Oris released an Aquis Date earlier this year, mercifully in their 41.5mm case, and within it have placed their new in-house automatic movement, the caliber 400 ( which we introduced here). I believe there are a few reasons for this, which I’ll get into, but first, let’s deal with the facts. The Oris Aquis is, by every measure, a well executed, simple dive watch, yet it reads very differently from other classically styled divers like those referenced above. A good diver, when done right, is also a great watch thanks to high legibility, a practical feature set, and a flexible design language that can span wardrobe styles with ease. The appeal of a simple, well done dive watch runs deep, and I suspect that’s why we see new contenders in this genre with regularity.
Chunky bezels, big hour markers, fat hands, and funky cases all appear heavily within my own watch box, from Seikos old and new to Rolex’s archetypal Submariner. Movement: 12 ½ ETA 2894-2, automatic chronograph, 37 jewels, 6 hands, date at 4.When it comes to dive watches, I guess you could say I have a type. Ever since its beginnings in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado has had a pioneering spirit, with the brand philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it” still holds true today. Rado is a globally recognized brand, famous for innovative design and its use of revolutionary materials to create some of the world’s most durable watches.
The result is the bronze edition of the HyperChrome Chronograph: a striking combination of old and new, and a watch that honors the passage of time both inside and out. As the Swiss watchmaker is known for its pioneering use of materials, Rado worked in the same vein, combining the ancient beauty of bronze with the modern technical achievement of high-tech ceramic. “A need for true matter is driving designers to reach out for unusual directions, wilder ideas and primitive ingredients such as lava, metal, and bronze,” observes renowned trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort. The ceramic case retains the benefits of the material by being lightweight, scratch resistant and hypoallergenic. As the bronze ages, darkening and taking on more character, it forms a handsome contrast to the flawless high-tech ceramic surfaces of the case. The initial pale gold color of the HyperChrome’s bronze elements deepens with time, developing a matt vintage-look patina that is unique to each watch and wearer. Rose gold colored hands and indexes echo the subtle metallic sheen of the bronze, while a bezel engraved with a tachometric scale provides additional functionality. Adding to this harmonious contrast are side inserts and chronograph pushers crafted in bronze – humanity’s oldest alloy. In this new model, the 45 mm automatic chronograph retains its scratch resistant high-tech ceramic case – here in matt midnight black – but swaps out the ceramic bracelet for a supple brown vintage look leather strap. The sporty-chic HyperChrome Chronograph is Rado’s signature all day, every occasion timepiece for gents. Limited to 999 pieces, this exclusive timepiece joins two materials that are perfectly suited for use in watchmaking: Bronze, which marks the passage of time by developing a rich patina, and high-tech ceramic, which boasts lightness and superior scratch resistance. (Lengnau, Switzerland – 2018) In a seamless union of ancient and modern elements, the Rado HyperChrome Chronograph Automatic is now available in a beautifully contrasting bronze and high-tech ceramic construction. The new Rado HyperChrome Chronograph in bronze and high-tech ceramic