In an industry that often leans on aesthetics or complications for their own sake, the Oris Big Crown Calibre 113 stands out. It’s a timepiece designed to serve actual needs, blending a business-oriented calendar with the unmistakable charm of Oris’s most enduring line.
Oris and the Spirit of Independence
Founded in 1904, Oris has always positioned itself as a Swiss watchmaker with mechanical integrity, producing only mechanical watches at a time when quartz nearly swallowed the industry whole. The Big Crown collection, born in 1938, is one of the brand’s strongest pillars: pilot’s watches with oversized crowns that embody functionality first. With the Calibre 113, Oris builds on this legacy, adding a complication rarely found in traditional Swiss watchmaking yet undeniably useful for modern professionals.
Inside the Big Crown Calibre 113
The watch is housed in a 43 mm stainless steel case with brushed and polished surfaces, water-resistant to 50 meters. Its dial displays more than just the essentials: small seconds, day, date, week, and month all arranged harmoniously. At its heart is the Calibre 113, a hand-wound manufacture movement developed entirely in-house. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offering a remarkable 10-day power reserve thanks to a single barrel, it features a patented non-linear power reserve indicator that allows the wearer to read remaining energy at a glance. What sets the Calibre 113 apart is its role as a “business calendar”, bringing together functions that go far beyond conventional date or annual calendars.
A Watch for the Professional Lifestyle
On the wrist, the Big Crown Calibre 113 doesn’t scream for attention, but it has a confident presence. The layout is busy yet legible, with each function clearly demarcated. This is a watch for those who appreciate utility woven into Swiss craftsmanship—executives, entrepreneurs, or frequent travelers who value knowing not just the day but the week of the year. Its large crown and domed sapphire crystal nod to Oris’s aviation roots, while the strap options, from leather to stainless steel, allow it to transition from boardroom to weekend. It’s a serious tool, but one delivered with elegance.
Conclusion: Oris at Its Best
The Oris Big Crown Calibre 113 proves that complications can be both useful and beautifully executed. It showcases Oris’s ability to think differently without straying from its DNA of accessible, robust watchmaking. Priced around $5,900 USD, it is available now through Oris boutiques and authorized retailers. And if you are an Oris fan, check out their latest Aquis Date New York Harbor Limited Edition II and Hölstein Edition 2025.
