The Big Crown Pointer Date is one of Oris's signature designs because it reaches back to 1938, when pilot watches needed large crowns that could be operated with gloves and highly legible dials. The red-tipped central date pointer is the charming bit: instead of cutting a date window into the dial, the watch keeps the old instrument-watch layout and lets a fourth hand read the outer calendar track.
This blue-on-brown configuration is interesting because it sits in a strong everyday lane: more character than a generic field watch, less precious than a luxury dress watch, and still mechanically straightforward with the Sellita-based Oris 754. The coin-edge bezel, domed crystal, cathedral-style hands, and pointer date make it immediately recognizable without turning the vintage cues into costume.
Retail: About $2,400 current retail for newer 40mm steel Big Crown Pointer Date models
Secondary: About $1,550-$2,300 for likely older leather reference listings; recent private-market examples around $1,350-$1,400
Under about $1,500 looks attractive for a clean full-set or very clean no-box example. Above about $1,800 should demand stronger condition, full set, or seller confidence.
- Case
- Stainless steel, 40mm
- Movement
- Oris Calibre 754 automatic, Sellita SW 200-1 base
- Power Reserve
- About 38 hours on the likely older reference
- Dial
- Blue/slate-blue with Arabic numerals and outer date track
- Crystal
- Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Water Resistance
- 5 bar / 50m
- Strap
- Brown leather
- Functions
- Hours, minutes, center seconds, central pointer date, quick date correction, hacking seconds
Confirm exact reference from the caseback, warranty card, or seller photos before buying.
Images: Jordan photo plus Ben Bridge product image
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- Verify exact reference, condition, box/papers, service history, and seller reputation before treating a price as real.