Small Yet Big Changes
When I first saw the press images of Oris’s new diver, I admittedly was underwhelmed. At first glance, this looked to be essentially the same watch as the Divers 65 that it was ostensibly updating.
But then I saw the watch in person, and my tune quickly changed. This is no cursory update; it truly is an entirely different and massively improved watch.
First and foremost, the water resistance has been increased from 100m to 200m. This is pretty essential, as the Divers Sixty-Five’s relatively paltry water resistance was hardly comparable to other dive watches on the market. The Diver’s Date 200-meter rating feels just right.
Next is the bezel. Instead of an aluminum insert like on the Sixty-Five, the Diver’s Date gets a ceramic top ring. This is what you’ll find on modern dive watches from the likes of Rolex and Omega, and the material is quickly becoming expected even on divers in Oris’s entry-level luxury price point. The bezel’s markings have also been redesigned for a cleaner appearance, and its action has been refined and improved.
The new bracelet is my personal favorite part of the watch. It again has a polarizing faux-riveted design similar to what you’ll find on Tudor’s Black Bay divers — you’ll either love it or hate it; I love it. It’s been slightly refined with nicely polished edges on the rivets and an extreme taper that looks and feels like an absolute dream on the wrist.