Complication watches. When one thinks of complication watches, the names Patek Philipe, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet and a few others comes to mind. The price of a Swiss made hand made complication watch from a top tier manufacturer is upwards of US$30,000. Even with a fairly large discount, these watches are, for many, prohibitively expensive. It does not mean that a collector on a more conservative budget cannot enjoy ownership of a fine complication watch.
Oris Big Crown Complication. The Oris Big Crown Complication displays that day, date and a second time zone in three subdials. In addition it has a moon phase indicator at the 12 o'clock position. The dial is surrounded by a 38mm wide fluted bezel. The watch is water resistant to 50 meters.
The movement is the self winding Oris 581 movement which is based on the ETA 2688/2671 movement. It produces 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), which produces a sweeping seconds hand movement. The movement can be view through mineral glass case back. The watch is available with leather straps or steel bracelet, and in all stainless or two-tone.
All in all, not bad for a watch with a list price of US$1,525* (for the two tone what which a leather strap). My only complaint is the crystal is plexiglass rather than sapphire crystal.
Oris Artelier Skeleton. Oris Artelier Skeleton, displays the movement of the watch behind its sapphire crystal glass in front and through the mineral crystal case back. The movement is a self winding Oris 734 movement which also produces 28,800 vph.
The watch has a 40mm case diameter and is water resistant to 30 meters. It is available either with a leather strap or steel bracelet. This watch has a list price of US$2,300* with the steel bracelet. Not a bad price for such an interesting watch.
One note though on skeleton watches. I borrowed one for a few days, and while it is a subjective thing, I find that it can occasionally be difficult to read the time in bright light. But, the inconvenience is worth of it for some, who will spend minutes or hours marveling at its gleaming innards.
*Prices from World Lux.
About Oris. Oris is a Swiss watch company founded by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian at Hölstein (Basel-Country) in 1904.
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