Oris ChronOris Date Review: Racing Inspirations from the 1970s 

I tend to gravitate towards vintage-inspired watches more often than not. With a brand like Oris and their history, it’s hard to not pay the archives special attention. I recently reviewed the Oris Diver 65 Deauville. That for me, is Oris’ best diver in their current catalogue. The vintage styling with modern materials and engineering edges out the over-engineered Aquis. 

As part of Oris’ return to “vintage”, the Oris Chronoris Date is an excellent choice for those looking for something different, but manages to own its appeal at the same time. 

Brief History on the Oris Chronoris 

At Basel World 2015, Oris launched the Diver Sixty-Five catalogue, which has now grown into a competitor worthy of the Aquis. In 2017, the Oris ChronOris was brought back to life, a racing inspired piece from the 70s. A hint from the name, the OG ChronOris was a chronograph. The 2017 ChronOris, however, is a simple three-hander, with a 60-minute internal rotating bezel – the dual crown diver look. 

The ChronOris Date comes in a few different models. Including a faithful reissue of the 1970 Chronograph. The simple three-handers also come in a few different colors. Some with black dials, mixture of grey and black, and the Movember comes in gilt. The one I’ve got is the simple black dial supplied with a nato strap. 

Case & Bezel

The Oris ChronOris has an interesting tonneau/barrel case shape, which I found extremely comfortable. The thinness of the case and the lack of lugs make it an easy wear for my 6 inch wrists. Paired with the 39mm case diameter, it wears like a dream. The case alone solidifies the Oris ChronOris as it’s own thing. You won’t mistake it for anything else. 

The finishing on the ChronOris has a flavorful vintage charm. Brushed sunburst finished on top-sides. Side and bevels are high polished, giving it a real unique look. Much like other heritage models, the case back has an etched Oris Heritage logo. 

The dual crown another one of those design elements that adds to the vintage appeal. Though, I sometimes get confused between the hand-winder and the bezel rotator. Oris’ attempt to make this easy is both a visual and textual effort. The hand-winding crown is signed, and has a traditional grip texture. I would’ve preferred the hand winding crown to be down at the 4 o’clock instead of the 2, but maybe I’m just used to Seiko divers. 

The crown that manages that inner-rotating bezel is a screw-down. The action is extremely solid. It’s a 120-clicks and each click feels hefty, and precise. 

And yes, the 19mm lug-width is unusual, and annoying. But I find Oris’ OEM nato strap to be of decent quality and the pairing works in its favor. 

Dial & Hands

At first glance, it’s a busy dial. And this is less of a real-estate matter, but rather the materials and colors used on the ChronOris. The indices are polished and is extremely reflective, making it highly legible. Then there is the orange-painted hour markers that sits right above each index. A minute-track that I can’t seem to quite grasp. The inner-rotating bezel with its own set of minute track. And finally, the box handset with a matching orange seconds hand. Oh, and there is a date that’s boxed with white outline. 

In saying all that, it works. The design is uniquely a ChronOris and it’s a good conversation started – no one is going to mistake this for a Rolex, or anything else. 

It is all-dial, and I’m not a big fan of all dial watches given their nature to look larger. The ChronOris definitely has that effect, but the lack of lugs more than make up for it. Quid Pro Quo. 

This version here, with the polished hands, does have some lume. It glows in a similar blue of the Superluminova BGW9. I would’ve like to see a bit more lume. But again, it’s not a diver by any means, even with the timing bezel. 

Bracelet

The ChronOris comes in many different variations. You can purchase one on a bracelet, leather, nato, or rubber. Mine is referenced 01 733 7737 4054-07 5 19 24. The nato strap is pretty standard, the stitching is well done and feels substantial. The color scheme plays well with the dial. The buckle and keeper are both signed “ORIS”. 

Again, the lug width is 19mm, which makes it annoying for those with a collection of 20mm or 18mm straps. But nowadays, 19mm straps are not difficult to source. Visually, I think it looks best and wears most comfortable on a nato strap. A rubber strap would be an excellent alternative. 

Comfort & Wearability

On the wrist, it wears more like a 40mm due to the larger dial and lack of bezel. But at 39mm wide, 43mm lug-to-lug and only about 80g, it wears like a charm. Think Seiko UFO cases, or even modern mini turtles but without the thickness. 

On the supplied nato, it’s pretty uncomfortable given how thick the nato is and the two layers add unnecessary height. For those with smaller wrist, I’d recommend a gray leather strap. For me, I’ve gone with a simple tropical rubber. 

Who is the Oris ChronOris for?

I think there are a few demographics that ChronOris targets: 

1. Wanting the ChronOris from the 70’s 
2. Looking for something different in their collection while still staying traditional 
3. Trying to find something racing-inspired, reputable brand, under $2k mark. 

I’m definitely in between the second and third demographic. I wanted something with a bit of pop, but still retaining a level of simplicity. The racing history and aesthetics added to the appeal. And the vintage charm ultimately sold me on it. 

Priced at $1,750, there definitely are strong competition from other brands. The Sinn 104, Rado Captain Cook, Longines, and others. If you’re mainly looking for a value proposition and something you can wear daily, the ChronOris probably isn’t going to be for you unless you fall into one of the three demographics above. 

But if you’re looking to an auto-motive inspired watch and is drawn towards vintage aestheics, the Oris ChronOris should be on your list. 

Oris ChronOris closing thoughts

Aesthetics: Unique design elements, vintage appeal, perhaps slightly too busy. 

Comfort: Loses points for being pretty much all dial, but wears really well on a rubber strap. 

Price: At $1,750, it’s an affordable entry into Oris. 

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