2manywatches
Tyme Machine
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2019
- Messages
- 2,749
Hi all --
Just looking for any feedback on either of these specific models, or even just experience with either brand, from a comparative perspective? I have never bought either and don't have any local AD's to go handle these.
I have a ton of divers, but looking for a bit of a slightly upscale blue dial diver, and narrowed it down to the older model HydroConquest 44mm, with the 64 hour PR, and the 45.5mm Oris Aquis Big Day Date. Not ready to jump to an Omega yet, and Tag, hmmm, can't seem to fall in love with any of them.
I've long considered Oris, but it has always seemed a lot to pay for a basic Sellita movement, although I have read many very positive reviews about the casing, the bracelet, and the overall quality of the build. I really like the larger size of this model, ceramic bezel, the 500m WR is a nice touch, and have read that the lume is superior to Longines (which has been described as somewhat disappointingly minimal).
Proprietary bracelet not a deal breaker, but not fantastic, due to no other bracelet options. I am a huge fan of day and date, so that's a plus, for me, and I think the dial design is quite pleasing.
It's not an exhibition caseback, so I wouldn't yet have an Oris red rotor to show off, but, at the same time, as I mentioned, feedback I've read (supposedly right from Oris) claims this as basically the only modification of a very basic movement, swapping in the red rotor (that I wouldn't even see in this case, haha) and it is otherwise a movement I could find in a lot of much lower priced watches, so....not buying it for the movement apparently, although it is a reliable workhorse, as I understand it, so, from that perspective, a bit like picking up anything with an ETA 2824, or even an NH35 variant although, again, those don't tend to be as pricey (depending on the buy, of course).
I do like the 28,800 bph, and the 38 hour PR is acceptable, although not at all remarkable. My autos live in winders when not on the wrist, so not a big deal, but, again, just some puzzlement in my mind about the much higher price tag for a fairly inexpensive movement. Perhaps the other attributes of the brand are extremely exceptional?
On the other hand, or on the other wrist maybe is better to say, is consideration of what I understand to be a pretty legendary and well respected model, the HydroConquest from Longines. Can be found for quite a bit less money than the Oris, still a ceramic bezel on this model, 300m WR and an ETA modded, as I understand it, to provide a longer 64 hours of PR, but dropping the bph down a bit to 25,200 to achieve that. Not like dropping to a 21,600, but, even so, a tad less smooth, although maybe not very noticeable? Haven't seen one in action.
Have read that, though a very well established brand, some buyers are not so impressed with them as a Swatch Group offering, some concerns about bracelet quality, clasp operation, and apparently quite poor lume, and just, in general, fit and finish that does not impress? Have also read that it is considered to be one of the best options as an entry level "nicer" dive watch, so, a mix of opinions, as usual.
Not sure I can embrace the styling. Crown guards look fairly extreme, and the hands, hmmm, not sure if they are growing on me or creeping me out, lol, but certainly distinct on that hour hand and the red tipped arrow second hand is appealing. Kind of looking at the individual elements isn't thrilling, but, all together, at least in pics, it seems to come together as a handsome piece.
I like the large numeral indices, but the rest of the dial seems kinda busy and the bezel has a lot going on as well. And, somewhat lame lume sounds disappointing. Even so it's been reviewed as a "best" diver in its class, so to speak, in several reviews, so that's intriguing.
Of what I can find, Oris fans say it's an easy Oris win, but other articles lean more toward the heritage of the Longines, so, almost like it comes down to buying for brand in the case of Longines, versus buying for the attributes of the watch itself (if being a "watch person") in the Oris. I just struggle a bit with justification for spending quite a bit more on the Oris. Will it really "wow" me?
Was just wondering if anyone has comparative experience with either of these models, or Oris models vs Longines models in general? I know of course that any point of view is subjective, but any thoughts or feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks, fellow WiTs!
Just looking for any feedback on either of these specific models, or even just experience with either brand, from a comparative perspective? I have never bought either and don't have any local AD's to go handle these.
I have a ton of divers, but looking for a bit of a slightly upscale blue dial diver, and narrowed it down to the older model HydroConquest 44mm, with the 64 hour PR, and the 45.5mm Oris Aquis Big Day Date. Not ready to jump to an Omega yet, and Tag, hmmm, can't seem to fall in love with any of them.
I've long considered Oris, but it has always seemed a lot to pay for a basic Sellita movement, although I have read many very positive reviews about the casing, the bracelet, and the overall quality of the build. I really like the larger size of this model, ceramic bezel, the 500m WR is a nice touch, and have read that the lume is superior to Longines (which has been described as somewhat disappointingly minimal).
Proprietary bracelet not a deal breaker, but not fantastic, due to no other bracelet options. I am a huge fan of day and date, so that's a plus, for me, and I think the dial design is quite pleasing.
It's not an exhibition caseback, so I wouldn't yet have an Oris red rotor to show off, but, at the same time, as I mentioned, feedback I've read (supposedly right from Oris) claims this as basically the only modification of a very basic movement, swapping in the red rotor (that I wouldn't even see in this case, haha) and it is otherwise a movement I could find in a lot of much lower priced watches, so....not buying it for the movement apparently, although it is a reliable workhorse, as I understand it, so, from that perspective, a bit like picking up anything with an ETA 2824, or even an NH35 variant although, again, those don't tend to be as pricey (depending on the buy, of course).
I do like the 28,800 bph, and the 38 hour PR is acceptable, although not at all remarkable. My autos live in winders when not on the wrist, so not a big deal, but, again, just some puzzlement in my mind about the much higher price tag for a fairly inexpensive movement. Perhaps the other attributes of the brand are extremely exceptional?
On the other hand, or on the other wrist maybe is better to say, is consideration of what I understand to be a pretty legendary and well respected model, the HydroConquest from Longines. Can be found for quite a bit less money than the Oris, still a ceramic bezel on this model, 300m WR and an ETA modded, as I understand it, to provide a longer 64 hours of PR, but dropping the bph down a bit to 25,200 to achieve that. Not like dropping to a 21,600, but, even so, a tad less smooth, although maybe not very noticeable? Haven't seen one in action.
Have read that, though a very well established brand, some buyers are not so impressed with them as a Swatch Group offering, some concerns about bracelet quality, clasp operation, and apparently quite poor lume, and just, in general, fit and finish that does not impress? Have also read that it is considered to be one of the best options as an entry level "nicer" dive watch, so, a mix of opinions, as usual.
Not sure I can embrace the styling. Crown guards look fairly extreme, and the hands, hmmm, not sure if they are growing on me or creeping me out, lol, but certainly distinct on that hour hand and the red tipped arrow second hand is appealing. Kind of looking at the individual elements isn't thrilling, but, all together, at least in pics, it seems to come together as a handsome piece.
I like the large numeral indices, but the rest of the dial seems kinda busy and the bezel has a lot going on as well. And, somewhat lame lume sounds disappointing. Even so it's been reviewed as a "best" diver in its class, so to speak, in several reviews, so that's intriguing.
Of what I can find, Oris fans say it's an easy Oris win, but other articles lean more toward the heritage of the Longines, so, almost like it comes down to buying for brand in the case of Longines, versus buying for the attributes of the watch itself (if being a "watch person") in the Oris. I just struggle a bit with justification for spending quite a bit more on the Oris. Will it really "wow" me?
Was just wondering if anyone has comparative experience with either of these models, or Oris models vs Longines models in general? I know of course that any point of view is subjective, but any thoughts or feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks, fellow WiTs!