Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze Ref. 01 754 7741 3167-07 5 20 58BR
Pilot/Aviation Watch with Complication (Pointer Date) · Oris SA, independent Swiss watchmaker operating in Hölstein, Switzerland, positioned in the accessible luxury and premium tool watch tier
Period: Modern Vintage / Neo-Vintage (2010s-present) with strong mid-century aviation heritage design cues
Type
Pilot/Aviation Watch with Complication (Pointer Date)
Brand
Oris SA, independent Swiss watchmaker operating in Hölstein, Switzerland, positioned in the accessible luxury and premium tool watch tier
Movement
Automatic mechanical Oris Calibre 754 (based on 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 masterclass in vintage aviation design blended with modern material science. Featuring a rich, matte green dial reminiscent of classic military cockpits and a solid bronze case that naturally develops a unique, personalized patina over time, this timepiece channels Oris's deep history in aviation watchmaking dating back to 1938. The defining pointer date complication, driven by a red-tipped central hand sweeping over a perimeter calendar track, adds both functional charm and distinct visual symmetry. Worn on an olive textile strap, it offers a rugged yet sophisticated wrist presence that bridges the gap between historical tool watch utility and contemporary luxury styling.
Key Features
Signature oversized crown for glove operation, unique central pointer date complication with a red-tipped hand, solid bronze case and coin-edge bezel that patina over time, and rich matte green military-inspired dial
Dial Description
Matte deep green dial featuring large white Arabic numerals, luminous cathedral-style hands, outer railway minute track, and an outermost pointer date track indicated by a central red-tipped hand
Case Material
Solid bronze case with a warm, living patina, matching coin-edge bezel, and a stainless steel caseback
Crystal Type
Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside
Bezel Details
Fixed coin-edge (fluted) bronze bezel matching the vintage pilot aesthetic of the case
Crown & Pushers
Extra-large (oversized) screw-down bronze crown designed for easy operation while wearing leather flight gloves, featuring the Oris shield logo
Bracelet or Strap
Olive green textile/canvas strap with a matching bronze pin buckle and quick-release spring bars
Caseback Details
Screw-down exhibition case back featuring a mineral crystal window showcasing the signature Oris red rotor and mechanical movement inside
Movement Type
Automatic mechanical Oris Calibre 754 (based on Sellita SW 200-1), 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels
Water Resistance
Rated to 5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet), suitable for everyday splashes, rain, and light swimming, but not recommended for scuba diving or water sports
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Hölstein, Switzerland, utilizing an outsourced and heavily customized Swiss mechanical movement base
Age Estimate
Modern production, circa 2019-present
Cultural Significance
Oris's Big Crown Pointer Date is the backbone of the brand's heritage identity. It represents the perseverance of independent mechanical watchmaking through the quartz crisis and remains one of the most recognizable and authentic pilot's watches on the market today.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in excellent condition with a developing natural bronze patina on the case and bezel. The crystal is clean and free of visible scratches, the dial is pristine, and the canvas strap shows minor signs of gentle wear consistent with normal use.
Value Estimate
Retail price (MSRP) is approximately $2,200 to $2,400 USD. On the secondary market, clean pre-owned examples generally trade between $1,400 and $1,800 USD depending on the condition of the bronze patina and inclusion of original box and papers.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended general service interval of 5 to 7 years for the automatic mechanical movement. Water resistance should be pressure tested annually, especially since the bronze case elements require careful gasket maintenance. The bronze case can be cleaned with lemon juice or specialized metal cleaner if the owner wishes to reset the patina, though most collectors prefer letting it age naturally.
Similar Watches
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze (similar bronze case material and vintage dive/tool aesthetic), Longines Spirit 40mm (similar pilot watch heritage and dial layout), Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot (accessible military pilot alternative)
Interesting Facts
Oris introduced the original Pointer Date collection in 1938 to assist pilots in low-visibility situations. The use of bronze in watchmaking surged in popularity in the late 2010s precisely because each case reacts to its wearer's skin chemistry and environment, making every single watch completely unique.