The New and Updated Oris Aquis Chronograph

The latest Oris Aquis Chronograph doesn’t reinvent the wheel and certainly doesn’t need to, but it brings a welcomed refresh to the Aquis chrono that follows in the footsteps of the updated 2024 Aquis Date. A noticeable visual change is the arrangement of the three sub-dials, now in a “smiley face” format (as Oris puts it) also known as tri-compax. Previous Aquis chronographs are known to be large at 46mm (with a height of over 18mm), so the tamed dimensions of this new model are definitely more mainstream. 

The stainless steel case is 43.5mm in diameter and about 17mm in thickness, which is still far from compact but surely more wearable than before, and the unidirectional rotating bezel has a blue ceramic insert. A double-domed AR sapphire crystal protects the dial and there’s a mineral glass exhibition case back. An expansive guard partially covers the screw-down crown and pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, and water resistance is rated at 300 metres. The watch comes fitted with a tapered three-link steel bracelet and the Oris-patented security folding clasp with fine adjustment/extension.

The dial is a gradient blue that mimics the sun through water and features three sub-dials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock – 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter and small seconds, respectively. This differs from prior Aquis chronographs with sub-dials at 12, 6 and 9 o’clock. Applied indices and the central hour and minute hands have white Super-LumiNova, along with the lollipop aperture of the chronograph seconds hand. A black date window sits within the bottom of the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock and a detailed minute/seconds track spans the outermost perimeter.

Powering the new Aquis Chronograph is the Oris calibre 771, based on the Sellita SW510. It has 27 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and features a 62-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, small seconds and date. Seen through the exhibition case back, there’s the signature Oris red rotor.

The Oris Aquis Chronograph retails for CHF 4,400 with availability from August 2024. For more information, please visit the Oris website.