Introducing: The Updated Oris Aquis Date Range
In 2013, Oris released the Aquis Depth Gauge, which spawned a new collection of modern dive watches. This deep diver had a unique mechanical depth gauge, highlighting the brand’s ambition to create practical applications rather than superfluous complications. The Aquis was made a bona fide collection when the core design cues of the Depth Gauge were later separated into a bespoke dive range. A subtle facelift in 2017 introduced even more angular design cues, cementing the Aquis as Oris’s best-selling watch across all regions. For 2024, Oris has updated the Aquis for a new generation looking for contemporary designs and high performance.
I’ve always enjoyed the Oris Aquis due to its modern sensibilities. It’s not attempting to follow a lineage passed down from the heyday of dive-watch necessity. While the Oris Divers Sixty-Five covers the heritage aspect of Oris, the Aquis is left to break new ground and not be weighed down by history. The angular design focuses entirely on the 300m-rated modern dive watch needs and the necessary functions for comfort and adaptability. This latest generation subtly evolves the Aquis concept to include quality-of-life features. These include the Quick Strap Change system introduced with the Calibre 400 Aquis in 2020. But new for 2024 is the quick-adjust clasp for the stainless steel bracelet.
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
The quick adjustment works by depressing the twin buttons on the clasp and sliding either side to achieve optimum comfort. The benefit of this system is that the watch can stay on the wrist without releasing the clasp. As with the Quick Strap Change system, this feature is only available on the Calibre 400 series of Aquis. This is a shame for those wanting these features on the lower-cost Aquis Date with the Sellita-derived 733 caliber. And don’t think you can swap the bracelets over. The Calibre 400 Aquis case has a slightly different profile to accommodate the Quick Strap Change system. Therefore, the end link would not fit correctly on the Aquis Date. The premium required for the Aquis Date Calibre 400 does include namesake movement with a healthy five days of power reserve. In addition, it is antimagnetic to 2,250 gauss and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Regarding other updates for the 2024 Aquis range, all the watches show increased attention to finishing and details. The lugs have subtle faceting, and the crown guards are reworked to taper from the crown. In fact, tapering is the primary goal of the case refinements. The bracelet’s center links are also broader to accentuate the tapering of the outer links. All this is to reduce the visual weight of the silhouette while maintaining the familiar 43.5mm dimensions. The style extends to the dial with facets present on the polished indices and more prominent handset. Keen eyes may also notice the dial text and bezel numerals in a newly created typeface unique to the Aquis.
The updated Aquis Date Calibre 400 is available with green and blue dials with matching rubber straps or steel bracelets. For a €50 premium, the Upcycle dial made from recycled PET plastic is available on a bracelet too. Notably, all options now come with color-matched date discs.
Final specs and pricing
The same dial choices plus a black dial are present for the 43.5mm and 41.5mm Aquis Date with the Oris 733 movement. The 733-powered Aquis Date also offers 36.5mm options with black sunburst, white mother-of-pearl, or Upcycle dials. While you do not have the Quick Strap Change system and quick-adjust clasp, the lower cost makes the Aquis Date approachable. These models also benefit from the refinements to the case and the bracelet links. The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 costs €3,600 on a rubber strap, €3,700 on a bracelet, and €3,750 for the Upcycle. The Aquis Date in 43.5mm, 41.5mm, and 36.5mm case diameters are €2,200 on rubber straps, €2,400 on the bracelet, €2,450 for the Upcycle. You can learn more about the new generation of Aquis via the Oris website here.
