Oris Chronoris: owner reviews and feedback

The Oris Chronoris, launched in 1970, occupies a special place in the history of the Hölstein company because it was its first chronograph and simultaneously inaugurated its connection with motor racing. Its name directly contracts the words “chronograph” and “Oris”. The original watch adopts a tonneau case with broadly brushed surfaces, a black dial highlighted with orange and a highly unusual chronograph architecture: the central orange hand measures elapsed seconds while an internal rotating bezel allows minutes to be followed without using an additional counter. Its calibre 725 is manually wound.

After disappearing during the Quartz Crisis, Oris returns the Chronoris in 2005 as an automatic chronograph and subsequently develops several motor-racing-related variations. In 2017, the Chronoris Date radically simplifies the formula through three hands, a date and an internal timing bezel controlled by a second crown. Williams, Limited Edition and Movember editions subsequently complete a family recognisable by its characteristic 1970s case and coloured details.

Design & legibility: a genuine piece of the 1970s

The Chronoris is immediately recognisable through its tonneau or cushion case with virtually no conventional protruding lugs. Its broad upper surface generally receives radial or circular brushing that visually emphasises the shape of the case and strongly recalls motor-racing watches of the early 1970s. The dial combines black, several shades of grey, white and especially orange details intended both to improve legibility and evoke instruments in a competition car. The radially brushed tonneau case combined with orange indications forms the fundamental distinguishing feature of the Chronoris. On the original watch, the orange hand is directly connected with the chronograph. On the 2017 Chronoris Date, it becomes a permanent seconds hand and elapsed-time measurement relies only on the internal bezel. Modern chronograph versions once again use counters and tachymeter scales while retaining this characteristic palette. The result remains strongly distinctive without relying on an automotive logo or excessively literal retro decoration.

The internal bezel forms another essential part of the model’s identity, although its role changes between generations. On the 1970 watch, it complements the central chronograph by allowing elapsed minutes to be tracked. On the Chronoris Date, it becomes the only tool for timing an interval: the owner simply aligns its reference triangle with the minute hand before beginning an activity. A second crown positioned around 4 o’clock rotates it. This combination of internal bezel and second crown gives the Chronoris Date the appearance of an instrument more complex than a simple three-hand watch. It does not, however, replace a true chronograph where precise timing to the second is required. Current examples from this generation use Super-LumiNova on the hands and sections of the hour markers, providing sufficient glow for occasional reading in darkness but less luminous material than a genuine dive watch.

Case, bracelets and comfort: different proportions according to generation

The historical Chronoris measures approximately 38 mm and benefits from extremely short lugs, giving it restrained presence despite the large surface of its case. The 2005 automatic reissue moves to 40 mm, while certain subsequent chronographs reach 42.5 mm. The 2017 Chronoris Date returns to a 39 mm diameter, approximately 43 mm in length and around 12 to 13 mm thick depending on measuring method. The 39 mm format of the Chronoris Date is particularly well suited to the visually broad design of its tonneau case. A round watch with the same nominal diameter often appears smaller because its middle case occupies less wrist surface. Strongly domed sapphire with an internal anti-reflective coating follows the curves of the case and contributes to the vintage appearance. Chronoris Date watches are water-resistant to 100 metres, while the 2005 chronograph and certain older editions are rated to only 50 metres.

Oris has offered an especially broad variety of straps and bracelets. The multi-link steel bracelet of the Chronoris Date is directly inspired by articulated bracelets of the 1970s and fits the shape of the case particularly well. Brown or black leather, black rubber and NATO-style textile can alter its personality considerably. Chronographs are also offered on leather, rubber or steel depending on reference. The articulated steel bracelet is the choice that most faithfully extends the integrated appearance of the Chronoris case. It nevertheless adds more weight and presence than leather or textile. The 19 mm lug width of the Chronoris Date is slightly less common than 20 mm, somewhat limiting the choice of generic straps. The 2005 chronograph instead uses 20 mm. On a pre-owned watch, it can therefore be worthwhile prioritising an example supplied with its original steel bracelet, which is more difficult to replace separately than a simple leather strap.

Movement: from the manual 725 chronograph to automatic calibres 672, 673 and 733

The first Chronoris uses the manually wound calibre 725 with 17 jewels. Its operation is unusual because it powers a central hand for chronograph seconds without adding the counters that generally occupy a conventional chronograph dial. The internal bezel complements this indication for tracking minutes. The 2005 reissue adopts a very different approach with automatic Oris calibre 672 based on an ETA 7750 architecture, equipped with a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and date at 6 o’clock. More recent chronographs notably use calibre 673. The move from the manual 725 mechanism to automatic movements derived from the 7750 fundamentally changes the technical architecture of the Chronoris. The 672 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 48 hours of power reserve. Modern versions add automatic winding, hacking seconds and quick date correction at the cost of greater thickness than the original watch.

