Oris continues to be one of our favorite brands here at Fratellowatches. We’ve come to enjoy the value proposition that their pieces present in concert with great build quality. Last year, at Baselworld 2015, the team loved the Divers Sixty-Five in 40mm with its retro dial and domed crystal. Well, the watch has proven popular, but it’s clear that Oris received requests for a larger watch and the answer is now here. Welcome in the new Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm.

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm on the wrist

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm on the wrist

Oris could have easily copied a successful formula by simply upsizing the 40mm Sixty-Five but they decided to reach into their back catalog to a past model in order to find inspiration for the dial of the new watch. The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm features a far less busy dial with applied round hour indices, but retains the beautifully domed sapphire crystal. It adds something else to the mix as well: an absolutely gorgeous dark blue dial that blends wonderfully with SuperLuminova that’s feels far less patinated than on the smaller version. Those who decry the faux vintage lume of the 40mm model should find a lot of solace in this new model.

A look at both the end links on the riveted steel bracelet and the finishing on the side of the bezel of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm

A look at both the end links on the riveted steel bracelet and the finishing on the side of the bezel of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm retains the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with date. The date window, by the way, follows the vintage Oris recipe and keeps its trapezoidal shape but moves to the 3:00 position. Other small changes come with the larger size such as a bezel that drops the trapezoid markers in favor of lines at the increments ending in “5”. It’s all a bit less fussy. Oh, and Oris addressed one of my dislikes on the 40mm in this piece because the bezel, when viewed from the side, is no longer painted in black. It’s stainless and looks far classier. Of course, the lozenge style screw-down crown and vintage logo case back remain, but there’s more…

A view of both the leather strap and the riveted steel bracelet on the Oris Divers Sixty-Five - both are excellent

A view of both the leather strap and the riveted steel bracelet on the Oris Divers Sixty-Five – both are excellent

When the 40mm Sixty-Five debuted, it was only available on a rubber Tropic-like strap. For the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm, though, the rubber strap is available and so is a great riveted oyster-style bracelet (this was also on 1960’s Oris divers) or a rough leather strap (looks like 20mm width) with white cross-stitching. Personally, I found the strap to be of high quality and on a par with something I’d order for myself (it will be available in several lengths for those of us who fall outside of the median). The bracelet is awesome and when we get to the price, I think you’ll agree that it’s a no-brainer as far as extra cost. It features a push-button clasp that’s nice and tactile to use.

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm retains its vintage logo case back

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm retains its vintage logo case back

The water resistance for the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm remains at 100m, so desk divers are well protected for their Summer beach holidays – as well as most recreational divers. The best part about this new piece is the pricing. 1850 Euros will net you the leather strap version and a mere 200 Euros extra substitutes the well-executed steel bracelet.

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm clasp

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm clasp

There’s little doubt in my mind that Oris has hit another home run this year with its Oris Divers Sixty-Five 42mm watch. The captivating blue dial, the larger size – yet still slim profile – and the simpler design should make for a huge seller. It’s different enough color wise and design wise that it’s certainly not a “me-too” entry. A serious well done to Oris…keep up the great work!

Head to www.oris.ch for more info on the brand.