Hands-On Review of the Sub-$3,000 Oris Divers Date
The dive watch market under $5,000 is packed with incredible options—and it gets even more competitive under $3,000. You’ve got heavyweights like Tudor's Black Bay and Pelagos, Longines' Hydroconquest and Legend Diver, and a flood of impressive microbrands offering affordable quality. But one recent release has managed to cut through the noise: the Oris Divers Date. In a sea of vintage-style divers, Oris didn’t just follow the trend—they perfected it. With its slim design, improved wearability, and exceptional build quality, this watch is arguably the best bang for your buck under $3,000. Let’s dive in and see what makes it so special.
Oris seemingly spent 2024 perfecting their dive watch collection. First, the brand improved their more serious diver, the Aquis, refining its proportions and wearability. And more recently, they turned their attention to the Divers Date — a modern dive watch that's become a cornerstone of the brand's lineup.
The Oris Divers Date represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a complete overhaul. The case is slimmer, the bezel is narrower, and the overall profile feels more balanced on the wrist. At 39mm wide and just 12.1mm thick, the Divers Date is one of the most wearable dive watches on the market. The thinner case height, combined with shorter lugs, makes this watch feel like a vintage piece without sacrificing the durability or water resistance modern collectors expect. With 200 meters of water resistance, the Divers Date is more than capable of handling everyday wear, serious water activities, and even recreational dives — exactly what most buyers are looking for.
What really makes this watch sing is the beige dial. It's a creamy, almost parchment-like color that gives the watch a warmth rarely seen in the sub-$3,000 dive watch space. The hue pairs beautifully with the applied markers. This evolution of the Divers Date feels more modern, and less vintage. With many brands still heavily focused on vintage-inspired divers, Oris seems to be moving in the opposite direction. It is nice to see Oris chart its own path or “go it’s own way” so to speak. The domed sapphire crystal adds a bit of vintage charm present on the previous Diver Sixty-Five, but it works. There will still be some vintage accents to the piece, given the heritage of the collection.
The beige dial isn't the only color option Oris is offering, but it might be the standout of the collection. The combination of warmth and subtle vintage cues feels genuinely unique in the current dive watch landscape. While black dials remain the default for most brands, Oris proves that a softer, more nuanced color palette can be just as versatile. The beige hue manages to be both distinctive and understated, making it a great option for those who want something different without straying into gimmicky territory.
Inside, Oris opted for the Sellita SW200-1-based Oris 733-1 automatic movement. While some might scoff at a third-party movement in 2024, the reality is that it's reliable, easy to service, and helps keep the price down (Oris’ in-house offerings start closer to $5,000 USD). It offers 41 hours of power reserve, hacking seconds, and smooth automatic winding. At this price point, the movement isn't the headline — the design, finishing, and wearability are. And on those fronts, the Divers Date excels. The decision to stick with this proven movement shows that Oris is focused on delivering value without compromising performance. For most buyers, reliability and ease of service trump the need for an in-house caliber.
What Oris really nailed with this update is the wearability. The 39mm case size is just about perfect for a wide range of wrist sizes, and the slim profile means the watch hugs the wrist rather than sitting on top of it. The short, downward-curving lugs only enhance that feeling, making this one of those rare dive watches that feels as comfortable on a smaller wrist as it does on a larger one. The brushed case sides and polished chamfers give the watch a subtle touch of refinement, ensuring that it looks just as good with a button-up shirt as it does with a wetsuit.
The watch comes on a stainless steel bracelet and a black rubber strap is also included. The bracelet is a noticeable upgrade from previous Oris offerings, with a thinner profile and better articulation. It tapers nicely, adding to the refined feel, and the clasp is both secure and easy to adjust. One thing missing from the bracelet, however, is a microadjustment. At this price-point, a microadjustment is pretty standard and expected. With a complete overhaul on the bracelet for the Divers Date, I’m not sure why a microadjust wasn’t added. Perhaps we will see it in the near future. However, the black rubber strap is a nice addition, something I would like to see from more brands. Both options give the Divers Date a different personality — the bracelet leaning dressier, the rubber strap emphasizing its tool watch roots.
At $2,700, the Oris Divers Date Beige is one of the best all-around dive watches you can buy right now. It doesn't try to be a vintage reissue or a hardcore tool watch — it strikes a perfect balance between the two. With its upgraded proportions, beautiful dial, and everyday versatility, it's proof that Oris is one of the few brands still making watches for enthusiasts first and foremost. The combination of thoughtful design and practical features makes this watch a compelling option for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby.
There's a reason Oris has built such a loyal following among watch enthusiasts. The brand consistently delivers thoughtful designs, great quality, and fair prices. The Divers Date Beige is a perfect example of that philosophy in action — a watch that feels like it was designed not for mass-market appeal, but for people who genuinely love watches. It's a watch that doesn't need to rely on hype or artificial scarcity — it simply speaks for itself.
In a crowded field, the Oris Divers Date Beige doesn't just compete — it stands out. Whether you're looking for your first serious dive watch or just want a piece that blends vintage style with modern quality, this watch deserves to be at the top of your list. It's a reminder that in a world of hype and endless limited editions, there are still brands out there quietly making some of the best everyday watches money can buy. With its combination of vintage charm, modern proportions, and thoughtful execution, the Oris Divers Date Beige proves that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a truly great dive watch.
