We’re just barely into the start of the new year and it’s already looking like things are getting busy in the way of watch releases. And because we like to cut through the noise here, we wanted to highlight a new watch from one of our favorite Swiss brands as our first news piece of the year. To kick off 2023, Oris has just officially revealed the Oris Big Crown Calibre 473—a watch showcasing the latest evolution of their in-house Caliber 400 series. This time, the familiar pointer date setup brings us a new hand-wound installment in the Oris Big Crown story, and it comes just in time to celebrate ten years of manufacturing movements at Oris.
Looking at the press photos, the Oris Big Crown Calibre 473 looks like a slim and sporty piece thanks to the new Caliber 473 movement. It packs a beastly power reserve of 120 hours operating at 28,800 bph with 27 jewels. I actually see it as a logical update to the Big Crown Caliber 403, a heck of a watch I got to see in person with Oris at Vail last year and a model that has a slight edge over some of the other standard Pointer Date watches. To me part of this is due to the use of beefier sword-like hands, which just make the watch look sportier. (A screw-down crown also seals the deal with this one.) Like the 403 we get the traditional Pointer Date dial layout with thick Arabic numerals and a beautiful matte ice blue color.
Oris Big Crown Calibre 473 Specs
- Case Diameter: 38mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Movement: Oris Caliber 473
- Power reserve: 120 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Dark brown leather strap, stainless steel buckle
- Price: $4,400
Turn the watch over and you’ll get a clear shot of the new Caliber 473 through a sapphire crystal caseback. Aside from the killer architecture, polished anglage, and tasteful brushing, the centerpiece is that huge power reserve indicator. Manually wound movements can often times look boring, but Oris did a great job in terms of decoration and filling the space out nicely. On top of it all, Oris also supports a 10-year service interval with these watches—an attractive proposition when it comes to an in-house movement. Oris pairs it all with what they call a Cervo Volante deer leather strap and a butterfly deployant clasp.
At $4,400 the Oris Big Crown Calibre 473 isn’t exactly an affordable watch. But it I think commands an impressive set of features to command serious value at this price point. I mean, we know Oris is great at this and even if the manual movement isn’t your jam, the 403 is still a great buy that isn’t far off at a full $1,000 less. I think it’s a home run and a great way for Oris to start out the year. I’ll be keeping an eye out for new dial colors on this one. Dark green, black, or blue might lead me to make 2023 the year I buy a Pointer Date.
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.
This is absolutely gorgeous. I love this line in both 40 and even 38mm (about the smallest I like to wear). That price hurts, but the back with the reserve indicator is really cool. I’m glad it has that, because a manual wind with a power reserve so long I wouldn’t wind it every day then I’d inevitably forget if I didn’t have that visual indicator. Oris seems to be pricing like they’re a much more well known luxury brand now. Maybe that’s just an old man yelling at clouds thing at this point. I do notice they tend to lose a fair bit of value pre-owned, so it might be worth waiting for these to come up for sale second hand if really interested.
Michael,
Good article and that sure is a beautiful watch. It already has a blue dial, perhaps you meant to write in your last sentence that you might buy one if it had a dark green, black or lighter blue dial? Tiffany blue might be really nice.
Michael,
Good article and that sure is a beautiful watch. It already has a blue dial, perhaps you meant to write in your last sentence that you might buy one if it had a dark green, black or lighter blue dial? Tiffany blue might be really nice.