Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator
Angus Davies provides an in-depth review of the Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator, a watch featuring a chronograph and useful slide rule function.
This detailed review of the Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Oris watches are brilliant. Those readers who lack the necessary time to peruse this article may now be tempted to cease reading further, however, I urge you to continue. This is a watch which deserves your attention.
Today’s Oris watches are unpretentious, honest and deliver incredible value for money. These timepieces do not masquerade as the last word in haute horlogerie, but they do deliver much for relatively modest sums. The brand’s watches are made for those individuals seeking a robust, yet handsome timepiece and I would strongly advocate a closer look at the range.
A few months ago I wore the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge, a model belonging to the Diving Collection, one of several families in the brand’s array of models. I fell for the masculine aesthetics of this diver’s watch. Indeed, the Aquis Depth Gauge attracted several favourable comments from friends who appreciated the styling of the watch and its hewn from granite, tough appearance.
Recently, I had the good fortune to wear a pilot’s watch from Oris, the Big Crown X1 Calculator and, once again, I am smitten.
The dial
The hour and minute hands are bold, dominating the dial display, arresting attention and directing the eyes to initially focus on the prevailing time.
The hours are marked with a combination of Arabic numerals, sans serifs in a modern font, together with simple white strokes.
An aperture is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, presenting the date in white text against a black date disc.
The tri-compax layout features three subdials each featuring a snailed central area. The hands on each subdial are black and feature white tips.
A 12-hour chronograph counter features at 6 o’clock and located above, a 30-minute chronograph counter resides. Interestingly, the small seconds display, positioned at 9 o’clock, incorporates a day display. This latter aspect is unusual in terms of its positioning, but remains eminently legible except at 9 o’clock or quarter to the hour, when it becomes obscured by the hour or minute hand.
A central chronograph seconds hand appears like a larger facsimile of the hands gracing the subdials, save for the counterweight being open-worked.
Framing the dial is a slide rule, presented on the outer circumference of the black canvas and used in conjunction with the white inner flange. It is simple to operate via the knurled bezel and will remind mature readers of the slide rule they may have taken into mathematics classes before the advent of the electronic calculator. The slide rule can be used for performing various calculations, for example converting Euros into Dollars.
The hands and hour markers are coated with SuperLumiNova, enhancing visibility in restricted light.
The case
The stainless steel case is PVD plated and exhibits a stealth-like mien. The unusual steel / grey hue looks particularly attractive. Despite the large case diameter of 46.00mm, once placed upon the arm, the Big Crown X1 Calculator did not seem unduly large and proffered a comfortable fit.
The push-pieces are simple to operate, have a positive action and feature a brilliant gleam.
Seldom does a crown justify mention but, typical of pilot’s watches from the past, this crown is distinctly large. It also provides the inspiration for the model’s nomen.
The scale of the crown lends itself to ease of adjustment, something that would have proved vital when wearing gloves in the cockpit of a 1940s aeroplane. However, beyond the functionality proffered by the large crown, it also bestows the watch with an attractive design aspect. Moreover, unlike some watches with a large crown, I did not find the it too obtrusive and at no stage while wearing the watch did it gouge or chafe my wrist.
The case back of this watch is also very interesting. It features a conversion chart from feet to metres, no doubt proving very useful to professional pilots. However, I am pleased to report that whilst the watch features this engraved detail it has not eschewed a sapphire case back, an attribute I particularly appreciate. The self-winding movement is boldly revealed via the exhibition case back, with its red oscillating mass appearing resplendent and wonderful.
The movement
The Oris 675 is based on the iconic ETA 7750. The famous chronograph movement is an exemplar of robust engineering and has sought service in a myriad of products from a plethora of brands. Its legend needs little additional explanation.
Oris has personalised the movement with the aforementioned red oscillating mass, a detail which delivers an abundance of eye appeal.
The watch has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), contains 25 jewels and has a power-reserve of 48 hours.
Closing remarks
The Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator is a very appealing timepiece. The case treatment imparts a notable air of individuality without employing garish or unseemly adornment. This watch, despite being large, is a gentle giant and does not unduly attract attention with excessive detail.
The dial conveys much information but, for some, I appreciate it may prove too busy. However, Oris has a broad range of similarly styled models which offer less complex dials. Personally, I found the dial of the Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator, simple to read. The restrained use of colour and restricted number of dial details clearly enhances legibility.
Convenience is provided by a self-winding, ETA 7750 movement. This movement is known for its reliable operation and for being simple to service. It should not prove too onerous or expensive in the future when lubrication or repair may be necessary.
The Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator is priced at a very attractively priced at £2350 (RRP as at 15.7.2014) and, based on my experience, I think it, once again, shows Oris is deserving of the praise I bestowed at the start of this article. Indeed, I repeat, Oris watches are brilliant and this model proves to be no exception.
Technical Specification
- Model: Oris Big Crown X1 Calculator
- Reference: 01 675 7648 4264-07 5 23 77
- Case: stainless steel with grey PVD plating; diameter 46.00 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; day; chronograph; slide-rule
- Movement: Oris 675 (base ETA 7750); self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 25 jewels; power reserve 48 hours
- Strap: Dark brown leather strap presented on steel grey PVD plated pin buckle
- Price: £2350 (RRP as at 15.7.2014)
- Acknowledgement
I would like to thank CW Sellors Jura, for kindly providing access to this remarkable timepiece.
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