The article that you are going to read is somehow “bizarre”. For different reasons, we have never been able to take any pics of the first re-edition of the original Oris Divers Sixty-Five that was launched in 2015. However, Horbiter’s photographer has taken so many nice pictures of some of the 2016 versions of this timepiece that it would be a pity not to share them with you.
The spreading of different versions of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five is the natural consequence of the incredible successful first version; a timepiece that featured a rubber-made strap and that was as an almost-perfect reproduction of the 1965 model.
In my opinion, it was a success that went beyond every commercial expectations and that, today, is still strictly linked to two families; a family that measures 42mm, another one that measures 40mm, and two different graphic looks too.
If you are interested in the 42mm-versions, you can’t miss our article about the Carl Brashear Limited Edition – one of Horbiter’s most-read articles in 2016 that you can find on here – and the article about the stainless-steel version of the same timepiece that you can find on here.
The 40mm–version, the first one of the series, was presented this year and it features a dial that has never been seen before and a striped NATO strap that matches the dial, the strap is equipped with the typical folding clasp. Oris has opted for a colours combination that, apparently, might look impossible to accept; gray, matted yellow, and light blue.
They are all pastel-shades and it is a completely new combination, which was thought out so carefully that it is not only successful but seems somehow a clear reference to a modern re-edition of a similar vintage version. One more thing; it is totally unheard of.
However, this is not the only novelty from this year, since Oris has also launched another dial version and other types of NATO strap. This is not even the most important novelty because that title goes to the release – across the board – of a stainless-steel bracelet with rivets located on the sides of the mesh.
This manufacturing process is the same that was used in the past when the first diver’s timepieces started migrating from divers’ suits to stores’ windows. I believe Oris is the only brand, together with Tudor, to have introduced this type of bracelet.
In my opinion, a great deal of the Sixty-Five’s success is due to its ability to capture the newly-re-born interest for the so-called vintage style, the brand has wisely started off a good basis and has put together all the best features that its competitors had previously developed as far as style, size and positioning are concerned.
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 40mm is so believable that, somehow, it looks like a restored version of the original timepiece. The 40mm-case is thin, the lugs are elongated and whether you opt for a NATO strap or a stainless steel bracelet it makes no difference as the overall look has an undeniable balance.
The crown is standing out and it features no protection shoulders, the width of the bracelet tends to thin up close to the folding clasp with the double button; modern comfort and style from the 70s.
A reasonable price and a very smart communication campaign aimed at focusing on the product rather than its surroundings have come full circle through the fulfillment of many fans’ wishes. Equipping this timepiece with a stainless-steel bracelet has transformed it from a summertime timepiece to wear on mundane outings into a business casual watch.
Had Oris gotten rid of the date, it would have, in my eyes, reached another milestone but, as the president of an important Swiss brand told me with a smile on his face when I asked him the same question last week; “It is only fans like yourself, who don’t want the date to appear on the dial, the majority of our customers actually think that this is a necessary piece of information that we should provide them with and they don’t want us to get rid of it!”.
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five 40mm is a jigsaw where every piece fits in perfectly. The style, the retail price – about 2,000 euro for the stainless-steel version and a bit less for the NATO strap version – and the size contribute to create Oris‘s Holy Grail, a brand that has given up the name of manufacturer of just reliable and accessible watches to become a manufacturing company, who is able to craft high-quality calibers and wristwatches with a personal style and clearly identifiable.
(Photo credit: Horbiter®)
Gaetano Cimmino @Horbiter®
