Oris has launched the Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition, marking six decades since the debut of its seminal dive watch in 1965. This release not only signifies a tribute but also an evolution, shifting from the original quirky aesthetics to embrace a cleaner, more contemporary design, reminiscent yet refined.

Contrary to the anticipations set by the recent Divers Date line, which seemed to edge out the vintage Divers Sixty-Five models, Oris surprises us. This special edition rekindles the essence of the 1965 classic, incorporating authentic vintage elements that pay homage to its first dive watch’s enduring charm. The 60th Anniversary model is a tasteful blend of old and new, featuring the iconic inverse-lumed numerals and a no-date dial, mirroring the 1965 original more faithfully than recent iterations.

Encased in a 40mm stainless steel body, the watch maintains a modest profile with a 12.8mm thickness and 46mm lug-to-lug distance. It boasts a 100-meter water resistance and a bidirectional rotating bezel with a stylish aluminum insert, topped with a dome-shaped sapphire crystal for enhanced durability and legibility.

Behind the screw-in steel caseback, the Oris Caliber 733, based on Sellita mechanics, operates with precision. This manual-winding chronograph maintains the Oris tradition of robust and reliable timekeeping, enhanced by a 60-hour power reserve and a Master Chronometer certification, ensuring resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss.

Priced at $2500, the Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition is accessible for an anniversary model, reflecting Oris’s commitment to celebrating heritage without the premium often associated with vintage reissues. The timepiece is available with both a steel bracelet and a complementary leather strap, enhancing its versatility and appeal to both collectors and new enthusiasts alike.

This launch not only revisits the charm of its first dive watch but also signals a potential farewell to the Divers Sixty-Five series, making it a must-have for collectors and admirers of the brand’s storied history in dive watch innovation.

The market reception for the Oris Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition praise the choice of using Sellita movement over the problematic Calibre 400, although some disappointment over the absence of quick-release springbars. The decision to maintain the 40mm case size rather than opting for a more vintage-appropriate 38mm or even the original 36mm is divisive, but overall the right size for a modern diver. Oris fans appreciate the return of vintage design elements such as the block-shaped luminous cardinal indexes and the exclusion of a date window, which enhances the dial's symmetry. The price point is considered reasonable for an anniversary edition. Overall, the design receives nods for its aesthetic appeal and homage to the original; the functional aspects and pricing (like most of watch releases nowadays) evoke mixed feelings, highlighting a divide between purists and general collectors.

Explore the innovative world of Oris watches with their latest releases and classic designs. Discover the precision and tradition encapsulated in the Oris ProPilot X Calibre 115 Year of the Snake Limited Edition. Check out the unique and playful Oris ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition, which combines playful elegance with serious craftsmanship. Learn about the cutting-edge technology behind the Oris Pro Pilot X Caliber 400 Laser. For fans of vintage-inspired aesthetics, delve into the popular Oris Sixty-Five series, a perfect blend of retro style with modern performance.