Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 vs Rado True Square Automatic
Oris's diver meets Rado's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Rado True Square Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) delivers Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based) technology in the tier below the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 ($2,500–$5,000). The True Square Automatic measures 38mm (Square) 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 | Rado True Square Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500–$5,000 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Case Size | 41.5mm | 38mm (Square) |
| Movement | Automatic Calibre 400 | Automatic ETA C07.611 |
| Caliber Type | Oris In-House Manufacture | Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based) |
| Power Reserve | 120 Hours (5 Days) | 80 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 300m (30 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating | Sapphire (Anti-Reflective) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Monobloc High-Tech Ceramic |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Oris's design language vs Rado'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 Rado True Square Automatic offers Monobloc High-Tech Ceramic construction at 38mm (Square) with Sapphire (Anti-Reflective). Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Calibre 400 vs Automatic ETA C07.611
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 True Square Automatic uses the Automatic ETA C07.611 (Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based), 80 Hours reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
41.5mm vs 38mm (Square) — different wrist presence
At 41.5mm, the Aquis Date Calibre 400 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the True Square Automatic at 38mm (Square). Water resistance differs: 300m (30 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Rado sits in the lower tier
The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 sits at $2,500–$5,000 and the Rado True Square Automatic 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 (Anti-Reflective) and 80 Hours on the True Square Automatic. 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 True Square Automatic handles 50m (5 ATM). The Aquis Date Calibre 400 is better suited for water activities.
Materials Face-Off
| Component | Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 | Rado True Square Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Oris Caliber 733 | Rado's proprietary zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) ceramic, fired at temperatures higher than standard ceramic to produce a more scratch-resistant material w |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating on inside | ceramic enriched with carbon during a plasma-treatment phase at 20,000°C, resulting in a sheen that is more metallic. Owners describe the appearance a |
| Case | Stainless steel 316L (brushed and polished) | Sapphire (Al₂O₃) grown via Verneuil process, Mohs 9, with anti-reflective coating. Mohs 9 |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating, scratch-resistant ceramic insert with 60-min dive scale and lume pip | Super-LumiNova (variable by dial variant). |
| Bracelet | — | Monobloc ceramic matching the case, with titanium clasp components. |
Cost of Ownership Compared
The Rado True Square Automatic saves you $215 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 Rado True Square Automatic if…
- Weekend warriors — 80-hour power reserve means it survives two days off the wrist
- Those who prioritize scratch resistance — sapphire crystal
- Dress watch seekers who want understated elegance
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.
Rado True Square Automatic
- Ceramic brittleness — virtually scratchproof but can crack/shatter under hard impacts. WatchUSeek Rado threads document multiple owner reports of ceramic cracking from drops that would only scratch steel cases. Insurance is recommended.
- Square format polarising — distinctive and modernist, but not for buyers who want traditional round cases.
- 50m water resistance — dress watch only; not for swimming sports or hard activity.
- Proprietary endlinks — severely limits aftermarket strap options.
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 AmazonRado
True Square Automatic
Choose the Rado True Square Automatic if you value Powermatic 80 (ETA-Based) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 38mm (Square) proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic ETA C07.611 with 80 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 and Rado True Square Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Oris bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rado delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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