Oris Aquis Date Review: The Dive Watch That has it all?
Let’s be honest, when most people think of dive watches, they picture something worn by Bond as he swan-dives out off a helicopter and into a casino. But not all divers have delusions of MI6 grandeur. Some, like the Oris Aquis Date, are more interested in keeping things stylishly down to earth, or rather, underwater.
This is a tool watch that doubles as your Friday night wristwear, and it does so without screaming “look at me” like a 44mm steel Rolex that just discovered TikTok. So, is it all function, no frills? Or a proper all-rounder? Let’s dive in (pun mildly intended).
The Looks: A Bouncer in a Tux
The Aquis Date 43.5mm has all the hallmarks of a serious dive watch — chunky steel case, beefy lugs, a ceramic unidirectional bezel — but it’s been through finishing school. The case is brushed but with polished edges, giving it that “I lift, but I moisturise” kind of vibe.
The dial? Take your pick. The sunburst green is a crowd favourite, shimmering like a sapphire under pub lighting, while the black and blue versions give off a more low-key, stealthy aesthetic. Hands and indices are bold and filled with Super-LumiNova, so you can still check the time mid-decompression or mid-Netflix binge.
Oh, and the date window at 6 o’clock? Tastefully tucked away — like a discreet tattoo on a banker.
The Specs: Built Like a Submarine Door
Here’s what you’re working with:
Case Size: 43.5mm (but wears slightly smaller thanks to the integrated lugs)
Case Thickness: ~13mm
Material: Stainless steel with ceramic bezel
Crystal: Sapphire, domed and AR-coated
Water Resistance: 300m (you can definitely take it further than the bath)
Movement: Oris 733.1 - 41hr power reserve
Bracelet/Strap Options: Steel bracelet, rubber strap, leather (for landlubbers)
Lume: Super-LumiNova BG W9 (a bright blue glow that lasts longer than expected)
Bezel: Unidirectional 120-click ceramic bezel (firm, precise, oddly satisfying)
On the Wrist: The Goldilocks Zone
43.5mm sounds chunky, and on paper, it is — but Oris are sneaky. Thanks to short, curved lugs and a clever case profile, this thing hugs the wrist like it knows you well. If you’re cursed with wrists smaller than your ambition, it might still feel like a stretch — but for most, it’ll sit confidently without going full dinner plate. I have a 7” wrist and for me, it’s a perfect fit when wearing a t-shirt.
It’s comfortable, balanced, and — crucially — doesn’t constantly remind you of its presence. If watches were flatmates, the Aquis would do the washing up without being asked.
The Movement: Reliable, If Not Sexy
Inside beats the Oris 733, a modified Sellita SW200-1. It’s the Ford Focus of movements: reliable, serviceable, and not likely to win awards for innovation. That said, it gets the job done with no fuss and decent accuracy (+/-12 seconds/day in real-world use). The 38-hour power reserve is a bit short compared to rivals, but unless you’re switching watches daily like a horological Casanova, you’ll cope.
It’s visible through the exhibition caseback — complete with Oris’ signature red rotor — which is a nice touch for the mechanically curious.
The Verdict: The Smart Diver's Choice
The Oris Aquis Date 43.5mm is like that one mate who owns a wetsuit, a tuxedo, and looks equally at home in both. It’s a proper dive watch with specs to match, but with just enough polish to wear to dinner without feeling like you’ve just come up for air.
Sure, the movement isn’t revolutionary, and the case size might put off the dainty-wristed. My main struggle is to wear this watch under a sleeve. It sits tall and proud off my wrist letting jackets and shirts know that there is no place for them near my hand!
But for the price (usually between £1,700–£2,000), it’s arguably one of the best bang-for-your-buck Swiss divers out there.
Whether you’re planning to dive the Great Barrier Reef or just dive into some pub chips, the Aquis has your back — and your wrist.
Final Score: 8.5/10
Design: 9/10 — Clean, bold, and not trying too hard.
Comfort: 8/10 — Surprisingly wearable for its size.
Movement: 7/10 — Solid, but not groundbreaking.
Versatility: 8/10 — Equally good with a wetsuit or a work suit (if you can fit it under your sleeve).
Value: 9/10 — You’re getting a lot of watch for the price.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just don’t expect it to make you James Bond. Unless your idea of Bond is one who organises spreadsheets and has a standing desk. In which case… welcome to the club.
