The Oris Big Crown Explained: Pointer Date, Movements and Sizes.

Posted by Sean Mani. on 24th Sep 2026

The Oris Big Crown Explained: Pointer Date, Movements and Sizes.

Oris Big Crown: A Swiss Watchmaking Icon Since 1938

The story of the Oris Big Crown began in 1938, when Oris created a practical watch for pilots. Its enlarged crown could be wound and adjusted while wearing leather flying gloves, while a dedicated central hand indicated the date around the perimeter of the dial. These functional decisions created an enduring design that remains central to the Oris collection.

Today’s Big Crown preserves those defining details while offering a remarkably broad choice of sizes, colours, materials and mechanical movements. The collection includes compact 29 mm models, refined 34 mm editions, versatile 38 and 40 mm Pointer Date watches, and technically ambitious 43 mm business-calendar references.

What Is the Oris Pointer Date?

Instead of placing the date inside a conventional window, the Oris Pointer Date uses a slender central hand to indicate the current date on a scale surrounding the dial. This allows the complete calendar to remain visible while giving the watch its distinctive vintage appearance.

The oversized crown, coin-edged or fluted bezel, curved crystal and pointer-date display make the Big Crown immediately recognizable. Depending on the reference, these elements are paired with textured, sunburst, bullseye or vividly coloured dials and a choice of leather straps or stainless-steel bracelets.

Choosing an Oris Big Crown Movement

Classic automatic Big Crown Pointer Date models provide accessible mechanical watchmaking with dependable everyday performance. These references preserve the historic central date display and are available in several case sizes, making it possible to choose proportions that suit the wrist rather than relying on a single standard diameter.

The Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403 adds an Oris-developed five-day automatic movement, enhanced anti-magnetic resistance and a small-seconds display at 6 o’clock. After free MyOris registration, Calibre 403 watches qualify for an extended 10-year international warranty.

For enthusiasts who enjoy winding and interacting with a mechanical watch, the Big Crown Calibre 473 combines the pointer-date display with a five-day hand-wound movement and a power-reserve indicator visible through the caseback. It also qualifies for a 10-year warranty following free MyOris registration.

At the top of the collection, the Big Crown Calibre 113 pairs a hand-wound movement with a remarkable 10-day power reserve and a complete business calendar displaying the day, date, month and week of the year.

Stainless Steel or Bronze

Stainless-steel Big Crown watches provide a timeless and versatile appearance suitable for daily, professional and occasion wear. Bronze references offer a warmer and more individual character. Because bronze reacts naturally with its environment, each case develops a distinctive patina that becomes personal to its owner.

Shop Oris Big Crown Watches in Canada

Mani Jewellers is an authorized Oris dealer in Toronto, offering genuine Oris watches with manufacturer-backed international warranty coverage and expert guidance. Visit our Royal Bank Plaza location at 200 Bay Street in Toronto’s PATH, or shop online with free shipping across Canada.

Explore our complete selection of Oris watches or contact Mani Jewellers for assistance comparing Big Crown sizes, movements, straps and bracelets.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes the Oris Big Crown distinctive?

The collection is identified by its oversized crown, fluted bezel and central pointer-date display. These features originated with an Oris aviation watch introduced in 1938.

What does the pointer hand indicate?

The slender central hand points to the current date on a scale positioned around the outer edge of the dial. It replaces the conventional date window found on most watches.

Which Oris Big Crown size should I choose?

The collection includes case sizes ranging from approximately 29 to 43 mm. The 29 and 34 mm models offer compact proportions, 38 and 40 mm models provide a versatile traditional fit, and 43 mm Calibre 113 watches create a stronger wrist presence.

Are all Oris Big Crown watches automatic?

No. Many Big Crown Pointer Date models use automatic movements, including the high-performance Calibre 403. Calibre 473 and Calibre 113 models are hand-wound, allowing their owners to interact directly with the mechanical movement.

How long is the Oris Big Crown warranty?

Warranty coverage depends on the movement. Standard Big Crown models generally qualify for a three-year international warranty with free MyOris registration. Selected in-house movements, including Calibre 403 and Calibre 473, qualify for a 10-year international warranty after registration. The applicable coverage is stated on each product page.

Is Mani Jewellers an authorized Oris dealer?

Yes. Mani Jewellers is an authorized Oris retailer in Toronto. Every new Oris watch includes authentic packaging, applicable manufacturer warranty coverage and support from our experienced team.

Oris Authorized Dealer | 3- to 10-Year International Warranty with Free MyOris Registration, Depending on Model | Free Shipping Across Canada