Hands-On Review of the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 in Green and Terracotta
There are brands that chase trends, and then there’s Oris. The Hölstein-based independent has built its reputation on doing its own thing. Oris isn’t just about individuality in design, it’s part of their identity. The brand’s tagline, "Go Your Own Way," isn’t a marketing flourish—it’s a philosophy. That mindset is evident in this latest update to the Big Crown Pointer Date. Instead of chasing the latest hype cycle, Oris has delivered two new dial colors, a reworked bracelet, and a continued focus on one of the most thoughtful in-house movements in this price range. This is not a release meant to grab headlines. It’s meant to deepen a legacy.
The Big Crown Pointer Date isn’t new. It’s been a steady presence in the Oris lineup since 1938. And it hasn’t been dragged into modernity kicking and screaming. Oris has gently refined it over the years, and this release is another example of that approach. It’s not a full redesign. It doesn’t need to be.
On paper, the specs are modern. At 40mm wide, 12.3mm thick, and with a lug-to-lug of 47.5mm, the Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 has enough wrist presence to feel current. But it doesn’t wear like a contemporary chunk of steel. The case curves just right, hugging the wrist in a way that feels refined and confident. There’s no awkward bulk here.
A polished bezel and domed sapphire crystal soften the visual profile. That domed crystal is a standout. It catches and bends light with just the right amount of distortion to remind you of vintage acrylic, but it holds up to modern standards. The oversized crown is, as always, a functional design choice. It’s a nod to the original pilot’s watches, and it feels appropriate without being exaggerated.
The Calibre 403 is a big part of the value story here. It’s part of Oris’s in-house 400 Series and it continues to impress. Five-day power reserve. Anti-magnetic. Backed by a 10-year warranty. Those are numbers that matter when you’re talking about a watch meant to be worn, not stored.
This isn’t a fragile collector’s piece. It’s a movement you can rely on. And the pointer date complication is not something you see often. So the fact that Oris has kept using it all these years, makes it all the more refreshing. Plus, the vintage vibes you get without the date window reminds you that this is a watch that has been in Oris’ lineup since 1938. The pointer is just a red-tipped hand tracing the days around the edge of the dial. It’s a complication that doesn’t overcomplicate anything.
Here’s where Oris leans into its "Go Your Own Way" ethos. The green and terracotta dial options are not trend-following. They are bold, but not loud. The green is a mossy, almost olive tone. It’s rich, earthy, and plays beautifully with the brushed case and vintage-inspired numerals. It’s not trying to be flashy. It has this almost pistachio look that I really like. I’m sure it will be incredibly popular without having to be Tiffany Blue or some other trendy color.
The terracotta is even more unexpected. It’s a natural clay color that sits somewhere between burnt orange and muted red. It’s warmer than you expect, and more subtle than it sounds. In a world of sunburst blues and monochrome blacks, this dial feels like it came from a different world entirely. Or maybe a different decade. Either way, it feels intentional.
Both dials keep the same layout that’s defined the Pointer Date for years. Arabic numerals. Cathedral hands. An outer track for the date. No surprises there, and that’s a good thing. Oris knows when not to mess with a good thing.
Oris has updated the bracelet, and it’s a welcome change. The new H-link design feels more contemporary than the older riveted style. It’s brushed in the right places and polished where it counts, giving it just enough elegance to elevate the case without pushing it into dress watch territory. It helps the Big Crown Pointer Date walk that fine line between utility and refinement.
If you prefer leather, you’re in luck. The sustainably sourced deer leather strap from Cervo Volante is anything but ordinary. It’s textured, soft, and has a character all its own. It feels organic, both in texture and in spirit. This isn’t a mass-produced afterthought. It’s a strap that adds something meaningful to the experience. For those who care about where their products come from, the sustainability angle is a bonus. For everyone else, it’s just a damn good strap.
Both options come with a quality clasp that feels sturdy and balanced. Nothing fiddly or overly engineered here. Just a well-executed closure system that gets out of the way.
This isn’t a small watch. But it’s not oversized either. The 40mm case and nearly 48mm lug-to-lug spread give it presence, but the domed crystal and case shape make it wear smaller than the numbers suggest. If you’re used to vintage-style 36mm reissues, this will feel bigger. But if you want something that can stand up to daily wear and still look sharp under a cuff, it fits the bill.
Weight distribution is excellent. Whether on bracelet or leather, the watch feels planted. Not heavy. Not top-heavy. Just right.
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 doesn’t try to reinvent itself. It doesn’t need to. This release builds on a solid foundation, introducing just enough newness to keep things interesting. It’s a watch with character and restraint. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone.
At CHF 3,600 on leather and CHF 3,800 on bracelet (around $4,000 to $4,300 USD), it’s not bargain-bin cheap. But what you get for the price is a whole lot of thoughtful design, in-house mechanical credibility, and individuality. The competition at this level includes names like Longines, Nomos, and even Tudor, but few offer a five-day power reserve, ten-year warranty, and this much personality in one package.
The green dial is going to appeal to those looking for subtlety with a twist. The terracotta is for someone who wants to take a little more of a leap, without going full fashion-watch. Neither feels like it’s trying too hard. Both feel considered.
