Hands-On With The Second-Generation Oris ProPilot Date

May 08, 2013

Oris introduced an update to the ProPilot Date last month. I wrote the introduction article based on the press materials, and now I am back, having had hands-on experience with the new models. So, the big question of the day is: does the refresh make the ProPilot better? Lets get into it!Well cover everything new and everything that stayed the same. By the end of it, I should be able to tell you if Oris successfully future-proofed its modern pilots watch.Updates to the Oris ProPilot DateThe Oris ProPilot Date has been around for about a decade in its turbine-inspired form. The original model came in several colors, of which the core model was matte black with stark white luminous numerals and hands. In a sense, it offered a modernized take on the pilots watches weve seen since the 1940s. The new versions dial down the legibility-first approach in favor of more stylish, fashionable textures and colors. You will find only tiny amounts of lume on them, in contrast to the originals.The original model came with Oris s caliber 751, while the new model houses caliber 733. Both, however, are basically Sellita SW200-1 movements, with no significant difference between them. You can expect the same performance and behavior in that department. The case and bracelet underwent a subtle redesign. The new case looks a little more intricate, although the eye still travels to the turbine bezel first and foremost. The bracelet still features a three-row design, this time with angled links for a more dynamic look. You get the cool Lift clasp from the ProPilot X with a 1.5mm toolless extension for hot days. While that offers some adjustability, it isnt quite a full toolless micro-adjustment mechanism. There is still no quick-release on the bracelet, although the suede straps include bayonet-operated quick-release pins.What is Oris striving for with these updates?So, the updates are primarily aesthetic. The Oris ProPilot Date looks more modern and less serious. It let its hair down, if you will. So, how should we interpret those changes? Is this Oris moving the ProPilot into more fashionable territory? In a way, yes. This contradicts the ProPilot moniker somewhat, but I am sure the decision is grounded in solid market research.My theory, however, is the following. Oris invested heavily in higher-end watches based on its proprietary caliber 400. This came with the expected price hikes. With the market under stress, I reckon Oris might miss some of its value-based, more affordable hits. Refreshing the ProPilot based on Sellita calibers without upping the price too much seems like an effort to regain some of that market in which Oris always excelled.Handling the Oris ProPilot DateThe above suggests that the updates would be measured, aesthetic, and, above all, not overly costly. After all, maintaining a price level in the face of inflation essentially boils down to lowering your margins.The above is all just theory and a hypothesis on my end. I do believe I see and feel this approach when handling the new $2,150 Oris ProPilot Date models, though. I see some details that I would expect to have been a little more refined. You can, for instance, see that the case and bracelet arent finished to the absolute highest standards available in this watch s price segment. Also, the way the end links integrate with the case looks a bit clumsy, contrasting what the press images showed. In fact, the product page on the Oris website displays different end links altogether.The dials, meanwhile, indeed look a lot more engaging and fashionable. However, their legibility has been compromised in the process. The low contrast between the colors used and the lack of more lume make these feel much less function-driven than before.Wearing the new Oris ProPilot DateIf you have read this far thinking I dislike the Oris ProPilot Date, you would be mistaken. Although I feel a slightly critical stance towards the changes is warranted, these are still appealing offerings. Oris shifts the ProPilot into slightly more fun, lighthearted territory. It makes sense, especially from a broader market perspective. You will find plenty of offerings from other brands for hardcore pilots tools, faithful recreations of historic pilots watches, or very high-end interpretations of the genre. Oris, meanwhile, shifts to a slightly airier niche that suits the brand well.I can only say that I thoroughly enjoyed wearing the Oris ProPilot Date models. The proportions work, and the dials look rather attractive and different from anything else. They arent the finest examples of matte textured dials, as you see in the macro photography, but they work nonetheless. I particularly like the warm gray version with its orange details. It feels fresh and modern while sacrificing the least legibility of the three.Some praise also goes to the clasp. It looks very cool, and operating the curved lip feels great. I like this original take on a folding clasp quite a lot. Sure, you sacrifice a full toolless micro-adjustment mechanism, but it is a sacrifice I would happily make. The small extension goes a long way in compensating anyway.Closing thoughtsSo, this all brings me back to the question I started with: is the new Oris ProPilot Date refreshed and better? The answer isnt straightforward. No, the second-gen Oris ProPilot Date isnt a better pilots watch. Yes, the second-gen Oris ProPilot Date is a more distinct and fun sports watch.Would I recommend it? Yes. I outlined several points of criticism, but that is also inherent to this segment. You pay enough to have high expectations but perhaps not enough to have all your wishes granted. I certainly applaud Oris for remaining faithful to its more entry-level clientele and for pushing the design into more daring territory.What do you think of the new Oris ProPilot Date? Let us know in the comments section below!Watch specifications Brand Oris Model ProPilot Date Dial Black, chalk gray, or moss green with grained texture, brushed applied Arabic numerals, orange accents, and sloped date windowCase Material Stainless steelCase Dimensions 41mm (diameter) 49mm (lug-to-lug) 11.7mm (thickness)Crystal Double-domed sapphire with antireflective coating on undersideCase Back Stainless steel and mineral glass, screw-in Movement Oris 733 (Sellita SW200-1): automatic with manual winding and hacking seconds, 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency, 41-hour power reserve, 26 jewelsWater Resistance 10 barStrap Stainless steel three-row bracelet or suede strap with folding claspFunctions Time (hours, minutes, seconds) and datePrice $2,150 (on bracelet) / $1,950 (on strap)Warranty Two years (extendable to three)