It's Back! - Oris Aquis 39.5mm Review - Is It Still The Best Swiss Automatic Dive Watch Under $2000?
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- Long time Gentry members will know of my special love affair with the Oris Aquis dive watch. After owning several of them, sadly they ultimately proved too big despite the highly original and lovable design.
Regrettably I sold my smaller 40mm version not knowing that particular medium version of the now dated previous line was very difficult to replace. However, the Aquis will always hold a very special place in my heart, as it opened a gateway into the world of more affordable Swiss brands that I was previously unaware of. It was a refreshing change from the tried and tested go-to dive watch options from Omega, Rolex, and entry level Seiko. What impressed me was the quality, the luxurious finishing, unpretentious and unique style, but above all the fun it provided for the price.
After years of waiting in vain for a return to a smaller scale, Oris have finally come to their senses and released a more classic 39.5mm sized version that enables the Aquis to now be enjoyed by a wider audience. But what has changed apart from the size? Today I try out and review this 2018 release. The reference 01 733 7732 4124 MB is perhaps the a most quintessential version of the Aquis including a date and black dial. However, the question remains - is it still king of the entry level automatic dive watches from $1000 to $2000?
To watch my review of the full size 43mm version, click here:
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I just went to an oris dealer to see one in person and I would highly suggest if you are deciding between the 39.5 and the 43.5 go try them on. I went thinking I needed the 39.5 but it is REALLY small. It looks like a women’s watch. I have the smallest wrist like less than 6.5 and it looked small on me. The bracelet gets pretty narrow as it tapers. That being said the 43 fits much better than you would think because of the slanted lugs. I promise I’m not trolling, I’m not saying it’s not manly, just go try it on and see for yourself.
This was, and remains an interesting examination of the brand during a period of ascent. Oris continues to rise and build upon the brand. The Aquis date in titanium is a vibe.
Really nice watch, nice to see smaller watches getting more popular! 36-39mm is the perfect size for a watch IMO
Jort I like 39-41
god yes, I cant wear anything above maybe 41 mm because of my spaghetti wrist
Yeah it depends completely on the wrist circumference. I have a fairly large wrist- I owned a 38.5 Sinn 550- it’s looked ridiculous. 41-44 for me works when it comes to dive watches like this.
@@mapledoodle5516 I have bought a Cristopher Ward c60 trident of 38mm because I like small watches , I find them more elegant, but I have to say it's even too small even if I have a small wrist (16.7/16.8 cm)
I found myself taking my 5 year old Aquis off, holding it up to the screen for comparison and thinking, yea....I made the right choice (choosing an Aquis). Well done.
The first "real" watch I got was the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date. I was a student and could not really afford one...but I got one 😊. I still have this watch and the brand has a special place in my heart too and even if i wear it not often. I will never sell.
I like Oris. Thank you for showing this particular one, sir. 👍
EU supporter I have a question regarding the Pointer Date. Does the date hand snap to the next date numeral, or is it a smooth sweep?
Also, why not wear it? Watches are made to be worn!
If I remember correctly it snaps to the next date
Yes it snaps 👍
Thanks for this review, on the basis of which I've just increased my Oris collection. 43mm, grey dial, green bezel. Loving it!
Great review TGV, you are opening my eyes to watch brands I would not have considered in the past. Keep up the good work.
Thank you David, hearing that makes it all worth it.
Enjoy the journey,
Best regards,
TGV
Ah the Oris aquis!! Couldn’t decide between this or the SMP300, finally went for the Omega... But now I think this could be the Oris I acquire!! Quality review Sir... Retro Urban Gentry Review!! Love it!! Well done TGV!! BMJ ENGLAND 👍
You were imagining diving to the villain's underwater lair when you did that intro, weren't you? You little tinker.
Loving that mechanical Timex you're rocking!