The Chronoris Date completely abandons the chronograph mechanism and adopts Oris 733, based on the Sellita SW200-1. This automatic movement has 26 jewels, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 38 hours of power reserve. It powers hours, minutes, central seconds and an instantaneous date, with manual winding and hacking seconds. Calibre 733 prioritises simplicity and ease of servicing rather than mechanical originality. The SW200-1 is widely used throughout the Swiss industry, facilitating access to parts and watchmakers familiar with servicing it. Its 38-hour reserve nevertheless appears short compared with contemporary movements frequently exceeding 60 hours. A Chronoris Date removed on Friday evening will generally have stopped before Monday morning. This mechanical simplicity does, however, help restrict the case to 39 mm and maintain a lower price than the Chronoris chronographs.

Chronological milestones and main models (1970–2025)

(1970) Oris Chronoris First Chronograph and Central Orange Hand:

The first Chronoris appears in 1970 and represents the first chronograph marketed by Oris. The Oris Chronoris reference not communicated uses an approximately 38 mm tonneau-shaped steel case whose broad upper surface receives characteristic radial brushing. Its black dial is animated by orange and white indications, with a central orange hand dedicated to the chronograph. Unlike a conventional chronograph, the watch has no minute or hour counter: an internal rotating bezel allows the owner to track elapsed minutes in combination with the hands. Two principal dial variations are documented, one with a tachymeter and an orange-and-white combination and another with a more restrained presentation. Its movement is the manually wound 17-jewel calibre 725. Power reserve, exact dimensions and water resistance according to modern standards are not communicated. This simple and highly graphic architecture nevertheless establishes the complete later identity of the Chronoris.

(2005) Oris Chronoris 35th Anniversary Return as an Automatic Chronograph:

For the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Chronoris, Oris revives the model with a modern interpretation visually close to the original. The Oris Chronoris 01 672 7564 4154-Set has a 40 mm multi-piece stainless-steel case, domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on its inner surface, a screwed caseback with mineral viewing window and water resistance to 50 metres. The black dial retains orange accents, but operation differs substantially from the 1970 watch. Automatic Oris calibre 672 provides a central quarter-second chronograph hand, a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and a date aperture at 6 o’clock. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 48 hours of reserve. The set is supplied with a leather strap, a second steel bracelet, the tool required to change them and a case that can serve as a collector’s travel box. This reissue marks the genuine contemporary return of the Chronoris.

(2009) Oris Chronoris Grand Prix ’70 Chronograph, GMT and 1,970-Piece Edition:

The Grand Prix ’70 considerably expands the concept by adding more functions and a much larger case. The Oris Chronoris Grand Prix ’70 01 677 7619 4154-Set uses a 42.5 mm steel case, domed anti-reflective sapphire, a screwed caseback with mineral window and water resistance to 50 metres. Automatic Oris calibre 677 provides central quarter-second chronograph indication, small seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour totalisers, date and a 24-hour hand associated with a second time zone. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 48 hours of power reserve. The black dial retains the competition vocabulary of the Chronoris, but the additional registers create a substantially more technical appearance than the 1970 watch. Production is limited to 1,970 pieces and the presentation box includes vintage-style leather driving gloves, explicitly strengthening the relationship with the world of motor racing.

(2017) Oris Chronoris Date Grey Compact Two-Crown Return:

The Chronoris Date represents an especially clever reinterpretation of the historical model because it preserves its appearance without reproducing its chronograph. The Oris Chronoris Date 01 733 7737 4053-07 8 19 01 has a 39 mm stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal domed on both sides with an internal anti-reflective coating, a screwed steel caseback and 100 metres of water resistance. Its dial combines several shades of grey with orange accents and an internal bezel controlled by the crown at 4 o’clock. This allows intervals of up to 60 minutes to be measured without a chronograph mechanism. Automatic Oris calibre 733 contains 26 jewels, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 38 hours of power reserve. The date appears at 3 o’clock. This particular reference is fitted with the articulated steel bracelet, although Oris also offers leather, rubber and textile. Its 39 mm proportions and short lugs make it considerably more versatile than the larger previous Chronoris chronographs.

(2017) Oris Chronoris Williams 40th Anniversary British Racing Colours:

During the same year, Oris celebrates forty years since Williams Racing’s first Grand Prix with a Chronoris considerably more directly focused on chronograph operation. The Oris Chronoris Williams 40th Anniversary 01 673 7739 4084-Set LS uses a 40 mm steel case, domed anti-reflective sapphire, a caseback engraved with the Williams logo and water resistance to 100 metres. Its black dial replaces the traditional orange accents with blue associated with the British racing team. Automatic Oris calibre 673, based on an ETA 7750 architecture, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides approximately 48 hours of reserve. The bicompax layout has a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and a 12-hour totaliser at 6 o’clock, together with central chronograph seconds and date at 3 o’clock. Limited to 1,000 pieces, the watch is delivered in a special case with an additional NATO strap and strap-changing accessories.

