Oris × Bamford “Mission Control” ProPilot Altimeter Review
If you thought your pilot’s watch was cool, wait till you meet this beast: the Oris × Bamford Watch Department (BWD) Limited Edition “Mission Control” ProPilot Altimeter. A mouthful? Yes. Worth every word? Absolutely.
This is not just another altimeter watch. Oris teamed up with London’s design mischief-makers, BWD, to give their already impressive ProPilot Altimeter a colourful, space-travel flavour — think less “cockpit” and more “rocketship with style”.
What Makes It Special
Collaboration: Oris × Bamford Watch Department (BWD). The “Mission Control” theme comes through bold design tweaks and that signature Bamford flair.
Limited Edition: Only 250 pieces will be made. So if you fancy owning one, you’ll want to move fast.
Credit - Oris
Credit - Oris
Key Specs (Geared Up)
Here are the nitty-gritty:
Specification Details
Reference Number: 01-793-7775-8724-Set
Case Size: 47.00 mm — very much “this is a statement,” heavy on presence.
Case Material: Multi-piece carbon fibre + titanium, grey PVD plated. That combo gives you strength, lighter weight than pure steel, and a stealthy high-tech look.
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, with anti-reflective coating on the interior. No glare-fest, even when staring into the sun or a bright runway-heading lamp.
Water Resistance: 10 bar (~100 metres). Not diving-watch levels, but more than enough for rain, splash, maybe a dip (though the altimeter might prefer to stay dry).
Interhorn Width: 23 mm (width between the lugs where the strap attaches).
Movement: Calibre 793-1, automatic winding. Includes central hands for hours, minutes, seconds; date window; instantaneous date, date corrector; fine timing device and stop-second.
Power Reserve: 56 hours — solid. You can leave it off the wrist over a weekend and still have it ticking Monday morning.
Frequency / Vibrations: 28,800 A/h (4 Hz) — smooth enough sweep on the seconds hand.
Dial: Black — likely chosen to let the altimeter markings and colourful BWD accents pop.
Strap: Textile — complements the rugged-space-mission aesthetic.
Extras: Comes in a special box. Limited edition of 250 pieces. Warranty 2 years (Oris have “MyOris” program to extend to 3 years for this model).
What Is an Altimeter Watch? And Why This One Rocks
Typical watch functions? Telling time (obvs), maybe date. But altimeter? That’s measuring your altitude — so this is a watch that feels like an aircraft instrument.
The “Altimeter” name in the ProPilot line is not just marketing fluff. It actually measures air pressure and converts that into altitude. Oris is unique here: this is the automatic watch with built-in mechanical altimeter. oris.ch
That means you, intrepid adventurer (or weekend hiker, or city-dweller with lofty aspirations), get a nifty gadget on your wrist that responds to changes in altitude. Fancy, useful, functional.
Credit - Oris
Let’s Talk Design Flair
Because function without style is just another tool. BWD’s design adds that splash of “this is not your granddad’s pilot watch”:
The case materials (carbon fibre + titanium with grey PVD plating) give you rugged, stealthy, futuristic vibes. oris.ch
The black dial acts as stage-black canvas where all other indicators (pressure, altitude) and the BWD colours/accents will pop.
Big size (47 mm) means it sits large on the wrist — a strap-lover’s dream, or an “I dare you to ignore this watch” statement.
The textile strap keeps it casual and sporty, avoiding being mistaken for formal dress-watch territory. Perfect for adventure-ready wear, not a black-tie gala (unless you want to shock the room).
Pros & Possible Cons (Because Nothing’s Perfect Except This Maybe)
Pros:
Unique complication — there are very few (if any) mechanical automatic watches with real altimeters built-in. It sets this apart.
Design collaboration — BWD gives it extra personality beyond just raw mechanics.
Strong specs — solid power reserve, reliable movement, convincing build quality.
Limited edition rarity — if you like owning something that few others do, this leans into that nicely.
Cons / Things to consider:
Size — 47 mm is large. If your wrists are modest, this may feel bulky or heavy.
Water resistance limited — 10 bar is OK, but not a dive watch. If you plan to swim regularly, better check. Altimeter mechanism might demand dryness.
Price — GBP 6,100 is not small change. You’re paying for complication + limited edition + design collaboration. Worth it if those matter to you. oris.ch
Complexity — mechanical altimeter means more parts, more sensitivity to environment. Perhaps more maintenance if used often.
Credit - Oris
Who’s This Watch For?
The adventurer who wants function & style. Someone who goes up hills, maybe flies small aircraft, hikes in altitude.
The collector who loves limited editions and collaborations.
The watch-nerd or techie who appreciates mechanical ingenuity (altimeter + automatic movement is rare).
Someone with confidence in wrist presence, who doesn’t mind a large watch that gets noticed.
Verdict
If you like your timepieces with style, substance and a side of “wow, is that really an altimeter in a watch?”, then the Oris × BWD Mission Control ProPilot Altimeter is a trophy piece. It’s not for the faint-wristed or the minimalists, but for those who want their watch to do things — not just look good.
It hits a sweet spot between rugged tool watch and fashion-forward statement, and the limited edition factor just adds that dash of exclusivity. If ever you wanted a conversation piece strapped to your wrist, this is it.
