Oris Big Crown Pointer Date - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date was launched in 1938 in Hölstein as a pragmatic pilot’s watch: a large, glove-friendly crown, legible Arabic numerals, cathedral hands and a central hand that points to a peripheral date scale. It remains one of Oris’s pillars, reinterpreted for everyday use between city and outdoors, with vintage charm and modern dependability.

Aviation roots (1938) and the oversized crown

Born for pre-war civil and military aviation, the Big Crown features an oversized crown, luminous markers and an unambiguous dial. Quick crown handling mattered in the cockpit, hence the ergonomic choice that became a signature. The look softened over decades, but the utilitarian spirit stayed: restrained proportions, clean lines, and a balance of retro character and modern wrist comfort. The big crown isn’t a flourish—it’s functional heritage that explains the model’s longevity and instant recognition, even among non-specialists.

The “Pointer Date”: simple, readable and intuitive

The central date hand defines the model: a hand (often red-tipped or arrowed) sweeps a 1–31 scale around the dial. This frees visual space, keeps the dial harmonious and remains intuitive. You read the date at a glance without a cut-out window; the graphic rhythm feels natural, especially with Arabic numerals and cathedral hands. The Pointer Date is a “daily-use” complication: easy to forget until you need it, retaining the charm of an old-school horological gesture adapted to modern life.

Sizes, materials and comfort: 36–40 mm, steel/bronze, sapphire

The current family covers popular diameters (36, 38, 40 mm) in steel and, on some runs, in bronze, with domed AR-coated sapphire crystals and typical 50 m water resistance. Green, blue, oxblood, black or cream dials deepen the vintage vibe; leather straps, riveted-look steel bracelets and occasionally bronze bracelets complete the offer. Rounded flanks and a fluted bezel aid grip and readability in varied light. Comfort stems from a simple trio: controlled sizes, domed sapphire and short lugs that seat the watch well on most wrists while delivering warm light play without glare.

Movements: Oris 754 (SW200-1 base), Calibre 403 and 473

The Big Crown Pointer Date comes in “classic” versions powered by Oris 754 (Sellita SW200-1 base, automatic, ~38 h) and in elevated variants with Calibre 403 (automatic, 5 days, modern anti-shock/anti-magnetism) or Calibre 473 (hand-wound, 5 days, power-reserve on the back). Each serves straightforward use: steady accuracy, rational servicing, intact legibility. The shift to in-house 400/403/473 gave the model new depth: long autonomy, improved resistance and visible mechanical charm, while preserving accessibly priced references driven by Oris 754.

Timeline anchors and principal models (1938–2025)

(1938) Oris Big Crown Pointer Date:

The first generation for pilots: big crown for gloved handling, luminous Arabic numerals, cathedral hands, clear minute track and a central hand pointing to a peripheral date scale. The watch answered a need—quick setting, clear reading and instant day-of-month visibility. Steel (or period-appropriate alloy) case and a domed acrylic crystal shaped the silhouette now seen as iconic. This simple, robust brief laid the groundwork for a field-minded watch that evolved into an easy daily companion valued for its warmth and effortless handling, far from showy complications.

(1984) Oris Big Crown Pointer Date “mechanical revival”:

In the mid-1980s, Oris reaffirmed its mechanical path with modernized Big Crown pointer dates, helping revive traditional watchmaking after the quartz crisis. Cases became tidier, dials cleaner, and the pointer date stayed the differentiator. This era cemented Oris as accessible and authentic: useful, well-built watches with a readable, identifiable style. Exact references and production volumes varied by market (information not confirmed), but the momentum ultimately enabled today’s wider mix of sizes, colors and in-house movements.

(2018) Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary (Bronze, 40 mm):

An anniversary piece marking 80 years of the model: bronze case and bezel, deep green dial and leather strap. Living bronze patinates over time, reinforcing the authentic spirit. Automatic movement (Oris 754 base), domed sapphire, 50 m WR—everything reads as an everyday watch with vintage flair. This watch popularized the “bronze + green” pairing within the line, becoming an emblematic gateway for those who enjoy personal patina and a warm dial, while keeping the simplicity of a readable, easygoing pointer date.

