The Oris Big Crown ProPilot represents the pinnacle of modern pilot watch design, combining Swiss watchmaking excellence with aviation functionality. As a cornerstone of the broader Oris ProPilot collection, these timepieces feature distinctive oversized crowns, exceptional legibility, and robust construction that appeal to both aviation enthusiasts and watch collectors alike. ... read more
The legacy of the Big Crown ProPilot traces back to 1938, when Oris introduced its first pilot watch collection. The history of Oris watches showcases how the brand revolutionized aviation timepieces with their signature oversized crown design, allowing pilots to operate their watches while wearing gloves. This innovative approach established Oris as a key player in the aviation watch segment.
Today, the Big Crown ProPilot exemplifies the commitment at Oris to functional design and mechanical excellence. The collection combines traditional pilot watch elements with modern innovations, including advanced materials, sophisticated complications, and the brand's groundbreaking in-house movements. Each timepiece reflects decades of expertise in creating purpose-built instruments for aviation professionals.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot collection showcases versatility through a diverse range of timepieces. From straightforward three-hand models to sophisticated complications, each reference delivers unique functionality while maintaining the distinctive aviation DNA. The collection spans from practical daily wear pieces to advanced instruments, offering options for both professional pilots and watch enthusiasts.
The Big Crown ProPilot Big Day Date elevates functionality in a commanding 41mm case, featuring a date display at 3 o'clock. The date display maintains the dial symmetry, while the proven automatic movement delivers consistent timekeeping. The thoughtfully proportioned case combines presence with ergonomic comfort for extended wear.
The model distinguishes itself through precise detailing and exceptional legibility. Sword hands sweep across Arabic numerals, while the multi-piece case construction showcases alternating finishes that emphasize its aviation heritage. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal and generous Super-LumiNova application ensure perfect readability in all conditions.
The Big Crown ProPilot Big Day Date offers a convenient day and date display, enhancing the practical functionality of the Big Crown ProPilot series. The distinctive ProPilot design language and aesthetic are maintained even with the added day feature and larger 44mm case size.
The movement architecture ensures accurate timekeeping, complemented by a dial layout that prioritizes clear reading of the time, day, and date. The robust case features detailed finishing and sufficient water resistance, making it an ideal companion for daily wear.
The Big Crown ProPilot GMT serves global travelers with its dual-time functionality and additional pulsometer for heart rate tracking. The additional GMT hand, distinguished by its red tip, works in conjunction with the 24-hour scale to track two time zones simultaneously. The bidirectional rotating bezel adds versatility, allowing quick time zone calculations without compromising the signature ProPilot aesthetic.
The model combines precision engineering with practical design elements. The automatic movement provides reliable timekeeping across time zones, while the distinctive dial layout ensures a clear reading of both local and reference time. The robust case construction and water resistance make it an ideal companion for frequent travelers.
The Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer elevates travel functionality through an innovative time zone adjustment system. The patented bezel mechanism enables instant zone changes without crown or pusher manipulation, while the home time display and instant-jump local time feature provide intuitive operation. The sophisticated movement maintains perfect accuracy during adjustments, backed by robust water resistance.
The thoughtfully designed dial ensures a clear reading of multiple time zones through careful layout and contrast. The signature turbine-inspired bezel frames the complex display while maintaining the distinctive pilot watch aesthetic. Each component, from the case construction to the movement, reflects meticulous attention to both durability and precision.
The Big Crown ProPilot Chronograph delivers precision timing capabilities within a purposeful aviation design. The automatic chronograph caliber provides accurate measurements up to 12 hours, while the carefully arranged subdials ensure instant legibility. The case architecture incorporates protective elements for the sophisticated movement, maintaining reliability in professional use.
The watch balances technical capability with refined aesthetics through its harmonious dial design. Brushed surfaces create a uniform look, while Super-LumiNova elements guarantee readability in all conditions. The integrated chronograph pushers and signature turbine bezel complete the distinctive professional appearance.
The Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter with Feet Scale stands as a breakthrough in watchmaking as the world's first automatic mechanical altimeter wristwatch. The innovative mechanism seamlessly combines traditional timekeeping with a precision altimeter system, utilizing an aneroid barometer for accurate readings up to 15,000 feet. The sophisticated design integrates specialized seals for reliable measurements.
The advanced case architecture features a dedicated venting crown at 4 o'clock for atmospheric pressure readings while maintaining water resistance during normal use once the crown is screwed down. The thoughtfully arranged dial clearly separates altitude and time displays, ensuring optimal readability of both functions. The automatic movement delivers consistent timekeeping alongside precise altitude measurements.
The Big Crown ProPilot Timer GMT integrates dual time zone functionality with a bidirectional rotating timer bezel. This versatile design enables pilots to track elapsed time while monitoring different time zones simultaneously. The robust case construction and distinctive architecture emphasize its professional aviation heritage, while the automatic movement ensures reliable performance in demanding conditions.
The watch excels in legibility through its meticulously organized dial layout, featuring a red-tipped GMT hand for instant timezone recognition. The smooth operation of the timer bezel combines with precise movement for accurate timing functions. The water-resistant case and scratch-resistant crystal protect these essential functions in various environments.
The Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 represents the pinnacle of mechanical innovation with its in-house movement. This sophisticated caliber delivers an extraordinary 10-day power reserve alongside a patented non-linear power reserve indicator. The movement combines traditional watchmaking techniques with modern engineering to achieve exceptional accuracy and reliability.
The refined dial layout perfectly balances the power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock with small seconds at 9 o'clock, maintaining visual harmony. The case design preserves signature aviation elements while showcasing the technical achievement within. Every detail, from the movement architecture to the case finishing, reflects a dedication to horological excellence.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot collection exemplifies the perfect balance between form and function, offering robust construction matched with refined aesthetics. Each timepiece in the collection features distinctive elements that set it apart in the luxury watch market, from the signature coin-edge bezel to the carefully engineered case designs.
The Big Crown ProPilot collection exemplifies excellence in material selection and construction. The cases are primarily crafted from high-grade stainless steel, with select models featuring lightweight titanium construction. The turbine-inspired bezels undergo specialized finishing processes to achieve their distinctive texture while maintaining durability for daily wear.
Advanced surface treatments and hardening processes ensure these timepieces can withstand the rigors of professional use. The sapphire crystals feature multiple layers of anti-reflective coating, maximizing legibility while protecting against scratches. Premium gaskets and crown seals contribute to the impressive water resistance.
The collection features a range of sophisticated movements, from reliable Sellita-based automatics to groundbreaking in-house calibers. The standard models typically employ the Oris 751 base (Sellita SW 220-1), known for its dependable performance and refined finishing.
These movements undergo rigorous testing and regulation before installation, ensuring chronometric performance meets professional standards. The automatic winding systems are engineered for efficiency, while the power reserves range from 38 hours in standard models to an impressive 120 hours in Calibre 111-equipped pieces.
The dial designs prioritize legibility while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The matte black or dark gray backgrounds provide the perfect contrast for the Super-LumiNova coated indices and hands. Hour markers feature bold Arabic numerals in the traditional pilot watch style, complemented by precisely crafted minute tracks.
The hands are designed with optimal length and width for instant readability, with the minutes hand extending perfectly to the chapter ring. Various complications are thoughtfully integrated into the dial layout, maintaining visual balance while adding functionality. The anti-reflective coating on the crystal ensures clear visibility in all conditions.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot collection features an array of carefully engineered strap options designed to meet diverse preferences and usage scenarios. Each attachment system incorporates quick-release mechanisms and robust construction to ensure security and comfort during professional use, while maintaining the distinctive character of these aviation timepieces.
The Big Crown ProPilot collection encompasses a range of case dimensions to suit different wrist sizes and wearing preferences. Each model's proportions are carefully calculated to maintain the perfect balance between presence and comfort, staying true to the aviation watch heritage while ensuring practical daily wear.
The Big Crown ProPilot collection demonstrates impressive water resistance capabilities through sophisticated case engineering. Each model features a minimum water resistance of 100 meters (10 ATM), achieved through a complex system of gaskets and screw-down crowns. The cases undergo rigorous pressure testing during production and servicing to ensure consistent performance in various conditions, while specialized seals and crystal mounting techniques maintain integrity during altitude changes.
The robust construction allows these timepieces to handle diverse environments beyond cockpit duties. Regular water resistance testing and properly maintained seals ensure these watches remain reliable companions for both professional aviators and active enthusiasts throughout their service life.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot collection offers exceptional value in the luxury watch market, combining Swiss craftsmanship with practical functionality. New models are available through authorized dealers, while the pre-owned market provides additional opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire these distinctive timepieces at competitive prices.
In the pre-owned market, Oris Big Crown ProPilot prices vary based on factors such as model, condition, age, and included accessories. Pre-owned models available on our website are categorized into the following price ranges:
It's important to note that these price ranges are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions and the watch's specific characteristics. The enduring popularity of the Oris Big Crown ProPilot collection ensures stable value retention, particularly for well-maintained examples with complete documentation.
For detailed insights into specific models and their market positioning, we recommend reading our comprehensive Oris Big Crown ProPilot buying guide. This analysis explores each variant's unique features and helps you make an informed investment decision.
"The Oris Big Crown ProPilot collection is an exceptional blend of Swiss watchmaking tradition and contemporary innovation. Each timepiece embodies our commitment to offering authentic pilot watches that deliver both functionality and value. Our clients particularly appreciate these watches for their robust construction, practical complications, and distinctive design elements that set them apart in the luxury watch market."
- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob's Watches
Choosing Bob's Watches for your Oris Big Crown ProPilot purchase represents a decision founded on expertise and trust. Our years of experience in the luxury watch market have established us as a leading destination for authenticated pre-owned timepieces. The transparent pricing structure and detailed condition reports ensure you receive exactly what you expect.
Every Oris watch in our inventory undergoes rigorous authentication by WatchCSA, the industry's premier certification authority. This process, combined with our comprehensive satisfaction guarantee, provides complete peace of mind with your purchase. Our team of watch experts is always available to assist with detailed information about any piece in our collection.
This collection includes oversized crowns for easy operation, legible dials, aviation-inspired designs, and movements like Oris' in-house Calibre 111 with impressive power reserves.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot belongs to the standalone ProPilot line, which emphasizes aviation-inspired designs, despite sharing the "Big Crown" name.
Prices for pre-owned models typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the model, materials, and movement.