Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze Ref. 01 754 7741 3167
Pilot/Aviation Watch with Pointer Date Complication · Oris SA, independent Swiss watch manufacturer, luxury-to-premium tier
Period: Modern Vintage / Neo-Vintage (2010s-present)
Type
Pilot/Aviation Watch with Pointer Date Complication
Brand
Oris SA, independent Swiss watch manufacturer, luxury-to-premium tier
Movement
Automatic mechanical movement, Oris 754 (base Sellita SW 200-1), 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels
Dimensions
Case diameter 40 mm, case thickness 12 mm, lug-to-lug distance 48 mm, lug width 20 mm
Description
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze is a stunning homage to Oris rich aviation heritage, first introduced in 1938. The watch pairs a warm, living bronze case with a captivating rich green dial. Its defining feature is the Pointer Date complication, utilizing a dedicated central hand with a red tip to sweep across the outer date track. The oversized crown, cathedral hands, and vintage typography combine to create an authentic mid-century pilot aesthetic with modern mechanical reliability.
Key Features
Signature oversized crown designed for pilots wearing gloves, distinctive central pointer date hand with red crescent tip, solid bronze case that develops a unique personalized patina, and striking monochrome green dial layout.
Dial Description
Matte deep green dial with bold printed Arabic numerals filled with Super-LumiNova, cathedral-style hands, central sweeping seconds, and a pointer date complication indicated by a central hand with a red crescent tip pointing to a track on the dial periphery
Case Material
Solid bronze with satin-brushed finishing that develops a natural patina over time
Crystal Type
Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
Bezel Details
Fixed coin-edge (or fluted) bronze bezel matching the vintage pilot aesthetic
Crown & Pushers
Large oversized screw-down bronze crown (signature Big Crown feature) allowing easy operation even with flight gloves
Bracelet or Strap
Olive green canvas/textile strap with a bronze pin buckle matching the case material
Caseback Details
Exhibition screw-down case back with a mineral glass display window revealing Oris's signature red automatic rotor
Movement Type
Automatic mechanical movement, Oris 754 (base Sellita SW 200-1), 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels
Water Resistance
50 meters (5 bar / 164 feet), suitable for everyday splashes, rain, and light hand washing, but not recommended for swimming or diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Hölstein, Switzerland, featuring an outsourced and modified Swiss mechanical movement
Age Estimate
Modern production, circa 2019-present
Cultural Significance
This model represents Oris's independence and commitment to mechanical watchmaking, serving as the cornerstone design that kept the brand grounded in traditional Swiss watchmaking through the quartz crisis and into the modern revival of mechanical tool watches.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in very good to excellent condition. The bronze case shows early signs of natural warm patina development, the crystal is clean and free of visible scratches, and the textile strap shows light wear consistent with normal use.
Value Estimate
Retail price around $2,400 USD, secondary market value generally ranges between $1,500 and $2,000 USD depending on condition, inclusion of original box and papers, and the stage of patina development.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval every 3 to 5 years for movement lubrication and gasket checks. Water resistance should be tested annually. The bronze case can be cleaned with mild lemon juice or specialized bronze cleaner if the user wishes to reset the patina, though most owners let it age naturally.
Similar Watches
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date in stainless steel or 80th Anniversary edition (bronze with brown dial), Sinn 556, Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot, IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic
Interesting Facts
Oris introduced the Pointer Date complication in 1938 as a practical tool for pilots. The use of bronze in watchmaking has surged in popularity recently because the alloy oxidizes and darkens uniquely based on the wearers environment and skin chemistry, making every watch truly one-of-a-kind.