Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date Blue
About This Watch
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date Blue adds both a striking color dimension and an enhanced complication to the ProPilot formula. The oversized date display uses two co-planar discs to create a date window significantly larger than a standard date aperture, providing instant legibility that aligns perfectly with the pilot watch ethos of at-a-glance information. The sunburst blue dial brings a contemporary dress-sport versatility to what is fundamentally an instrument watch, allowing this ProPilot to transition seamlessly from flight deck to dinner table. The blue colorway has proven enormously popular across the watch industry, and Oris's particular shade — a medium blue with pronounced sunburst finishing — is among the more attractive renditions at this price point. The Big Date mechanism adds technical interest without cluttering the dial, as the oversized date numerals integrate naturally with the large Arabic hour markers and bold hands that define the ProPilot aesthetic. On the stainless steel bracelet, the Big Date Blue feels like a more substantial proposition than its textile-strapped siblings, projecting a slightly more refined character that works well in professional settings. The bracelet features a combination of brushed and polished surfaces that catch light attractively without appearing overly dressy. At $1,850 on the bracelet, this ProPilot offers genuine Swiss pilot watch credentials with a complication and presentation that would cost considerably more from the likes of IWC or Breitling. The secondary market price of around $1,400 makes it one of the strongest value propositions in the pilot watch segment.
In-Depth Review
# Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date Blue
The aviation watch category has rarely been this democratized. Oris continues its legacy of building legitimate pilot's watches without the luxury brand markup, and the Big Crown ProPilot Big Date Blue demonstrates exactly why the Swiss manufacture has earned respect among serious collectors. At 41mm with a purposeful 11.8mm thickness, the watch carries authentic proportions derived from vintage military instruments rather than contemporary design trends. The blue dial strikes a balance between legibility and visual interest—a departure from the typical black, yet restrained enough for professional environments. The Big Date window, often dismissed as a gimmick by purists, serves a practical function for cockpit environments where quick time reference matters. Housing the reliable Sellita-based Oris 751 caliber with 38 hours of power reserve ensures consistent performance without obsessive daily winding.
This watch speaks to a specific collector: the pilot, whether professional or aspirational, who values substance over status symbols. It equally appeals to watch enthusiasts seeking legitimate tool watches with genuine heritage and documented engineering rather than lifestyle marketing. The 100-meter water resistance handles incidental water exposure without false pretense, while the fixed bezel and robust stainless steel construction suggest a tool meant for use rather than display.
In the entry-level pilot segment, the Big Crown ProPilot competes directly with brands like Sinn and Laco, both offering comparable movements and similar price positioning around $1,400 to $1,600. What distinguishes Oris is its manufacturing integration—the Oris 751 caliber, though Sellita-based, reflects genuine watchmaking commitment. Against this backdrop, the current market price of $1,400, well below the $1,850 MSRP, represents solid value for a Swiss pilot's instrument with documented prov
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Oris 751 (Sellita SW200-1) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 26 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 41.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 11.8mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, brushed |
| Dial Color | Blue |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Clasp | Folding clasp |
| Weight | 145g |
| Complications |