Table of Contents
What We Know
Oris is going through its catalog and doing some subtle and meaningful updates to the ProPilot lineup. On the heels of a ProPilot Date update last year, the higher-tier ProPilot Calibre 111 is getting similar tweaks that take a very solid watch and make it a bit more refined. In fact, if you compare it to the old, outgoing 44mm version, the refreshed look really does stand out despite the relative subtlety.
The new stainless steel case is slimmed down and sharpened up, down from 44mm to 43mm and down from around 14mm (actually 13.85mm) to 13.2mm; there are improvements in sizing, which is impressive for a watch with a 10-day power reserve. The date window has been moved to the 6 o’clock position for better balance, and the new finishing for the black or pine green dial combines a main vertically brushed surface with a textured, pebbled graining in the subdials and minute track.
The Calibre 111 movement is visible through the display caseback, while the watch maintains a 100m water resistance all the same. You can see that massive barrel required for the 240-hour power reserve and what looks to be a nice level of finishing for the price point. The angled fluting on the bezel carries over to the caseback ring as well, which adds a balanced touch. And while you can still get the watch on a choice of leather strap or stainless steel bracelet, the ‘LIFT’ clasp and seamless fit strap adjustment system make either choice a solid one.
Since this is more of a powerhouse movement, the price is higher than the base model ProPilot Date, but it’s a good choice for someone who likes that long power reserve, tactile manual wind, and a slightly larger wrist presence. The retail price is CHF 5,900 on strap and CHF 6,100 on bracelet.
What We Think
Without comparing the new and old watches side by side, I still think the visual update to the dial is a win. It just feels more contemporary and maybe even a bit more luxury, which is in line with the slightly steeper price tag than a lot of Oris we think, like the Aquis or Pointer Date line. Actually, this release does double-duty and reminds me that I probably should have paid more attention to the refresh last fall, because the pine version of the ProPilot Date is also very attractive and a good recommendation to friends who are looking for a pilot’s watch or maybe more so a field watch that’s a bit more upmarket from a Hamilton. Not every release needs to be massively groundbreaking; it’s good when brands don’t let product lines languish as tastes move forward.
The Basics
Brand: Oris
Model: ProPilot Calibre 111
Reference Number: 01 111 7808 4164 07 6 20 19LC; 01 111 7808 4164 07 8 20 04LC
Diameter: 43mm
Thickness: 13.2mm
Case Material: Multi-piece stainless steel case
Dial Color: Black or pine green
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Indices and hands with Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap/Bracelet: Multi-piece stainless steel metal bracelet with folding ‘LIFT’ clasp or dark brown Cordovan leather strap with
seamless fit adjustment system and stainless steel folding ‘LIFT’ clasp
The Movement
Caliber: Oris Calibre 111
Functions: Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, date, and power reserve indicator
Power Reserve: 240 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 bph
Jewels: 40
Chronometer Certified: No
Pricing & Availability
Price: CHF 5,900 (strap); CHF 6,100 (Bracelet)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
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