Hands-On With The New Oris Divers Sixty-Five Date 40mm In Green
The Divers Sixty-Five is something of a fan favorite among Oris aficionados. And why wouldn’t it be? It oozes the charm of a vintage dive watch, and it is well made and attractively priced in today’s competitive landscape. So when Oris announces new versions, I pay attention. And, as a former owner of a green-dial Divers Sixty-Five, a new green dial triggers me even more. That is precisely what we have here, so I had to go hands-on to see what’s what.
This is the new Oris Divers Sixty-Five Date 40mm in “forest green” with a Sellita caliber inside. Let’s have a closer look!
A familiar Divers Sixty-Five under the dial
Let me kick things off by clarifying that this is purely a new colorway for an existing model. The materials, dimensions, and specs all remain exactly as we know them. In case you are unfamiliar with it or just could use a refresher, this is the jist of it.
As the name implies, this model measures 40mm across. The watch measures 48mm from tip to tip and a hair under 13mm thick. That last number includes the box-type sapphire crystal, which provides tons of vintage charm as it distorts the dial underneath in a manner reminiscent of acrylic. The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, and the bezel has an old-school aluminum insert. The bracelet features another vintage style cue in the form of rivets. Now, before you go up in arms, these are actual, functional rivets, not just aesthetic embellishments. It is simply the old construction that is applied here.
This is the Sellita-based version of the Divers Sixty-Five. That means you get an automatic ébauche caliber with an autonomy of 41 hours, ticking away at a 4Hz (28,800vph) frequency. It provides the watch with a date indicator at 6 o’clock and a friendlier price tag compared to the Calibre 400 alternatives. The final spec I should mention is water resistance, which is rated at 100 meters. I know some people lament this as being sub-par for a diver. In reality, it is perfectly fine even if you plan to actually take it diving.
The new dial color of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Date 40mm
Okay, let’s move on to the new dial color. Admittedly, my first impression wasn’t very good. It sat next to the recently announced 38mm Calibre 400 model with its green dial. That one is more saturated, more vibrant, and has more blues in its makeup. This 40mm green watch looked a bit washed out and lackluster in comparison.
But, as is often the case with experiencing color, this was relative. I strapped this one on and walked away from its loud little brother, and it quickly grew on me. I did chuckle when I saw Oris call this “forest green.” If you follow my writing, you may know I have a design of my own that I call forest green, and it is a completely different hue. This dial looks more like light moss green to me. There is more yellow and olive in there. In the end, it doesn’t matter. However, I do appreciate it when brands try to describe colors accurately rather than slap a fancy marketing term on them.
The dial has a slight vignette, which is usually a big no-go for me, especially on tool watches. Luckily, Oris kept it pretty minimal. Still, it is a ubiquitous trend that I would be happy to see end soon. The narrow bezel insert is darker and more of an army green. It frames the dial nicely, drawing the attention inward toward the light heart of the dial.
Wearing the Divers Sixty-Five
Strapping the new Divers Sixty-Five on instantly brought me back to the days when I owned one of these. Mine had a dark green dial with a bronze bezel, which I still feel is one of the prettier versions. I have since sold it in a cleanup rage fueled by my fatigue for vintage reissues. However, the Divers Sixty-Five still has an inexplicable lure that draws me in. Did I make a mistake selling mine?
As a former vintage dealer, I have handled my share of ’60s dive watches. The Oris Divers Sixty-Five feels remarkably close to those. Oris has managed to make it not just look like one but feel like one too. If you have ever handled an original unworn ’60s riveted Oyster bracelet (I know, that is a bit of a stretch, but if you haven’t, please take your trusty reporter’s word for it), you will know how close Oris comes to it. The links are significantly thinner than most modern bracelets and quite curved. It is one of the most comfortable bracelets on the market in this style.
I find this to be an extremely wearable everyday sports watch. The vintage vibes make it more versatile if you ask me. I wouldn’t pair an Aquis with a formal jacket, but the Sixty-Five works perfectly. Add to this the wearing comfort, a result of the dimensions and bracelet, and you have a watch that could indeed be your only watch.
Closing thoughts on the latest Oris Divers Sixty-Five Date 40mm
The Divers Sixty-Five is still a fantastic watch for those looking for a vintage-inspired diver. It just feels like a quality product, and there is no denying that it is very pretty. To me, this is a watch that proves that a watch’s worth isn’t determined by its specs. You will find greater water resistance, COSC certification, and features like micro-adjustable clasps and quick-release bracelets on competing offerings. However, at the end of the day, you either fall for a watch, or you don’t. The value of these watches depends on the refinement of their execution, not the feature list.
The new green dial adds to the broad choice you already have when shopping for an Oris diver. It is always a matter of taste, but this color certainly amplifies the watch’s mid-century style.
This new Oris Diver’s Sixty-Five Date 40mm is priced at CHF 2,450 / €2,450. It is immediately available from Oris boutiques and authorized retailers.
What do you think of this new addition to the Divers lineup? Let us know in the comments section below!
