Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon
Angus Davies provides an in-depth hands-on review of the Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon, the world’s first mechanical watch to indicate both the lunar cycle and tidal range.
This detailed review of the Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon includes live images, specification details and pricing.
It’s that time of year again when I dream of escaping to warmer climes. I can think of nothing better than strolling along a beach with fine white sand beneath my feet and the sun kissing my ageing cheeks. Most of all, the greatest pleasure the coast confers is the prospect of entering a warm welcoming azure sea.
I have always found the sea to offer profound appeal. In my former professional role, working in the chemical industry, I would enter the sea on the first day of a holiday, brimming with anxiety. However, after a few short moments of aquatic association, the sea’s cosseting embrace seemed to dispel any tension.
A snorkel and mask provided the means to absorb the sub-aquatic fauna and flora a short distance from the shoreline. Often, I would become immersed in a world where shoals of fish would pass the elliptical shaped window of my diver’s mask. Ultimately, my inquisitive tendencies would be tempered by a realisation that the larger fish in my midst could attract fearsome predators wishing to feast on my anaemic flesh. In a moment of clarity, I would head back to shore, exhibiting an amazing alacrity, typical of a gold medalist olympic swimmer.
The allure of the sea had momentarily seduced me. I had been carried away by its beguiling charms.
Those individuals exhibiting greater bravery than this self-confessed coward, may choose to don a wetsuit and diving apparatus exploring the perilous waters further out to sea. It is this group of individuals who may well be interested in an ingenious diver’s watch from the Swiss brand, Oris.
The Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon, launched at Baselworld 2013, is the “world’s first mechanical watch to indicate both the lunar cycle and tidal range.”
The importance of the tidal range cannot be underestimated (see below). Ordinarily, a diver would refer to external manuals to ascertain the tidal range. However, in this instance, Oris has provided user-friendly indications on the dial of the watch that show the lunar cycle and respective tidal range.
Tidal RangeTidal range is a term used to describe the difference between low tide and high tide. Neap tides occur when the sun and the moon are perpendicular to each other, counteracting the influence of their respective gravitational pull, resulting in weaker tides. Spring tides occur when the sun and the moon are lined up with the earth, leading to larger tides. The moon phase influences the tides as it waxes and wanes every 29.5 days.
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The dial
The dial area is large, courtesy of the substantial 49 mm case diameter. The resultant expansive canvas proves ideal for depicting the various functions of the Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon.
Luminiscent leaf shaped hands impart the hour and minutes. The central sweep seconds hand, lithe in profile, has a small circular disc of luminous material two-thirds along its form.
The most notable aspect to the display is the presence of a fourth-hand which points to an orange scale, depicting the 29.5 days of the lunar cycle. The tip of the hand and respective scale are orange, providing visual differentiation from the hour, minute and seconds displays which are marked in white.
The wearer looks at the corresponding day of the lunar cycle, depicted with the tip of the orange hand, to ascertain the degree of variance between the minimum, average and maximum tides.
The Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon is available in two dial variants, one for the northern hemisphere and one for the southern hemisphere. This is clearly marked in white text near the centre of the dial.
A date aperture is located at 5 o’clock.
Despite imparting much information, the judicious use of colour grants a highly legible dial display.
The case
The Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon is surprisingly lighter than I expected thanks to its multi-piece titanium case. Moreover, despite its size, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. The crown does not hinder hand movement, yet proves simple to operate.
This is a professional diver’s watch. It is fitted with a helium valve and has a maximum water resistance of 1000 m. The screwed titanium caseback is engraved with a conversion chart (metres-feet scale) and has a purposeful appearance.
Oris has fitted the ProDiver Pointer Moon with an ingenious bezel. The patented Rotation Safety System can only be adjusted by first lifting the outer bezel ring upwards into an unlocked state. After adjustment, the bezel ring is pushed downwards again to lock it into position. I repeatedly rotated the bezel and found it to be superb. It is positive and shrugs off unwanted tactile advances when in its locked state. The central area of the bezel is ceramic, marked with Arabic numerals and featuring interestingly styled bolts positioned in between. Indeed, these bolts also feature on the crown guard and provide a bold, masculine aesthetic.
The steel bracelet of my loan watch appeared of high quality and capable of nonchalantly shrugging off minor impacts with little fuss. I found the bracelet to afford a very comfortable fit. It features an “easy adjustment extension” typical of professional diver’s watches.
Oris provides the watch with a water-proof presentation box containing a rubber strap and tools to facilitate swapping of the bracelet to a strap and vice versa. I recently wore the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge on a rubber strap and loved it. Indeed, the first job I would do is fit the rubber item to the ProDiver Pointer Moon and try it for size. Furthermore, the benefit of owning this model is that both the bracelet and strap are supplied as standard. This is remarkable, especially when one considers the retail price of £1950 (as at 11.3.2014).
The movement
The Oris 761 is based on a Sellita SW220 movement. It is self-winding, has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), contains 26 jewels and has a power-reserve of 38 hours.
Closing remarks
The sea has a profound appeal exhibiting much charm. However, it can prove to be like a femme fatale coquettishly drawing the unsuspecting near, only to expose the unwary to immense danger. The Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon evidently provides the professional diver with a tool which mitigates the risk of being caught out.
I suspect many potential purchasers will never explore the full sub-aquatic potential of this diver’s watch. But, its masculine lines and robust character are nevertheless highly appealing.
Like many individuals, I spend most of my time on terra firma with only the odd snatched moment swimming in shallow waters, but I have purchased many diver’s watches over the years. They have an honesty and palpable integrity which makes them ideal for daily wear.
Oris make magnificent watches and the ProDiver Pointer Moon proves to be no exception. It exhibits many attributes and, given its modest price tag, is definitely worth a closer look.
Technical Specification
- Model: Oris ProDiver Pointer Moon
- Reference: 761 7682 7154 (Northern Hemisphere edition)
- Case: Titanium; diameter 49.00 mm; height 12mm; water resistant to 100 bar (1000 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central sweep seconds; date; lunar cycle indication; tidal range indication.
- Movement: Oris 761 (base Sellita SW220); self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 kph (4Hz); 26 jewels; power reserve 38 hours.
- Bracelet / Strap: Stainless steel metal bracelet with folding clasp and extension. Also supplied with additional rubber strap and strap changing tools.
- Price: £1950 (as at 11.3.2014)
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