You don’t have to be a Michael Schumacher (I truly hope that this man of legend gets well soon) to get your own limited-edition timepiece. Darryl O’Young, a 33-year-old racer from Hong Kong who is still to prove that he is worth the car that he drives in the World Touring Car Championship, has recently had his name put on the new Oris TT3 Darryl O’Young Limited Edition Automatic Chronograph (Ref. 774 7611 7784 Set). Based on their current TT3 model in a titanium body, it is both sporty and elegant: a rare combination that an average usually chronograph usually fails to achieve.
For this version, the Swiss watchmaker treated the 44.50 mm lightweight titanium body with a DLC coating that significantly reduces the chances of you accidentally putting a scratch on a soft metal surface. The black ceramic bezel of the timekeeper was, too, a little refinished with the minute track on its inner flange featuring a single “55” numeral standing for this BMW’s racing number.
Although you will need to try it on your own wrist first to get the feeling of whether it will actually fit, from the visual perspective the device looks smaller than it is. Kudos goes to its unusual profile that makes it a kind of hybrid between a more common circular and cushion-shaped case. The visual effect is such that the timepiece looks even more lightweight and also surprisingly compact. Of course, some may not like it, but the way this oversized thing looks actually speaks to me.
Another nice thing about the body is its water resistance rating. According to official specs (see below), it is good for 10 ATM (100 meters), which makes it suitable for all the daily chores (if you are ready to subject this luxury item to the usual abuse of detergents and other chemicals), as well as taking a shower or even swimming. Just don’t skin-dive wearing it.
On the dial, you see a new set of Arabic numerals whose plainness was partly compensated by the bright red “10” that signifies O’Young’s 10th race on his home track.
The usual patch of checkered carbon fiber that decorates other members of the family was replaced with a solid color of a very dark shade of grey. Some may not like the change much, but yours truly actually feels that the new dial actually fits this timekeeper a lot better making the dial more legible. Also, a carbon fiber part on a racing-inspired watch looks a little bit too obvious these days, doesn’t it?
As for the engine that powers this beast, it is the usual Oris caliber 774, which is based on the relatively new Sellita SW500 blank movement (Oris also used its slightly modified version on their last year’s Calobra Limited Edition (Ref. 774 7661 4484) model that featured a linear subsidiary seconds indicator). As usual, the mechanism features its signature red oscillating weight although you will only see a small part of it since the crystal on the timekeeper’s back features a black pattern that reminds you of BMW’s signature multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.
The watch will be issued in a total run of just 500 numbered pieces. Pricing is still unknown, but I expect something around $4500.*
*UPDATE ON PRICE: Well, I wasn’t too far off guesstimating the sticker price of this thing. At this point in time, Oris recommends its dealers sell this beautiful model for as low as $3800. For a piece that looks so nice and different from thousands of “homages” and “re-issues”, the cost is not that high. Also, I have found a number of online retailers that sell this version of TT3 Darryl O’Young at just a hair over $3000, which makes it even more tempting.
See also: Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster Captain Poindexter
Photos: Oris
WWR verdict
Originality 3.5/5
Build quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Legibility: 5/5
Oris TT3 Darryl O’Young Chronograph 774 7611 7784 Set specification
Price: $3800 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Oris caliber 774 (base Sellita SW 500), Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 26
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Movement decoration: Red Oris oscillating weight
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Case and Crown: Titanium, black DLC
Bezel: Ceramic, black
Shape: Round
Size: 44.50 mm
Dial: Dark grey
Numerals: Arabic, luminous
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous, black
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Black rubber with integrated black flexible lugs and diamond-like carbon PVD-coated folding safety clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective, domed
Back: Transparent, painted