Some day I hope to add this Oris to my humble collection as my Grail watch😍🙏😁
It most definitely is The Pusher by Steppenwolf. Good choice, especially with watch addicts like us Gentry! Love my Orises. I have 3 Aquis, a Carlos Coste IV, green Sixty-Five and a Chronoris and wouldn't trade them for anything under $2k, if at all. Great brand, priced excellently. I cannot disagree with having the smaller size available for everyone to enjoy them. However, I am a 40mm guy and was absolutely shocked to revisit and re-measure my Aquis cases to find that I have 43mm pieces. Those stubby lugs make the 43mm look substantially smaller and wears like a 41mm.
Your best intro ever, and there’s been a lot of them...auguri!
Thank you Paulo :D
Best regards,
TGV
Even after my great collection purge - I have managed to hold on to my 43mm Aquis DLC - my weekend warrior watch. Brilliant review my friend - I can hear the excitement and nostalgia in your voice.
Thank you my friend. 43mm DLC, VERY NICE!!!! The perfect "weekend warrior", I like that phrase.
Best regards,
TGV
Yes sir - love the blacked out look - shares weekend wrist time with my new mini-Turtle SRPC35K1
Awesome intro and review indeed. Finally a smaller size of Oris for gentries like you, sir. Really beautiful. :)
Best, Robert
Thank you Robert :D
Best regards,
TGV
Smaller watches of these styles are really really elegant.I have a 46mm which I consider to be way too big
Oris Aquis line is among my favorite dive watches thanks for another excellent review !!
Thank you Norm, very much appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
You get extra points for using "The Pusher" in the intro!
We need a review of that new Oris Big Crown with the Blue Dial from Basel World 18. That thing is a BEAUTY!
It’s pretty much the most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen. 😍
I have a vintage Oris racing watch... very great brand and I cant wait to watch this review!!!
Oh those lugs! I cannot stand the fact that strap options are so limited. I enjoy having the ability to change the looks of my watches with different straps. Love the watch, but cannot buy anything with lugs of this type. Enjoy!
the lugs are what make Oris original looking compared to the 1000s of other wanna be rolex divers out there. if you look Oris makes leather, rubber and metal and there are also third party options now out there.
I would typically agree with your point, as I feel the same about most watches, but I disagree with the Oris. Integrated bracelets generally aren't my favourite, but on a diver it works. A diver should really only be worn on a rubber strap or steel bracelet, unless you want to play around with a Nato. If this is your only watch, then yes, stay away from integrated bracelets. However, if you're like me and buying it to fill the void as "the diver" in your collection, I wouldn't be putting this on leather or anything else. That's what my Tudor, Rolex, or chronos are for. Personally, I'd buy this Aquis 39.5 on the rubber because from a far people may just assume it's leather anyways - and it looks remarkably comfortable!
You are my favorite channel to follow! You are really good in what you do and love your enthusiasme. Keep it up mate!
The Oris and specifically the Aquis, is one i would love to have in my collection. A badass. Great value for money!
I am deeply honored and very much appreciated.
Thank you my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Awesome intro TGV! They keep getting better and better.. Love this ORIS, what a watch.
Thank you Rishi,
Best regards,
TGV
What a coincidence, earlier today was cruising Oris Line (Diver 65, 40m) and almost hit the buy button (under $1300 NY Grey). Hesitated due to DLC coated Bezel, so need to see it in person. Love the retro dial and they finally got around to a standard 20m lug. Just can't go with an integrated band (NO NO). Any diver at $2k makes me jump to a Seamaster ($2800 at my go to NY shop), but that's the max I will roll the dice with in the Grey World. Great to see you, TGV, this Sunday afternoon. Kindest Regards, JP
Great review as always. I've just got the green/green in 39.5mm and absolutely love it. It's my second Oris. I also have the Big Crown Pointer Date. Love the fact that I can't change the strap too easily (mines on the rubber) as I can never decide which strap looks best, which drives me nuts, and am always changing them on other watches. Keep up the great reviews. 😊
The "kippers knickers"; love it!
Another amazing intro! Always a superb choice in music. I look forward to them almost as much as the review.
