It's Back! - Oris Aquis 39.5mm Review - Is It Still The Best Swiss Automatic Dive Watch Under $2000?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 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.
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.
So glad you made this video! You are going to cause to spend some cash!
Question (I apologize if this has already been addressed):
I know you have a smaller wrist. When you wear the rubber strap, is there further adjustability to size it smaller? Or do you have it set to the smallest? My wrist is slightly smaller than yours and I am curious if the rubber strap will fit my wrist.
What would I be better off with on my 6.75 inch wrist? I love the way my SKX wears as a reference point. I could probably go either way but I know the opposite decision I make would haunt me with what if’s.
38 - 39.5 mm are the best of sizes in my opinion .
hear hear!!!!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
With that intro I thought he was going to buy a battery packed with snow from some gentlemen in Ensenada.
Hi TGV, great choice in the ORIS for the small size.
I am looking to gift my dad Rolex Datejust 36 for his 60th birthday. Can you please recommend an alternative for around the same price? He has had an Omega Seamaster 300m for years and I know he would love something other than an Omega. Thanks!!
Breitling SuperOcean
Cool watch but the fact that I cannot swap straps, for NATOs for example is a deal breaker for me.
Indeed. I totally agree. I think however, there is an adapter available, but I would have to double check.
Thank you Davide,
Best regards,
TGV
Sadly, I have to agree. I like the diameter, however, the case (in my eyes) is rather ugly.
Hi, is the watch strap adapter for the Oris Aquis readily available yet? If so, can someone guide where to pick up from
I cannot access your website.
Does the watch looks bigger on a strap? My oris case looks kinda small becouse of the intergrated bracelet.
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)
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.
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!
Your best intro ever, and there’s been a lot of them...auguri!
Thank you Paulo :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
Some day I hope to add this Oris to my humble collection as my Grail watch😍🙏😁
Can you make a video on russian USSR vintage watches?
We need a review of that new Oris Big Crown with the Blue Dial from Basel World 18. That thing is a BEAUTY!
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
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,
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 :)
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
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 👍
I wish the bezel was polished like the other colorways or at least the dial be sunburst , i find this matte black and bezel is BORDERLINE too boring
There is a version with a polished bezel and sunburst dial. That version also comes with polished lugs and center links for the bracelet l
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!
wish they give us more freedom with the strap.. other than that, beautiful watch
frank mai Ya that was my decision maker between this and the 65...Love the og 65!
I'm waiting for the new Tissot diver, saw their instagram post and it looks like a hybrid of the submariner and the aquis
Thanks for pointing that out Frank. I've just seen it and it looks amazing. Do you know when it may be released?
I haven't seen any information about the release date yet. But my guess is it will be around $500 so it's time to save up and be ready for the drop haha
It’s pretty much the most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen. 😍
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
You get extra points for using "The Pusher" in the intro!
You've made be lust after Oris. I also really want a Big Crown Pointer Date.
Could you please do a review of the longines HydroConquest 2018
Yes the ceramic longines hydroconquest please
Yes, I am waiting for a Hydroconquest too
The only disadvantage to me is the basic sellita w 38 HR PR..
Great video. Gorgeous watch. 38-40mm is my definite sweet spot.
Thank you Michael,
Best regards,
TGV
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
The "kippers knickers"; love it!
What a timepiece TGV. Looking into Oris divers myself, such as the one with a bronze bezel.
I have a vintage Oris racing watch... very great brand and I cant wait to watch this review!!!
Hell of an intro!
Thank you Kenny :D
Best regards,
TGV
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.
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! ... 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.
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 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.
Awesome review as always. Thank you. My favorite diver watch :)
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. 😊
Awesome intro TGV! They keep getting better and better.. Love this ORIS, what a watch.
Thank you Rishi,
Best regards,
TGV
I think the longines HydroConquest 2018 has passed oris aquis. Maybe you should do a review of the new HydroConquest,!
beny frose i like oris design better
God its fugly.
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
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'm verry happy to see Oris making a smaller size watch!! :)
I could not agree more, thank you Daan,
Best regards,
TGV
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😁🍻
Phenomenal video as always!
Have you got any video for students and best watches for school college etc. it would.really help as am traying to choose a watch
Thank you sir, great idea and I am in fact working on something like that. Stay tuned, I will have something aimed at that age group soon. May I ask what you budget roughly please?
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry I wanted to ask a similar question. Do you think a Sinn 104 (or something similar in this range) is too much for a student in his early twenties?
Thought about a Khaki mechanical too, but I am not someone who buys and sells watches, I would keep it forever (or even lots of years) my current watch is a Certina DS Action (and sometimes gshock DW56) my budget is about 1000€ but max 1500 €
The Urban Gentry Hi sir it really depends on the school rank and y that I mean high school, school, college, university. I am currently in my last year of high school so therefore an watch under 100 would be good but I have seen people wearing over that price point Armani watches and I was tempted to get one of those but I knew it was not a good watch and I could have got a much better instead of those mass produced Armani bit in college it's ok to get even a more pricy watch but I would predominantly say that under 100 would be a good price point. I would also like say thank you for reading my comment and helping
Could you review the hydroconquest ceramic 2018 and compare with The Oris aquis? Please
Can you do a video about the Longines Conquest 39mm 🤤 it has a 64h Power Reserve and it’s around a grand
Have a good one
Greetings from Germany
Jo
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
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.
Oris Aquis line is among my favorite dive watches thanks for another excellent review !!
