Oris Big Crown Calibre 113

Oris has carved out a distinct identity rooted in mechanical integrity, practical innovation, and an independent spirit. The brand from Hölstein consistently delivers timepieces that offer substantial technical merit without the stratospheric pricing often associated with in-house manufacturing. A new release, the Oris Big Crown Calibre 113, perfectly encapsulates this philosophy, merging one of the brand's most enduring designs with a formidable, highly complicated movement from its own workshops.

The story of Oris is deeply intertwined with the history of mechanical watchmaking itself. For much of the 20th century, the company was a powerhouse of calibre development, creating nearly 300 different movements in-house. This tradition of engineering prowess is a cornerstone of the brand's identity. While many Swiss brands turned to quartz technology during the industry crisis of the 1970s and 80s, Oris recommitted to the mechanical watch, a decision that has defined its modern era. This dedication is not just about nostalgia; it’s about a belief in the longevity, craftsmanship, and soul of a gear-driven machine.



This commitment was powerfully reasserted in 2014, on the occasion of the company's 110th anniversary, with the launch of the Calibre 100 series. This wasn't merely a new movement; it was a statement of purpose. The project, which took years to develop, resulted in a new family of hand-wound calibres built around a remarkable specification: a 10-day power reserve. This ambitious feature was just the starting point, as the movements also included a unique, patented non-linear power reserve indicator, a testament to Oris’s focus on user-centric functionality.

The new watch places one of these impressive movements, the Calibre 113, inside the brand’s most iconic case design: the Big Crown. First introduced in 1938, the Big Crown was developed for pilots who needed a reliable timepiece that was easy to operate while wearing thick leather gloves. The oversized crown that gives the watch its name was a practical solution to this problem. Over the decades, the design has evolved but has retained its core characteristics, becoming a flagship collection for Oris and a recognizable classic in the world of aviation-inspired watches.

At the core of this timepiece is the manually wound Oris Calibre 113. This movement is a showcase of the brand’s engineering capabilities. Its most prominent feature is the massive 240-hour, or 10-day, power reserve. This impressive duration is achieved through a single, oversized barrel containing an exceptionally long mainspring. A glance through the sapphire exhibition case back reveals this large barrel, a visual reminder of the energy stored within. For the wearer, this means the watch can run for over a week without needing to be wound, offering a level of convenience uncommon in mechanical timepieces.



A key innovation tied to this power reserve is the patented non-linear indicator, displayed in a sub-dial at the 3 o’clock position. Unlike a standard linear gauge where the hand moves at a constant speed, Oris’s system provides more detail as the power depletes. The space between the day markers on the sub-dial becomes progressively wider towards the end of the reserve. This means that as the watch nears the time for winding, the indicator hand’s movement is more pronounced, giving the owner a much clearer and more urgent visual cue. This clever piece of engineering, managed by a ‘worm-gear’, prioritizes legibility and practical utility.

Beyond its power management, Calibre 113 is defined by its comprehensive "business calendar" complication. The movement orchestrates a full suite of calendar functions, displaying the day of the week, the date, the week of the year, and the month. This assembly of information is exceptionally useful for professionals who operate on fiscal calendars or plan projects by week number. It’s a complete organizational tool for the wrist, and Oris has managed to integrate all these functions to be set through the single, large crown, avoiding the need for extra pushers that would clutter the case profile.



The dial of the Big Crown Calibre 113 is where its character truly comes alive. Oris has chosen a bold and unconventional color scheme that immediately sets it apart. The main dial surface features a textured, minty green finish, providing a vibrant and fresh backdrop. Contrasting this are two sub-dials—the small seconds at 9 o'clock and the power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock—rendered in a rich rose pink. This surprising pairing of green and pink is spirited and joyful, reflecting the brand’s motto to "make people smile." It's a confident design choice that moves the watch beyond its utilitarian roots into a more expressive, contemporary space.

The layout of the dial is meticulously organized to present its wealth of information clearly. A window at 12 o’clock displays the day of the week, while the date is shown in a corresponding window at 6 o’clock. The subsidiary seconds dial sits at 9 o’clock, balanced by the power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. The perimeter of the dial is occupied by a chapter ring marked with the months of the year and an outer scale for the 52 weeks. A central pointer hand, distinguished by a red, arrow-like tip, indicates both the current month and week number, a function reminiscent of the brand’s famous Pointer Date models.

The hands and markers are designed for maximum legibility. The hour and minute hands are polished and filled with Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility. A large, applied Arabic numeral marks the 12 o’clock position, while other hours are denoted by applied indices, also treated with luminous material. The combination of polished elements, crisp white printing, and the red-tipped pointer hand ensures that despite the numerous functions, the dial remains uncluttered and easy to read at a glance.



The watch is housed in a robust multi-piece stainless steel case that measures 43.00 mm in diameter. The case architecture is classic Big Crown, with its smooth, flowing lines and a mix of brushed and polished surfaces that catch the light beautifully. The lug-to-lug dimension of 50.50 mm gives the watch a substantial presence on the wrist, appropriate for its aviation heritage, while the 13.50 mm thickness ensures it remains wearable.

Protecting the intricate dial is a sapphire crystal that is domed on both sides, a feature that reduces distortion and enhances the vintage aesthetic of the watch. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the inside of the crystal to minimize glare and improve clarity. The case back is also fitted with a flat sapphire crystal, offering an unobstructed view of the beautifully finished Calibre 113 movement within. The signature oversized screw-in security crown ensures a water resistance of 5 bar, or 50 meters, sufficient for daily wear and protection against splashes.

The movement itself, visible through the case back, is an impressive sight. It is not overly decorated with intricate engraving, but its industrial and purposeful finish speaks to the Oris philosophy of function-first engineering. The large mainspring barrel dominates the upper portion of the movement, while the balance wheel oscillates steadily at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). Engravings on the movement plates denote its specifications, including the calibre number and the "HIGH MECH" designation, a proud declaration of its in-house origins.



The Big Crown Calibre 113 is fitted with a solid and well-constructed multi-piece stainless steel bracelet. The three-link design has a brushed finish across its surfaces, reinforcing the tool-watch aesthetic of the Big Crown lineage. The bracelet tapers from the 21 mm interhorn width towards the clasp, enhancing comfort and providing a balanced feel on the wrist. It secures with an Oris-developed folding clasp that provides a secure closure.

With a retail price of $8,100 USD, the watch represents a considerable value proposition given its in-house movement and extensive complications. It is available from September and comes with a standard two-year warranty, which can be extended to five years upon registration with the MyOris program. For the watch enthusiast seeking a timepiece with a unique character, deep technical substance, and a story to tell, the Big Crown Calibre 113 makes an undeniably strong case.

Case: Multi-piece stainless steel case, 43.00 mm diameter, 13.50 mm thickness, 50.50 mm lug to lug. Domed sapphire crystal with AR coating, see-through sapphire case back. Water resistance 5 bar.

Movement: Oris Calibre 113, hand-winding. 240-hour (10-day) power reserve. 3 Hz (21’600 A/h) frequency. Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, date, day, week, month, and non-linear power reserve indicator.

Dial: Green with pink sub-dials. Applied indices and hands with Super-LumiNova®.

Strap: Multi-piece stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. Interhorn width is 21 mm.

Price: USD 8,100.00

Reference Number: 01 113 7800 4057-07 8 21 06

Notes: Features a full "business calendar" complication and a patented non-linear power reserve indicator for enhanced legibility. All functions are adjustable via the single oversized crown.