Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Oris's pilot watch meets Stauer's dress watch

Quick Verdict

The Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150) delivers Quartz technology in the tier below the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date ($1,500–$2,500). The 1920s Retrograde measures 43mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The Big Crown Pointer Date justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base). Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

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Oris Big Crown Pointer Date

Oris

Big Crown Pointer Date

$1,500–$2,500

Stauer 1920s Retrograde

Stauer

1920s Retrograde

$100–$150

Specifications Compared

FeatureOris Big Crown Pointer DateStauer 1920s Retrograde
Price$1,500–$2,500$100–$150
Case Size40mm43mm
MovementAutomatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base)Quartz
Caliber TypeModified Sellita AutomaticQuartz
Power Reserve38 HoursBattery
Water Resistance50m (5 ATM)100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
CrystalSapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating)Mineral crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelGold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel)
OriginSwiss MadeStauer (USA brand, imported)

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Oris's design language vs Stauer's approach

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date features a Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating) protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Oris

Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) vs Quartz

The Big Crown Pointer Date runs the Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) (Modified Sellita Automatic, 38 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. The Big Crown Pointer Date edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Oris

40mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the Big Crown Pointer Date wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Stauer

Stauer sits in the lower tier

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date sits at $1,500–$2,500 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Big Crown Pointer Date uses Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating) with 38 Hours, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Stauer

50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer

The Big Crown Pointer Date is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The 1920s Retrograde offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Oris

Big Crown Pointer Date

Choose the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date if you prioritize Modified Sellita Automatic engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $1,500–$2,500, it delivers Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita Base) with 38 Hours power reserve.

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Stauer

1920s Retrograde

Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

Check Price on Amazon

The Bottom Line

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Oris bringing Swiss Made tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde is rated 100 m against 50 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Stauer 1920s Retrograde sits a band lower ($100–$150 against $1,500–$2,500), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $100–$150. However, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Big Crown Pointer Date at 40mm with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The 1920s Retrograde at 43mm with 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer is similarly capable. The Big Crown Pointer Date uses Sapphire (Domed, Inside AR Coating) while the 1920s Retrograde uses Mineral crystal. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

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.