Oris Aquis GMT Date
By: Michael Penate
The Oris Aquis has endured as one of the most universally-accepted, high-value sport watches released in recent years. The form factor, relative affordability, and casual, utilitarian construction are features that make it attractive to those interested in saving and ponying up the dough for their first “nice” watch. For Baselworld 2019, the familiar Oris Aquis has been updated with a GMT complication, making it what could very well be, the coolest and most vacation-ready version so far. Let’s take a quick look at this “not-so-piloty” GMT option.
Coming in at 43.5mm, the Aquis GMT Date might sound large but the Aquis line has one of the best, integrated strap systems available on the market today. In fact, any time I get to spend some time with an Aquis, I usually keep it on the rubber strap, which flows well with the case structure and allows the watch to wear smaller than it sounds. This GMT should be no different but if you want some different options, Oris is also offering it an integrated brown leather strap and a stainless steel bracelet. Also, I’m loving this deep blue sunray dial—it complements the centrally-oriented calendar complication, works with the Aquis design, and offers some cool contrast together with the ceramic GMT bezel.
Inside is a reliable Sellita SW 330-1 Swiss GMT movement that beats at 4Hz and offers 38 hours of power reserve. Really, I think that with this movement choice, the price for the base model could have been reduced—but it’s up to you to gauge whether or not this is a high-value piece. Overall, the package is attractive and I hope Oris continues to experiment with more dial colors, strap options, and bezel colorways in the future. I see this as a cool alternative to Oris’ “pilot” GMTs, which can sometimes offer a look that’s far too static and utilitarian for some consumers.
Oris Aquis GMT Date Specs
- Case Diameter: 43.5mm
- Movement: Selitta SW 330-1
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Bracelet: Stainless Steel, Rubber, or Leather
- Water Resistance: 300m
- Price: CHF 2,600
The Oris Aquis GMT date is set for official release in April 2019 and should be available at any Oris AD or boutique. What do you think? Is it worth it? Should this have stayed a dive watch? To learn more, visit the official Oris site. Oris
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
I have to say, that price was a bit of a shock to me, I would’ve expected something close to $1800! And of course we’d all love for it to be smaller, but it looks quite good. I like how the snailed inner scale from the day and date models (Staghorn and Save The Ocean?) lends itself to the GMT hour scale on this model.