The More Compact Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph

Coinciding with the advent of recreational diving, in 1965, Oris launched its first diver’s watch with a unidirectional rotating bezel, luminescent numerals, a Plexiglas crystal and a water-resistance rating of 100m. Fifty years later, the diver was relaunched in a faithful re-edition with modern mechanics and went on to become the highly successful and affordable retro-flavoured Divers Sixty-Five collection. While some quibbled about the relatively low impermeability for a dive watch, others were smitten by its vintage elements, and the collection expanded with models in different case sizes and materials. In 2018, the Sixty-Five collection welcomed a limited-edition, bronze-cased chronograph followed by regular production models. Today, Oris releases a new chronograph with a more compact case size and a black dial and bezel.

Former editions of the Sixty-Five Chronograph flaunted large 43mm cases coupled with some proper thickness. The latest stainless steel model shrinks to 40mm in diameter. Regarding the thickness, it’s better than before, as the larger version used to be almost 17mm, while it’s now 15.4mm. Not thin for sure, but still an improvement. With its screw-down crown and solid steel caseback, the sturdy case is water-resistant to 100m.

The retro aura of the watch is reinforced with the vintage-style chronograph pushers, and the function of the watch as a diver is relayed by the notched unidirectional bezel with its black anodised aluminium insert with silver markings and the inverted, luminous triangle at noon. Another important factor is that this will be the only chronograph in Oris’ current collection, Divers Sixty-Five or otherwise. It seems that all previous editions have been discontinued, as none are listed on the brand’s website.

A classic bi-compax layout, with running seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute totaliser at 3 o’clock and no date window, gives the dial its tight symmetry. The colour black is used throughout, from the bezel to the dial and counters, producing a solid monochromatic look. In contrast, all the information on the dial is white. The applied indices and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova. Following the domed contours of the dial is the steeply domed sapphire crystal that produces cool distortions.

The Sixty-Five Chronograph is equipped with an automatic chronograph movement based on the Sellita SW 510 with a 4Hz frequency and a 48-hour power reserve. Available with a black leather strap crafted in sustainably sourced deer leather from partner Cervo Volante or a stainless steel metal bracelet, the new 40mm Sixty-Five Divers Chronograph retails for CHF 3,900 and CHF 4,100, respectively.

For more information, please consult oris.ch.