Throwback designs have been a shot in the arm for the watch industry in recent years, and they show no signs of slowing up. But there’s a fine line to balance when it comes to executing a retro design in the spirit of the original while maintaining some of the luxuries we enjoy in modern construction and materials. Leaning too far in either direction and it’s easy to lose the plot. Recent successes include Omega’s 60th Anniversary trio of the Seamaster 300, Speedmaster, and Railmaster; TAG Heuer’s Autavia, and the Oris Chronoris Date. The Oris is a shining example of retro done right, and it can be had for under $2,000.
The Oris Chronoris Date recalls a watch by the same name from the year 1970. But you probably could have guessed that by looking at it. The cushion case design, domed crystal, and the funky-but-clean dial is straight retro in all the right ways. Even the sizing is perfect at 39mm in diameter. The attention to detail is apparent straight away thanks to small pops of color, a radially brushed case surface, and textured crowns. Oh yeah, it’s got two crowns. One at 2 o’clock for adjusting the internal rotating bezel, the other at 4 o’clock for adjusting the time. On duty within the Chronoris is a Swiss Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement.
The Oris Chronoris is a refreshing take on the retro-inspired genre of watches, and one we’d like to see more of from other brands. Find yours right here.
