Oris has recently announced plans to update the racing-inspired RAID collection with two new watches. Besides a rather standard chronograph, the refreshed range will also include the new self-winding Oris RAID 2011 Alarm Edition (Ref. 908 7607 4094).
Somewhat disappointingly, in its official press release, the Swiss company failed to provide us with adequate info regarding the new timekeeper.
For example, it is not clear, how big it is going to be.
Judging by the pictures that we have seen so far (the face, as well as the pair of setting crowns, seem to be drawn in a vector graphics editor and then simply photoshopped into a photo of a real watch,) the new Oris RAID 2011 Alarm Edition will sport the same 43.50 mm stainless steel case of the chronograph version.
Well, I will update the post when more information regarding this timepiece becomes available*.
The dial (from typeface chosen for the Arabic numerals to the black and white color scheme) uses the dashboard of the legendary 1953 Austin Healey 100M vintage sports car that won the 2010 RAID race as a primary source of inspiration.
As usual, there is a red-tipped secondary hour hand that sets the mechanical alarm module. According to Oris, the automatic movement that powers the watch features a unique sound spring that was developed by the Swiss watchmaking brand.
The alarm is operated with one of the setting crowns that are located at 2 and 4 o’clock.
Although a lot of guys on different forums lament the date window that ate a great chunk of the “6” numeral, I don’t think that this is a design fail. In fact, from where I stand, the black calendar window with bright red numerals perfectly balances the brand’s logo at 12 o’clock and forms a nice visual “chord” with the red tips on the secondary hour hand and on the central seconds hand.
The only significant problem with this watch is its outrageously high price. Limited to just 50 units and presented in a nicely executed wooden box, the watch boasts a price tag of CHF 7800 (almost $8900 or €6400 at the current exchange rate.) Now, that hurts.
See also: Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days Rattrapante PAM 319
* THE PROMISED UPDATE: First of all, the watch will arrive in a more compact case than I have speculated earlier. Although its official size of 42.50 mm in diameter is still mildly oversized for what is essentially a dress watch, it is still bearable by today’s standards with customers often preferring larger, more imposing timekeepers to their earlier, smaller versions.
The watch will cost almost $9,000 USD, yet the heavy price tag is more or less justified by the mechanism that is ticking inside its stainless steel case. The Caliber Oris 908 is based on the gorgeous LJP 5900 produced by the Swiss complications specialist La Joux-Perret.
Being basically a clone of the Caliber AS 5008 from the 1970s, it features a hybrid winding mechanism with the oscillating weight providing energy not only for the mainspring but also for the alarm module so that you can always be sure that the mechanical alarm will actually work when needed.
All things considered, I would say that the price is actually not that high as I inferred in the original version of this brief review.
Photos: Oris
Oris RAID 2011 Alarm Edition specification
Price: CHF 7800
Movement: Automatic, Oris 908, based on La Joux-Perret caliber LJP 5800, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 31
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Branded oscillating weight with Oris logo, blued screw heads, circular graining
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, alarm
Power reserve: 45 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 42.50 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Dial: Black and white
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black leather strap
Crystal: Sapphire, double curved, anti-reflective on the inside
Back: Solid, with RAID Suisse-Paris logo