The Oris ProDiver Dive Control Is a Professional Tool Watch Through and Through

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We’re not even a full month into the new year and Oris has already announced a bold, function-oriented diver dubbed the ProDiver Dive Control. Oris has been making dive watches for just about as long as the category has existed and with this addition to their ProDiver Range, the brand has made it clear that in 2019 they’re continuing to do what they do best — create great, functional watches for an accessible price.

Who’s It For:

The Oris ProDiver Dive Control isn’t for the desk-bound watch geek looking for something depth-rated to strap on his wrist. Measuring in at 51mm in diameter, sporting an optional loud yellow strap (a black one is also provided on the waterproof case the watch comes in) and a 100-bar rating, this watch is more tool than accessory. Developed with feedback from Roman Frischknecht, one of just a few professional offshore divers in Sweden and the same man who worked with Oris to develop the Rotation Safety System (also included on the Dive Control), the watch is built to function as a true-blue diving instrument — helium escape valve and all.

And sure, maybe that brash guy in your office would love to strap one on Monday through Friday. But what’s more likely is that this Oris Dive Control will appeal most strongly to that small cross-section of diving and watch enthusiasts. Whether wearers plan to sport the Dive Control casually on seaside weekends, or anticipate going to depth with it as a backup to their dive computers, they should make a call soon. This watch is limited to just 500 pieces.

First Impressions:

Did I mention that this watch is big? Because it is. On its surface, it reminds me a bit of ‘80s outdoor gear — large, bright and built for function. But the analogy doesn’t hold up much more past that. First off, the watch is well-built, something that can’t be said of 40-plus-year-old gear, and thanks to the Grade 2 Titanium case, the Dive Control is not nearly as cumbersome on the wrist as its 51mm size would suggest.

As stated above, the whole-lotta-watch look won’t be for everyone, but it’s hard not to be impressed by what’s going on under the domed sapphire crystal. The automatic winding Oris Cal. 774 base at the heart of this diver drives the hour, minute and second hands as well as a trio of subdials that include a 12-hours totalizer, a 30-minute totalizer and continuous seconds. Additionally, the 25-jewel movement has a respectable two-day power reserve. In regard to the dial, Oris used all of the real estate provided by the large case size to its advantage and made all of the watch’s complications clearly legible at a glance.

Insight:

Oris’ New Years resolution is to continue to be itself. Though not yet finalized, pricing on the Oris Dive Control is expected to come in around $5,000 USD. That may strike the un-initiated as terrifyingly steep, but it’s a damn good price for a limited-edition watch that’s as function-oriented and capable as this. But the pricing also doesn’t really come as much of a surprise. Oris has created a great space for itself in the watch world by producing superlative watches that real people can actually afford — and if this watch is any indication, it’s going to be doing a whole lot more of that in 2019.

Key Specs

Case Diameter: 51mm
Movement: Oris Cal. 774, Base SW 500
Water Resistance: 100 bar (~1000 meters)
Power Reserve: 48H
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, 12 hour, 30 minutes, continuous seconds, date

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