(2018) Oris Chronoris Limited Edition Return of the Orange Accents:

The 2018 Limited Edition uses the architecture of the Williams chronograph but visually brings it closer to the historical Chronoris. The Oris Chronoris Limited Edition 01 673 7739 4034-Set LS has a 40 mm multi-piece stainless-steel case, 19 mm lug width, domed sapphire and water resistance to 100 metres. Its black dial once again receives orange details on the central chronograph hand, hour markers and tachymeter scale. Automatic calibre 673 contains 25 jewels, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides 48 hours of power reserve. The 30-minute and 12-hour totalisers are vertically positioned at 12 and 6 o’clock, while the date appears at 3 o’clock. Only 200 examples are produced and the watch can be paired with brown leather, black rubber or a steel bracelet. A special case, certificate and additional NATO strap accompany the watch.

(2019) Oris Chronoris Movember Edition Black Dial and Warm Details:

The Movember Edition transfers the compact format of the Chronoris Date into a series supporting the international campaign dedicated to men’s health. The Oris Chronoris Movember Edition 01 733 7737 4034-Set LS retains a 39 mm steel case, 19 mm lug width, domed anti-reflective sapphire and 100 metres of water resistance. Its dial becomes black and adopts hour markers, hands and details in warmer tones, giving the watch a dressier appearance than the grey Chronoris Date. The internal bezel and second crown retain the simple timing function. Automatic calibre 733 provides 38 hours of reserve, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and powers hours, minutes, central seconds and date. The caseback receives a specific Movember engraving. This leather-strap reference is delivered in a special box with certificate and an additional NATO strap; a separate steel-bracelet variation is also documented.

Choosing the right version: historical chronograph, automatic reissue or Chronoris Date

The first choice is to determine whether the chronograph function is genuinely important. A historical Chronoris or one of the reissues produced between 2005 and 2018 has a true mechanism allowing a duration to be timed precisely. The 2017 Chronoris Date retains only an internal rotating bezel. The Chronoris Date is the best choice for someone prioritising the 1970s aesthetic rather than the chronograph complication. It is more compact, generally less expensive to service and visually much lighter than versions fitted with calibres 672, 673 or 677.

Diameter also needs to be considered together with case shape. The 39 mm Chronoris Date appears larger than the same diameter on a round watch with conventional lugs because the tonneau case occupies a large area of the wrist. The 40 mm chronographs remain balanced, while the 42.5 mm Grand Prix ’70 has substantially greater presence. The 39 mm case is the easiest format to wear while retaining the Chronoris design without excessive perceived mass. Smaller wrists will particularly benefit from trying the larger versions before purchase.

The mechanics directly influence servicing cost. Calibre 733 based on the Sellita SW200-1 is simple, common and extremely familiar to watchmakers. Chronograph movements derived from the 7750 are also robust but contain more components and require more work during a complete service. Calibre 733 is the most rational choice when mechanical simplicity and straightforward servicing are priorities. Its 38-hour power reserve nevertheless remains its principal practical weakness compared with current standards.

The steel bracelet deserves particular attention on the pre-owned market. Its articulated construction perfectly complements the case shape and it can be considerably more difficult or expensive to source separately than leather or textile. An example sold with the steel bracelet, additional links and original accessories therefore has genuine practical value. For a pre-owned Chronoris Date, a complete steel bracelet can justify choosing a slightly more expensive example. Leather, rubber or NATO straps can then easily be added to change the appearance.

Finally, the different water-resistance ratings should not be confused. The 2005 Chronoris and Grand Prix ’70 are rated to 50 metres, while Chronoris Date watches and chronographs from 2017–2019 generally reach 100 metres. None is intended as a dive watch. A recent water-resistance test remains advisable before significant exposure to water with an older or pre-owned Chronoris. Operation of the second crown and smooth rotation of the internal bezel should also be checked. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Oris Chronoris is aimed at enthusiasts attracted by motor racing, characteristic 1970s case shapes and a watch substantially less conventional than the company’s major round collections. The 1970 model provides the historical interest of Oris’s first chronograph and an especially original architecture combining central chronograph hand and internal bezel. The 2005 reissue offers a genuine automatic chronograph in a 40 mm format, while the Williams and Limited Edition models develop this sporting branch. The 39 mm Chronoris Date is simpler but also more versatile, with two crowns, 100 metres of water resistance and an easily serviced calibre 733. Grey, black and Movember versions finally provide a choice between graphic historical character, restraint and special-edition appeal.

To compare comfort, accuracy, internal-bezel operation and bracelet quality with extended real-world use, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated August 2026)