Oris has a long history of producing aviation-inspired timepieces. For 2017, the well-established Swiss independent continues to build on its Big Crown ProPilot line, the firm’s popular collection of practical pilot’s watches first introduced in 2014. Oris has just announced its two latest additions to the series: the Big Crown ProPilot GMT Small Seconds and the Big Crown ProPilot Chronograph—both now featuring the brand’s anthracite sunray dial (which we really loved here). Neither model is new for Oris, but the eye-catching dial treatment certainly dresses up the aesthetic of the line.
Introducing the Oris Big Crown ProPilot GMT Small Seconds and the Big Crown ProPilot Chronograph Anthracite
Big Crown ProPilot GMT Small Seconds Anthracite
The Big Crown ProPilot GMT Small Seconds comes in a large 45mm stainless steel case. The dial boasts a seconds sub-dial at nine so as not to take away from the clarity of the GMT function. A centrally mounted GMT hand with an airplane-shaped tip reaches out to the chapter ring, which is marked with a second 24-hour time zone.
Case: 45mm stainless steel
Crystal: Double domed sapphire (with internal AR) front; mineral back
Dial: Anthracite sunray; Super-LumiNova numerals
Hands: Polished nickel hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 10 bar/100m
Movement: Oris Cal. 748 based on Sellita SW 220-1
Strap: Olive, black or grey textile; dark brown or grey leather; stainless steel
Price: CHF 2,200 on leather/textile; CHF 2,400 on stainless steel
Big Crown ProPilot Chronograph Anthracite
The Big Crown ProPilot Chronograph is a hair smaller at 44mm than the GMT, and it shares many of the same signature design features that are now mainstays of the range. For this Anthracite edition, gone are some of the more colorful accents of previous versions for a more paired down, tonal look.
Case: 44mm stainless steel
Crystal: Double domed sapphire (with internal AR) front; mineral back
Dial: Anthracite sunray; Super-LumiNova numerals
Hands: Polished nickel hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova; polished nickel chronograph central seconds hand with a white tip and white hour/minute/running seconds counter hands
Water Resistance: 10 bar/100m
Movement: Oris Cal. 774 based on Sellita SW 500
Strap: Black or grey textile; dark brown, black or grey leather; stainless steel
Price: CHF 3,100 on leather/textile; CHF 3,300 on stainless steel
The new Anthracite editions of the Big Crown ProPilot GMT Small Seconds and the Big Crown ProPilot Chronograph may be two small additions to the already expansive line, but the little touches do offer a different experience. Having been mightily impressed with other watches in Oris’ Aviation range, we’re definitely excited to see these in the metal later at this year’s Baselworld, where we’ll also get an update on expected USD pricing. Stay tuned for that.
For more information, visit Oris.