The 39 looks good on your wrist. Great review! Cheers from Vancouver
Thank you Lliam :D
Always appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
Wow! What a beautiful piece. Great review, as always. Your description is excellent and is almost like describing a lover. Lol. Your passion for watches is something else. Infectious. Hard to decide between Squale and Oris. Both excellent dive watches for the money. So great to know about these brands. Thanks for sharing. You are the best!
Thank you Stephen LOL
Always a pleasure my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Great review on the new Aquis.
I'll just say this about the proprietary lugs.. It IS a particular design feature and to be honest there are many watches with integrated lug design that make the overall watch design look good... well, cause strap and case looked interlocked. It's a detail that you just won't get in most other watches that have a full lug opening to allow swap options of any kind.
I think the AP Royal Oak you've been toying in your brain over recently is another prime example of such integrated lug designs.
That being said, the fact you are greatly limited to whatever strap option Oris has for you to change and work with these sort of lugs is a downer for those who like to mix up the watch's character with whatever strap options we can find and buy for a watch. That cannot be had here.
This, and just about all Oris's, look like incredible watches for the money. And, I think for those who want to keep their watch collecting.. or at least the watch options clear and simple, this would be a great choice.
There is something liberating inherent to having a very limited selection.. you know what you have and you can just where it as is without fussing about what strap options you feel like mixing it up with for the day.. which I find myself spending some time in the morning, or at night, mix matching to find something I want to wear together.
I was looking at the larger Oris as a dressy diver, but the the size put me off in the end. Instead I've gone for the Sinn 104, which is coming this week. I watched the Urban Gentry review several times, and fell in love..........with the Sinn!!!!!! Can't wait! Thanks again TGV!
Yes! I knew The Pusher would have been perfect for your intros!
As for the Oris, I especially like its character: understated yet original.
Thank you again Luca for the recommendation , it was a pleasure to work with that track.
Best regards,
TGV
Shouldn't he have saved that for a chronograph review?
I just sold my 43mm on eBay the other day because of its size, it just no longer did it for me because of the bulky feeling on my 6 1/2 wrist. I did miss its unique modern design especially now in days where everyone is doing vintage-style divers watches. I love that this Oris Aquis has a modern diver watch that can't find anywhere at this price point and at this incredible size is a must-buy for me.
I want one even more now that it's smaller. I don't know if I should get a Sinn 104 or Oris Aquis! I would get both on the bracelet, however. Those screws, btw, are called "Tri Wing". I've mostly only seen them used in electronics, computers specifically. Thanks, as always!
Cheers,
Justin
Tri-wing! Fantastic, I learned something new :D
Thank you Justin, very much appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
Thank so much for your honest and unbiased watch reviews. I have always loved watches but have never stepped into the realms of collecting them. You have inspired me to start doing just that. I have been toying between an Oris and Tudor as a first step, but because of the unique design of the Oris Aquis I am going to purchase the Aquis as my first step onto the luxury watch ladder. I tried it on and fell in love with the Aquis, I really can’t thank you enough for your inspiration, keep up the great reviews.
As usual, incredible video! The lugs on the Oris are what make it special and original/unique. Oris is one of my favorite brands but sadly only have one so far (Titan C small hand). Love it! Love this channel, TGV is bringing back the gentlemen!
Oris is a brand that I like. They are getting better & better especially they starting to have their own moment. They have their own identity in certain design. Proud to say I own one of their watches. Good review TGV!!!
Fantastic watch but small for bigger men. I have the Aquis MK1 in 43.5mm with stainless bracelet. It's a stunning piece and fits my 7.5" wrist and 6'3" height perfectly. Thanks for the comprehensive review.
I’ve just bought this watch on the bracelet. Absolutely love it. Have to say though, mine has polished lugs 🤔
It's a fake🤷😬 -hope not😁🍻
TGV, these intros are just out of this world! I was on the edge of my seat with this one, great job with the whole video, thanks TGV!