Thank you Norm, very much appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
Love it, so pleased they've gone under 40mm.
I think the Longines HydroConquest is better than this, it's more unique and has a beautiful blue dial.
The ceramic hydro or the old one?
the quality of Hydroconquest tho ewwwwwwww
Yeah? I have one and the quality is very good for what you pay. HydroConquest has a very unique design,sporty and dressy. Aquis is just another dive watch that copies the SUB like all other watches.
I like the Longines except those crown guards, really bizarre and throw the whole design off
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
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
Great video. Really like the watch. Especially the attention to detail on the clasp shows the quality of the whole watch:)
Hey TGV,
I spotted by dorm mate with a watch. I asked him about it and apparently his dad gave it for his high school graduation. Its a Swiss made Mira watch. Model M103SBK. I checked it online and apparently it is like $3000! What is going on?
I tried few times and never like it. Aquaracer from TH or Ocean Star from MIDO are nicer in every aspect in my opinion, including price.
Sold an Omega 2254 after I picked up an Aquis. Great great watches by a fabulous Swiss independent. Makes the BB58 look positively stale and boring....
I just ordered one 👍
Congrats!!!
Enjoy it Adam,
Please do let me know how you get on.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Adam Fornander where did you find it if you don't mind my asking?
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.
39mm diver? Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight...can't wait for it....
I own the 43.5 mm and agree it is a bit large on my 7 inch wrist. I would love to trade up to the 39.5mm or should I say down. 😝
Great proportions
Im thinking whether I should buy Oris Aquis 39.5 (fully brushed) or Christopher Ward C60 Elite 1000. Oris is a bit cheaper a specially that it is available locally and I don't need to pay extra 500 Euro import tax. What is Your opinion? Is it worth to go with CW?
Great review TGV. How does this compare to the Sinn 104? I'm looking for a good entry-level diver-style(ish) watch in the $1000-2000...
Great question, funnily enough, I just answered this only a few moments ago. IMO, the 104 is a better watch on all levels, with the exception of brand heritage. But honestly, try them on if you can.
Neither way, it's a win win, you will enjoy either.
Thank you Hugh,
Best regards,
TGV
Hugh Nguyen I own both and personally I think the Oris has the more luxurious feel. I also find it a very comfortable watch on the bracelet. Although I enjoy the Sinn and think it is a great daily watch, if I had to choose, I would sell my Sinn. In reality, they are both keepers. Like TGV said, try them on, only you can decide after handling and wearing both. It will be a tough choice.
So wait, it's a 2824 clone? I find that a little underwhelming... Does it compare to a Top? Elabore? I've always liked the design but in terms of value, I think I'd go for the Sinn.
This is the predicament I'm in now. Oris Aquis black dial with bracelet or Sinn 104 white dial with bracelet? Both are just amazing. Someone please help! I'm a casual watch wearer, I don't dive and I don't go to formal events often. Between the Aquis and the 104, what do you all think would be the best for an every day?
Music choice (the pusher) was so good to hear!
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 !
Is the pre 2017 Aquis, the one withouth the AQUIS text on the dial, in the 39,5 mm size really considered rare?
Just bought myself it's blue dial-black rubber variant in same case size back in Sept 🤟
Ive actually acquired this on the bracelet! Its an amazing chunky bracelet that proves tool watches can be smaller.
How about the new Longines Hyrdoconquest with the ceramic bezel? That’s much cheaper than the aquis and from an equally reputable brand.
Thoughts? I’m very likely to buy one when it releases, unless anyone can tell me why it’s not as good as I think??
Mineral case back is not an issue, why do you need Sapphire? It won’t be worn upside down. So if the cost savings is even $20 that translated to about $80 less in retail which is s smart move. Now if it’s a $5000 watch then I would expect no expense spared from Oris but this remains an reasonable price point to entry level watch.
with new in house movement and near 4000 dollr price this fantastic watch is far out of rich for many people.... even old cheaper versions also out of reach for me what a shame for a big big fan of aquis....life is very very unfair😭😭😭
*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?
The intro reminds me of that channel SpongeBob was watching when Garry walked in on him.
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.
If only there were more GMT watches in this size!
Fantastic watch and perfect size . Pity it's completely ruined by the idiotic integrated bracelet/ strap.
Do you think the dial color plays any significant factor in the resale value of this watch? I'm look at a blue dial and green one, any preference?
Which do you prefer, oris aquas or sinn 104? I’m trying to decide. Could use your help
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.
Nice video👍 I own oris aquis date 43mm black and a Rolex sub 2 tone blue 16613👍🇸🇪
Great vid lovely watch! I'm wearing a Timex aswell lol
Want a true luxury wrist watch but the budget is below 2000 dollars? Oris is a great choice in this space.
i just cant pull trig on a 2000 diver with a harlex caseback....
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.
Would buy the 39.5 if I could get the green on green
That is currently out on the market. Model 733.7732.4157- 39.5mm sized with a green dial and a green bezel.
@@chriskim3776 www.watchmaxx.com/oris-watch-01-733-7732-4157-07-8-21-05peb?PEB&gclid=CjwKCAjw1f_pBRAEEiwApp0JKJN1YdGWOAG2mRnZQ6LCU0ubDHnQaYdDD21TSOmCE6M_8rUOFVUQBBoCTXoQAvD_BwE
Great intro wow. And awesome review. Such a cool watch :)
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!
Hi. Which of the watches in this series do you think is better - 41.5 mm or 39.5 mm?
I miss this wonderful blue of the 41.5mm on this 39.5
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