The vintage inspired dive watch category adds to its robust ranks with the updated Diver Sixty-Five from Oris, introduced last week at Baselworld. The entry-level line of divers from Oris has seen a number of variants over the past few years, and this year the family welcomes a new case size offering, and bronze accents. Is it enough to sway buyers from the new, trimmed up Black Bay 58? Let’s have a look.
Oris introduced the Diver Sixty-Five line in 2015, and the approachable design coupled with the sub $2,500 price point has made them immensely popular with collectors of all types. The family has grown in recent years, welcoming new colorways and even dial designs across 4j2mm and 40mm case sizes. In 2016, Oris introduced a limited edition of the Diver Sixty-Five called the Carl Brashear (see more about the chronograph version of that watch right here), a watch with an entirely bronze case. The Carl Brashear ended up being quite collectible, and it’s no surprise to see its stylings pulled into regular production variants of the Diver Sixty-Five family.
The newcomers are offered in 40mm and, for the first time, 36mm case sizes. As with other 40mm Diver Sixty-Five watches, the date window remains at 6 o’clock, while the 36mm variant moves the date to 3 o’clock. Both pull bronze into the equation with bezels made of the stuff. The bezel insert is black, with white minute demarcations, so the bronze parts won’t be stealing the show, but rather taking a more subtle role in the look. This is complemented with gold accents on the dial. It’s a classic look that should come as no surprise to dive watch enthusiasts.
As good as all this sounds, the introduction of the Black Bay 58 by Tudor this year forces the comparison. The Tudor features a case that many may find as more accessible at 39mm, and a very healthy looking sub 12mm thickness. The Tudor is about $1,000 more expensive than the Tudor, but for the money, you’re also getting a legit, in-house movement. Tough to argue with that.
But, if you want to stand out in a room full of Tudors and Rolexes, the Oris just might be the better choice.
