Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 vs Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
Oris's diver meets Oris's pilot watch
Quick Verdict
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date ($1,500–$2,500) delivers Modified Sellita Automatic technology in the tier below the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 ($2,500–$5,000). The Big Crown Pointer Date measures 40mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Calibre 400. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 | Oris Big Crown Pointer Date |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500–$5,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 41.5mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Automatic Calibre 400 | Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) |
| Caliber Type | Oris In-House Manufacture | Modified Sellita Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 120 Hours (5 Days) | 38 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 300m (30 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating | Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Oris's design language vs Oris's approach
The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 features a Stainless Steel case at 41.5mm with Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating protection. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date offers Stainless Steel construction at 40mm with Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating). Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Calibre 400 vs Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base)
The Aquis Date Calibre 400 runs the Automatic Calibre 400 (Oris In-House Manufacture, 120 Hours (5 Days) power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The Big Crown Pointer Date uses the Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) (Modified Sellita Automatic, 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
41.5mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence
At 41.5mm, the Aquis Date Calibre 400 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Big Crown Pointer Date at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 300m (30 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Oris sits in the lower tier
The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 sits at $2,500–$5,000 and the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Aquis Date Calibre 400 uses Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating with 120 Hours (5 Days), against Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating) and 38 Hours on the Big Crown Pointer Date. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
300m (30 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)
The Aquis Date Calibre 400 is rated to 300m (30 ATM) while the Big Crown Pointer Date handles 50m (5 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 is better suited for water activities.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 | Oris Big Crown Pointer Date |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Oris Caliber 733 | Stainless steel 316L (standard reference); bronze (CuSn8) for 7553 reference family |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on inside | Synthetic sapphire grown via Verneuil process, Mohs 9. Domed profile with inside AR coating Mohs 9 |
| Case | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) | Super-LumiNova on hands and indices |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating, scratch-resistant ceramic insert with 60-min dive scale and lume pip | Calfskin leather with quick-release lever system |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date saves you $162 over 5 years of ownership
Who Should Pick Which
Pick the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 if…
- Dive watch enthusiasts — 300m water resistance is proper dive spec
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Dive watch collectors who appreciate proper ISO-rated tool watches
- Buyers who prefer a commanding wrist presence — 43mm case
Pick the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date if…
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Military/field watch enthusiasts who value legibility and durability
- Heritage enthusiasts drawn to ** Oris's historical pedigree
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
- Sellita base movement at this price — fair value but not in-house prestige (Caliber 400 variants resolve).
- 43.5mm large for smaller wrists (smaller variants available).
- Proprietary endlinks limit strap options.
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
- Sellita SW200-1 base at this price tier — fair value but some buyers expect in-house at this price tier (the Caliber 403 variant exists at higher price for in-house)
- 41-hour reserve — modest vs. 70–80 hour competition (Hamilton H-10, Tudor MT5602, Longines L888)
- 50m water resistance — limited dress-sport spec
- Pointer date polarises — some buyers love the design distinction; others find window dates more practical for at-a-glance reading
Our Verdict
Oris
Aquis Date Calibre 400
Choose the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 if you prioritize Oris In-House Manufacture engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 300m (30 ATM) water resistance. At $2,500–$5,000, it delivers Automatic Calibre 400 with 120 Hours (5 Days) power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonOris
Big Crown Pointer Date
Choose the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date if you value Modified Sellita Automatic technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) with 38 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 and Oris Big Crown Pointer Date represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Oris bringing Swiss Made tradition while Oris delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.