I know what you mean. I've had the gray dial with orange markers and tungsten bezel with black ruber straps and orange straps for about 5yrs and I love it. It's one of my favorite watch, goes with anything and not to flashy yet very stylish.
I just purchased a limited edition Oris Aquis Clean Ocean in this size, and I have never loved a watch so much as this one.
Great review! ... cant believe you let that beautiful grey dial go though old boy!, but "hindsight" as they say. The screws are "tri-point" drive screws I believe.
You've made be lust after Oris. I also really want a Big Crown Pointer Date.
What a timepiece TGV. Looking into Oris divers myself, such as the one with a bronze bezel.
I just bought a used Oris BC3 Advanced Day Date. Love at first site. Great review - as always!
Love it, so pleased they've gone under 40mm.
I'm verry happy to see Oris making a smaller size watch!! :)
I could not agree more, thank you Daan,
Best regards,
TGV
Ive actually acquired this on the bracelet! Its an amazing chunky bracelet that proves tool watches can be smaller.
I get muddled up with Lorus and Oris. I had a Lorus when a teenager in the 1960s and it was a disappointment and replaced it with a Rolex GMT when I joined the Signals in 1964. I will look closer at this model.
Been waiting for your take on the smaller Aquis. I'm thinking of getting the grey dial with titanium case and bracelet as a replacement of sorts of the Hammerhead which was too large and thick for my wrists. As the owner of both the Staghorn Restoration and the Aquis Tiger, I love the Aquis series and am looking forward to it. Thanks once again, TGV.
Awesome review. Honest, genuine and heartfelt. That’s what makes your videos such addictive viewing. Simply the best. More with Federico please as they are the best. A big thumbs up from Manchester, England. All the best.
Just received my first Carl Friedrik item thanks to your previous video. Tip top man.
Terrific review! Oooh, the Aquis. I am a passionate supporter of independent watch makers, & I’ve been wanting to add an Oris to my, modest, collection for a long, long time. But nothing in their catalogue has ever quite suited me. Like you, scale has been the greatest obstacle. I love the Aquis & the 2018 release of the 39mm is, for me, a game changer. I’m just hoping to see the reintroduction of their unique blue with color matched bezel or the green or brown offered in 39mm before I decide to pull the trigger. Here’s hoping.
I am loving my Oris Aquis Date in 43mm. The bracelet and blue sunburst really pops in natural light.
TGV, as ever an informative review of a classic brand as you said it looks futuristic in its design, but its also very retro at the same time and if I could afford it, it would certainly be on my wrist.
TGV, I picked up the Aquis Hammerhead limited edition recently and can't get it off my wrist! Love it! I would have taken the Hammerhead in a 43mm if available, but couldn't go past the design, and at 45mm it just sneaks inside my upper limit, with a 7.25 inch wrist. Loving Oris!
Great video. Gorgeous watch. 38-40mm is my definite sweet spot.
Thank you Michael,
Best regards,
TGV
Great video. Really like the watch. Especially the attention to detail on the clasp shows the quality of the whole watch:)
Another great review TGV. I myself is looking at the limited edition Aquis Hammerhead. They really make great dive watches. Thanks for the fantastic review!
Thank you Sebastian, Oh my, that Hammerhead is the business!!!
Wear it with pride my friend, it's a stunner.
Best regards,
TGV
Very well made video man. Really a good piece. I saw it displayed at the mall just yesterday. I stood at the window looking at it for at least 5min. Really a beautiful watch ...a call to adventure.
My wrists are just like yours and I too prefer small sporty watches.thanks
It doesn't have the pedigree of Oris, but I still hold the Christopher Ward C60 Trident 600 as the best-value diver around $1000. It comes in 38mm or 43mm, has plenty of colors to chose from, and impressive specs most of all. I would say it's also stunning, but that may be too subjective.
You are the man my friend! Love the Oris Aquis and The Urban Gentry! Keep up the incredible work sir!
