have a kind of soulful, outdoorsy and adventurous vibe that pairs beautifully with the pointer date complication, which has always added a bit of poetic charm to this model.

One of the most interesting updates here is the bracelet. Oris has gone with a new H-link design that looks way more modern than the old riveted style they used to run. The brushed and polished surfaces give the watch a dressier edge, which feels like a nice evolution for something that has long straddled the line between pilot and casual wear. If you're the kind of person who wants one watch to do everything, this gets you real close.

And if you’re more of a leather strap person, Oris hasn’t forgotten about you. The deer leather option from Cervo Volante is soft, textured, and just left of center. It’s not your run-of-the-mill calfskin strap, and that’s a good thing. It feels as thoughtful as the rest of the design. And if you’re someone who likes to align values with purchases, the sustainable sourcing adds a nice touch.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t a small watch, at least on paper. At 40mm with a 47.5mm lug-to-lug and 12.3mm thick, it wears solid, but not bulky. The domed crystal helps soften the profile on the wrist. If you’ve got smaller wrists, it’s still totally wearable, but this isn’t one of those "vintage-inspired 36mm" reissues. It’s built like a modern daily driver.

Final Thoughts

The Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t come with a celebrity ambassador or a dramatic teaser video. What it does come with is character, integrity, and a whole lot of quiet confidence.It’s the kind of watch that grows on you. One day you’re trying it on for the dial color, the next day you realize you haven’t taken it off for a week. Oris keeps refining this model without losing what made it special in the first place.

Price-wise, CHF 3,600–3,800 (approximately $4,000-$4,300) puts it in the same neighborhood as some tough competition -Nomos, Longines, Tudor come to mind- but few offer a five-day in-house movement and this level of finishing and individuality. If you want something a little off the beaten path, a little more personal—but still incredibly well made—this might be the one.

Oris didn’t reinvent the wheel here, they just made it turn a little smoother. That’s exactly what we want to see in 2025.

Find out more about this watch here.