The 2009 Oris ProDiver Chronograph (ref. 01 674 7630 7154-Set) is one of those intimidatingly large beasts that are supposed to be more than a luxury accessory for a successful person. Offered in a huge 51 mm x 22 mm stainless steel body and boasting a water-resistance rating of whole 1000 meters (I frankly can’t imagine a scenario where a $4600 professional diving tool can be used to its full potential when it comes to its ability to withstand pressure,) it’s more than a mere diving tool; it’s more than a banal self-defense weapon: This new member of the ProDiver family is a personal statement!
Looking for the big one? Well, looks like the new ProDiver Chronograph 51mm may be just the right size for you.
The “professional” diving tool has a good chance to become a hit among diving enthusiasts that are tired of the omnipresent Rolex Submariners, the Sea-Dwellers, as well as the mildly overpriced Omega Seamaster desk divers.
Besides an impressive water resistance rating of 1000m, this new timepiece from Oris also features their patent-pending proprietary Rotation Safety System that effectively protects the scratch-proof ceramic bezel from being accidentally rotated thus putting its owner’s life in danger.
According to the company, to turn the bezel counterclockwise, you need to first lift its outer part. Almost like it is done in child-proof packaging, but in the opposite direction, I guess.
The titanium case also sports an automatic helium escape valve that prevents the sapphire crystal from popping out during fast decompression, watertight screw-in push-pieces, and a winding crown, and it comes with a spare rubber strap that you can easily put in place of the original titanium bracelet.
Its huge case, which is 51mm in diameter and whooping almost 21 millimeters thick, has enough interior space to provide room for a small nuclear fission reactor, not to mention the Oris Caliber 674 movement, which is based on the time-proven ETA Valjoux 7750 natural-born chronograph engine.
Of course, this is not the best watch to wear even if you prefer a Levi’s to a tuxedo, but its size will not be an issue if you plan to wear it with a diving suit. Frankly, I would probably want one even if it would be forever condemned to stay in the winding machine: like a beautiful woman, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and a Ferrari, a thing like that simply must enter your life at a certain point.
At $4650, the ProDiver 51mm is not too overpriced given the alloy its huge case is crafted from and the noble movement its caliber is based on.
See also: Eggshell-Colored Beauty: Jules Audemars Automatic Chronograph
Photos: Oris
Oris ProDiver 51mm Chronograph (ref. 01 674 7630 7154-Set) specification
Recommended Price: $4650
Movement: Oris Caliber 674 (base ETA Valjoux 7750,) automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Complications: Date, chronograph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Titanium
Size: 51.00 mm
Case height: 20.70 mm
Lugs: 30 mm
Dial: Black, with Oris trademark wave pattern
Water resistance: 1000 meters
Strap: Titanium bracelet or rubber strap
Crystal: Sapphire, domed, interior anti-reflective coating