Hi TGV, another great video. I love the intro too! I’ve been following your channel for a while now and I love your work and the way you present content! Keep up the great work!
You're channel has inspired me to make a dream watch collection. Oris Aquis Blue Dial, Alpina Seastrong Grey Dial, SKX007, Samurai SRPB99, Sinn 856 UTC, Interstellar Hamilton, Citizen Nighthawk Blue Angels. Is this TGV approved?
*your
Oh my gosh, a killer line up, is it approved?!? hell yes!!!
Go for it my friend, you have great taste. Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Thanks so much man! I love your content and you've got me hooked on horology now! I going to use these watches as goals to work towards and as tokens of my success going forward
Music choice (the pusher) was so good to hear!
Hi TGV,
Here is a question. What to you think about Men wearing a "Ladies" watch when the only difference between and mens and a ladies is the size, like the Aquis. Especially when the "Ladies" version can be gotten for a much lower price than the mens. The Aquis ladies model is 36.5mm, small for man today but size is on par with the vintage Seikos I like to wear. Your thoughts?
36mm is normal size for a watch even today.
Wear and buy what you want - who cares how it is marketed. 36mm is plenty enough watch for most guys, though they won't admit it. I guess all those guys wearing Datejusts are lacking in masculinity :)
Another great review TGV, and another amazing Oris too! They're really knocking them out of the park at the moment!
Can't wait for your next intros compilation video. Think you did one during your last channel anniversary, and it was AMAZING!
I know it’s a giant but I recently purchased the Aquis Hammerhead and my god... what a beautiful piece (for my portly wrists). The Aquis line really is so underrated!
You jammy thing!
I adore that watch, very envious, I only wish I could pull it off.
Enjoy it my friend.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Hell of an intro!
Thank you Kenny :D
Best regards,
TGV
That grey Oris was one of the most memorable watches you owned.
Noooooo *sobbing
I has always been and still is my biggest regret.
Thank you Fredo.
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you so much for reviewing this piece. I requested this review and is super pleased with it. Now I have to buy one myself, damn it TGV!
So glad to hear :D
I hope you go for it, you will not be sorry.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The 43 in black would fit my 7 1/2 inch wrist. Love the fact that Oris only makes mechanical watches. Great video once again TGV.
Thank you Jay, it certainly is a cool! Now you mention it, I respect them even more.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video and very interesting to read all the comments on sub 40mm dive watches. Its seems many people like dive watches (myself included) under 40mm yet many watch manufacturers seem slow to respond.
Phenomenal introduction!! Once again great review!
Thank you Roger :D
Best regards,
TGV
*First to like, awesome! TGV, you have to do more Oris reviews. I posted a suggestion this week on your Instagram page.*
Will do, I have a few really cool ones in the pipeline you will love ;-)
Thank you for the support my friend.
Stay tuned.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry - Rubber straps for these kind of luxury brands: How long do they last before needing to be replaced?
Great intro. Sounds like Steppenwolf "The Pusher". Love Oris. It's refreshing to see great brands linked this going back to smaller diameters. I may have to get an Oris for the collection. Really love the compressor case model. I really want the 65. This model is fantastic. It looks tough as nails. Off topic, but, have you seen the Squale with the integral depth gauge? Stunning. Brilliant video as always.
Thank you Steve for the heads up, I have not seen that Squale yet! :D
Best regards,
TGV
If that wasn't 'The Pusher. It was stolen. The intros are arguably the highlight of these posts. This watch is what Oris needed. This size will be the standard. It is the perfect size, and an individual look. Good on them.
Oh yeah, 2824 represents the best value in most entry level watches. Definitely nothing to sneer at. They are the Chevy 350 of movements. There are millions of them, for a very good reason.
I think ORIS Aquis could be a great beater watch and I really like it. The problem for me is that there are like 3 alternatives I would get before it for lower price (Squale 1521, Sinn 104, Glycine Airman), other 2 better options for same price in second hand market if looking well (Tudor BBH, Omega Seamaster), and like dozens of luxury watches that I prefer for higher price, that I wouldn´t be able to save for if buying the ORIS, so price is a problem. Great review!
