Revealed at the end of January 2009, this limited-edition Oris Rectangular Bob Dylan (ref. 01 733 7618 4084-Set) is not an all-new model but is simply a slightly refreshed version of the Rectangular Date collection introduced in 2008. However, with its 37.80 mm x 39.00 mm rectangular case, the timepiece is considerably larger and, for some reason, is powered by a different movement.
While the original Oris Rectangular Date model features an Oris 561 caliber, which is a slightly tweaked ETA 2671 automatic movement that first debuted in 1971 (hell, it’s older than I am) and since then powering almost any “affordable” watch made by Swiss-based watchmakers for ladies, the Rectangular Bob Dylan edition sports the caliber Oris 733. This is a slightly more modern ETA 2824-2 caliber that we’ve already seen in millions of other timekeepers issued during recent decades.
The new (well, technically it’s not “new”, it’s just different) movement is not only 0.2mm thinner but is also more technically advanced offering better shock protection, more efficient automatic winding, and higher accuracy.
It also is a bit better at keeping time over longer periods although I am not sure how thorough Oris is when it comes to an initial quality survey of the incoming blank movement and fine-tuning them for higher standards that you have a right to expect from watches in over-$2000 category (this particular specimen will be available at MSRP of $2250, which is actually not that high if you take into account that Oris has limited the total production run to just 3000 numbered pieces and, judging by the level of respect the late Mr. Dylan enjoyed among baby boomers, I think it would be safe to presume the watch will sell-out fairly quick; not in a matter of hours, but quick.)
From the visual point of view, the Bob Dylan edition looks much better than the original Rectangular which looked too decadent to my taste.
This one features a lot more elegant and discreet matte-black dial with a Sun-like pattern and even more appealing dauphine-style hour and minute hands with thin patches of naturally colored Superluminova fluorescent substance.
The familiar (to faithful fans) Dylan’s facsimile is printed in white color and placed between the dial’s center of gravity and a rather small calendar window at 6 o’clock. The facsimile is here not only for decorative purposes: it also does a good job counterweighing the large “Oris” logo, which is placed at 12 o’clock.
All things considered, this is a nice dressy even though it is, um, inspired by the “Vintage” collection sold by Girard-Perregaux.
See also: Oris BC4 Flight Timer: ready for take-off?
Photos: Oris
Oris Rectangular Bob Dylan Limited Edition (ref. 01 733 7618 4084-Set) specification
Price range: $2250 (MSRP)
Movement: Oris 733, base caliber ETA 2824-2, automatic, Swiss Made
Complications: Date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Stainless steel, multipiece, solid engraved case-back with sapphire crystal cut-out over the balance wheel
Dimensions: 37.80 mm x 39.00 mm
Height: 11.60 mm
Lugs: 28 mm
Dial: Black
Water resistance: 3 bar (30 meters)
Strap: Black leather with a steel folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective