Oris Classic Date Full Review

A few years ago I decided to splurge on a bespoke wool dinner suit. Initially, I was tempted to follow the current trend and purchase a ridiculously skinny suit. However, in a very diplomatic way, the tailor advised me to air on the side of caution and chose something more classical. As it happens his advice was correct and hopefully, this formal outfit will serve me well for many years. The same advice equates to buying a timepiece and that is why many consumer love more traditional watches. Even though Oris are synonymous for bold diver style watches they also produce more understated dress style pieces like the Oris Classic Date watch.

At university, I was captivated by the silver screen and in particular Cary Grant. In most of his movies, he wore immaculately tailored suits, handmade shoes and normally a beautiful dress watch. In my opinion, Oris has captured the essence of this era with its perfectly formed Classic Date. This refined timepiece should appeal to discerning consumers who love to make a discreet statement. Dimensionally this watch is much smaller than most watches I would review and has a diameter of 28.5mm. Most probably this timepiece is aimed at a feminine clientele. However, I know many gentlemen who favour bijoux watches and so this model would certainly fit the bill.

In the past, I have gone to gala dinners wearing one of my oversized watches. Normally due to the scale, these timepieces have protruded over my cuff and dictated the choice of shirt. Certainly, you won’t have this problem with the Classic Date because of its slimline profile. This is a very elegant watch that looks beautiful with dinner attire (male or female). However, depending on your preference you could also wear this timepiece with a casual linen shirt/dress and/or jeans. It is also water-resistant to a depth of 50-metres so potentially you could even go for a splash in the pool. Whatever, the occasion I feel this watch is a perfect choice.

Aesthetically the Classic Date has a stylish façade that should appeal to appreciators of classic design. What makes this timepiece so special is the black Guilloché dial with complimentary silver raised Arabic numeral. For those that don’t know Guilloché is an exceptionally precise decorative technique that is practised by master craftsman. Within the Swiss watch industry it synonymous with exceedingly high levels of quality. The main characteristics are a repetitive ribbon-like pattern normally on an enamelled dial. Other features include a discreet date window (located at 6 o’clock) and an ornate bevelled crown.

Powering the watch is a high-grade Swiss self-winding movement made by ETA. The Calibre 2671 comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This mechanism is normally used in smaller watches because it has a diameter of 17.20mm. Functionally the Classic Date features hours, minutes, seconds and date indication. The timepiece also has a power reserve of approximately 40-hours. As a perfect finishing touch the Classic Date is presented on a stylish leather strap with complimentary stainless steel buckle.