If I am correct the unpolished lugs+bracelet are an option on this one, you can get them polished as well.
Wow, I did not know what, very cool indeed!
Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Awesome review as always. Thank you. My favorite diver watch :)
The perfect dimensions 👌🏼. Excellent job by Oris. Hopefully more brands take note. Will be selling my Mako USA ii for this when the price comes down a bit.
Great intro TGV, soundtrack spot on. Kudos to Oris overall for their accomplishments, but this model is too clean and small for me. Good luck in your acquisitions. Onward Gentry.
Awesome video TGV! The Aquis is certainly a great dive watch and it's nice to see it being offered in a size under 40mm.
Thank you Alex :D
Best regards,
TGV
Dynamite intro! Great watch! It has the same look/styling (imo) of a Sub or Tudor B.B. for less $$$. Your reviews are always so informative - it is a little disappointing about the strap options.
I think the Oris is a fair price, especially if you compare it to Bremont for example , but a pre owned Tudor would be a threat methinks !
Shame about the price hike, I imagine the new ceramic Longines Hydroconquest will be cheaper and for another grand you could get the new Tudor BB fifty eight with an in-house movement? It will sell but some may go for the cheaper option while others will save a bit more and go up market?
PS Haven't heard Steppenwolf in years
Hi TGV!
Great review! I still remember the first review you did of this watch years ago. It’s a great watch for everyday use.
Best regards,
Darko
Darko!!!
Of course, and I remember you.
It seems like only yesterday, thank you for your loyal viewership, it means the world to me.
I hope you are well my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Great review...got my eye on one of these. Lots of colour variations which is nice to see.
I think you may have convinced me to keep my 43.5mm around a bit longer. It is my most comfortable/best fitting watch due to that clasp. The movement/winding on the new version is better than the old version as well. It is the best dive watch under $1500 (you can get it for that from an AD) but it is not as nice as a new Seamaster SMP300c, of course, price difference.
Great intro wow. And awesome review. Such a cool watch :)
Oris is one of the few, perhaps only, Swiss watch maker that still retains a strong value proposition. I’ve been discovering the brand more and more lately after disappointments in recent Omega launches and pricing, a shame really because they brought me into this hobby.
It also appears that Oris listens to their customers and is delivering what they want.
One of the few Swiss watch companies that never made quartz watches: this says a lot.
Lawrence Johnston agreed... these guys stick to their core principles regardless of the market around them. I’m quite a fan and feel like giving them my hard earned money next over others as a result of this commitment they’ve shown.
Nice thing with the current movement is it can be serviced anywhere,so a cost saving in the future
Wow..."the pusher" from stepenwolf! !!! Well done sir! Very impressed
It just had to be done right?! ;-)
Thank you Adam, glad to hear you appreciate that amazing tune too.
Best regards,
TGV
I miss this wonderful blue of the 41.5mm on this 39.5
Sweet watch! I just pre-ordered the new Oris Sixty Five bronze bezel in 36mm and can't wait to get my hands on it! Hope to see you do a review of that one ;)
If only there were more GMT watches in this size!
I'm digging the Timex on your wrist especially with that blue strap. Beautiful
The Pusher is appropriate. Every time I watch one of your videos I want to buy another watch. You’re feeding the addiction!
Haha ;-)
Thank you AL,
Best regards,
TGV
Nice video, Tristano!
I honestly can't decide between the beautiful bracelet or that strap!
My Seiko 5 snk809 delivers +1,5 sec/24h. It cost me $67, or something like that. I like that Oris a lot. Have a good day evr1.
I could be wrong, but I'm guessing the reason for their stubborn insistence on the integrated lugs, is that it makes for a stronger attachment. With more of the pin mounted in the lug, it is less likely to fatigue and therefore break, when the high force of a snag and pull occurs.