(2019) Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 36 mm Bronze:

The 36 mm format brings a compact, very comfortable option, recognizable via the fluted bezel and luminous Arabic numerals. It suits slimmer wrists and anyone seeking measured presence. Oris 754 automatic inside, domed sapphire, 50 m WR and a broad palette of dials (green, blue, oxblood, black). Thirty-six millimeters reconcile vintage and modern: a historic silhouette with today’s practicality and evolving bronze patina that tells your story. The result: a daily piece that shifts from jeans to blazer with zero fuss.

(2022) Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 (38 mm):

A major step: Calibre 403 (the 400 family) adds five days of power, strong anti-magnetism and a modern architecture while retaining the pointer date. Often a 38 mm case, domed sapphire, 50 m WR, crisp finishing and a precise crown feel. The 403 elevates the Big Crown into a “modern classic”: the same warm face but stronger technical core and autonomy that forgives days off-wrist. Everything remains legible, discreet and coherent as a weekday watch with a strong visual identity.

(2023) Oris Big Crown Calibre 473 (hand-wound, 38 mm):

The hand-wound entry in the 400 family, with five-day reserve and a caseback power-reserve display. You keep the pointer date up front and the Big Crown codes (fluted bezel, Arabic numerals, cathedral hands). Calibre 473 restores a pleasurable ritual: winding becomes a small daily moment, paced by long autonomy. The 38 mm format wears flat and comfortable; the vintage soul remains, enriched by contemporary mechanics and refined finishing without losing the line’s easygoing nature.

(2024) Oris Big Crown Pointer Date new colors/finishing (38–40 mm):

Regular refreshes bring new dials (pastels, deeper hues) and revised bracelets (reworked steel links, textured leather) while preserving the technical base per version (754, 403 or 473). The aim is more personalization without changing handling. These updates keep an evergreen design engaging: you now pick the shade or material that fits your style best without losing frank legibility, domed-sapphire warmth and the reassuring big crown presence.

Buying guidance: sizes, materials, bracelets and movements

Start with the size that fits you: 36 mm for discreet comfort and true vintage spirit, 38 mm as the all-round sweet spot, 40 mm for more presence. Short lugs help the watch seat well, even on slim wrists. If possible, try all three; perception shifts with dial color and bracelet type. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Steel or bronze? Steel is versatile and quietly durable, easy to refinish and neutral with any outfit; bronze brings warm, unique patina that tells your story. If you like objects that evolve with you, bronze makes sense; otherwise steel will remain more consistent over time. Either way, domed sapphire and comfort-grade WR suit daily life. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Bracelets: leather, steel or (on some runs) bronze: leather boosts retro charm and softens with wear; steel delivers practicality and a more urban vibe; bronze (when available) harmonizes patina across case/bracelet. Check sizing and length: good adjustment transforms comfort and stability. For summer, treated leather or steel will be more forgiving. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Movements: classic (Oris 754) or in-house (403/473)? Oris 754 is reliable and budget-friendly—ideal for simple use. Calibres 403/473 add 5-day power, stronger magnetism resistance and extra character (manual-wind for 473). Choose between rational value and horological “plus” based on your wearing habits. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Color and readability: green, blue, black or cream are very versatile; oxblood or pastels add personality without hurting clarity thanks to Arabic numerals and cathedral hands. A simple rule: pick a dial that matches 70% of your wardrobe. Whatever you choose, the pointer date stays intuitive day to day. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Big Crown Pointer Date is a “live-with” watch: readable, dependable, warm and sufficiently customizable to follow varied routines. It suits anyone wanting an identifiable classic—pilot heritage with modern comfort—without technical showboating. To decide between sizes, materials and movements, try it on and weigh fit against your daily life. Beyond the spec sheet, nothing beats Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)