Oris Divers Sixty-Five × Momotaro

Filling out another niche in the Sixty-Five collection from Oris is a collaboration with an independent jeans manufacturer, Momotaro, based in Japan. The strap takes an off-cut of indigo denim with two white “battle stripes” on the buckle end of the strap.

The twin stripes are a motif of Momotaro in their collection of high-end denim jeans and jackets made using vintage looms. While it wouldn’t vibe with the majority of my wardrobe, this strap would be the perfect complement to a street or sports outfit. As interesting as the strap is, however, it is that gorgeous dial color that steals the limelight.

Oris × Momotaro

This might just be my favorite dial design of the Divers Sixty-Five so far. The gradient mint-green dial is icy cool. It reminds me of the Oris Aquis 39.5mm with a similar color that comes in a more modern package. But, as the name suggests, the Sixty-Five is deeply rooted in the past. Yet the enthusiasm for the collection has not subsided since the Sixty-Five was re-introduced in 2015.

I hopped on board when I bought the 40mm exploded numerals Sixty-Five soon after it was unveiled. Interestingly, it’s the more heritage-inspired dials with dot and shield markers that have become the core of the collection. I suppose the simplified layout paves the way for a variety of combinations and limited editions.

One thing they all have in common is the omission of the date window that typically resides at the 6 o’clock position.

We’ve seen many partnership editions with the base 40mm Oris Sixty-Five with the bronze outer bezel. RedBar Crew launched a 100-piece limited edition ox-blood dial for its global members. The Rake & Revolution “Honey” followed this with a burnt-orange dial. Now in the mix is this new Momotaro. One thing they all have in common is the omission of the date window that typically resides at the 6 o’clock position. I tend to use the date reasonably often in my watches and have never had too much issue with the window on the Sixty-Five. But, replacing the window with a rectangular marker does provide a cleaner look and signals that this model is something special.

The Bronze Age

Other than the denim strap, green dial, and the lack of a date window, this is a Divers Sixty-five through and through. With that, you get a relatively slim “skin-diver” profile that’s good for water excursions up to 100 meters. Powering the piece is the Sellita SW200-1, with a power reserve of 38 hours. With the Oris Pro-Pilot X boasting a power reserve of 10 days, I would like to see the 65 at least get a bump to 60 or 70 hours per full wind.

If you can see yourself owning this watch, I’d recommend you seek out the matching two-tone steel and bronze bracelet for a bit of variety. The riveted bracelet was announced last year and will develop a patina that reflects the lifestyle of the owner. But with a lug width of 20mm, the world is your oyster with plenty of strap options. Making the Oris Divers Sixty-Five a bit of a Strap Monster.

I do like how this watch comes together, but I am now wondering, after five years, if the Divers Sixty-Five is due for a refresh. Not to change the fantastic design but to subtlety update the components. I’d love to see the bezels liven up with more color and harden up by using ceramic instead of aluminum. The crown could also do with a bit more refinement by smoothing the edges. For now, enjoy the Oris x Momotaro Divers Sixty-Five available for CHF 2,100.

The watch is being made available via Oris’s new E-Shop today and later through retailers. Delivered within a unique denim travel pouch, E-Shop purchases will also come with an original Momotaro Jeans Bag. Be sure to check out more about Oris on the Fratello site here.

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