BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
The Aquis is the shining star of the Oris catalog. So, when Oris launched their new Caliber 400 back in December 2020, the Aquis was the obvious choice of watch to be powered by this new movement. While the caliber 400 debut Aquis came with a 43.5mm case, Oris has now released three new Aquis Caliber 400 powered watches with a modest 41.5 steel housing.
Measuring 41.5mm in diameter with a thickness of around 12mm and a lug to lug distance of around 48mm, the mid-sized Aquis has been designed to sit more comfortably on smaller and medium-sized wrists compared to its 43.5mm elder sibling. On the design front, things remain quite familiar. The case stiff features a distinctive kettle-style shape with integrated chunky lugs and crown guards to protect the threaded crown at 3. Perched on top is a uni-directional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert that matches the color of the dial. Also, like most other Aquis watches, the case is water-resistant to a healthy 300 meters.
The dial is being offered in three striking colors: Blue, Green, and Charcoal black. All dials feature a nice sunburst effect for enhanced light play and have also been given a gradient treatment to showcase a dynamic color range starting from a lighter tone at the center and culminating into an almost blackish hue on the outer periphery. The dial layout has nothing new to offer and remains highly legible and free of any clutter. Highly polished hour markers comprise the hour markers and the minute track consists of printed white hash marks. A date window sits at 6 to maintain the symmetry of the dial and finally, you have a well-proportioned handset, which like the markers, has been filled with luminous paint to offer great low light visibility.
The true calling card of these watches is the in-house Oris caliber 400. Operating at 4 Hz, offering a power reserve of around 5 days using a twin-barrel setup, comprising several anti-magnetic components, and offering a service interval of 10 years, the caliber 400 is a highly capable automatic movement. The movement is industrially finished and is visible through the exhibition case back.
The new Oris Aquis Caliber 400 41.5mm watches are available to purchase on a rubber strap for EUR 2,900 and a stainless-steel bracelet for EUR 3,000. Both straps come with a quick-release system to swap the straps easily.
