Being an official timekeeper of RAID Suisse-Paris classic car rally (this year the race, which is reserved exclusively for cars that were built before the year 1975, will start on 22 August 2013) where dozens of oldtimers travel from Basel, Switzerland to Paris, France via Nancy and Reims, the Swiss watchmaker Oris introduces a new limited edition watch.
This new Oris RAID 2013 Chronograph Limited Edition (Ref. 01 775 7686 4084-Set) looks similar in styling to the RAID 2011 Alarm Edition introduced two years ago, but features a different set of functions.
Sporting the Oris 775 automatic movement, which is based on the Sellita SW500, it features the usual tri-compax chronograph layout with a small seconds indicator placed at 9 hours, a central chronograph second hand, as well as a 30-minute and a 12-hour totalizer placed at 12 and 6 o’clock respectively.
I must admit that the sandblasted dial looks impressive thanks to a well-chosen typeface for the Arabic numerals, as well as a wise combination of white, dark grey, and bright red accents.
As for legibility, the new member of the RAID family looks almost perfect with its matte black dial and high-contrast white Superluminova C1 compound covering the numerals, hour markers, and hour and minute hands. Still, I am not sure about the day of the week window.
Placed at 9 hours close to the geometric center of the dial, the DoW aperture looks almost like an afterthought. To my taste, it would look a lot better (and more usable) closer to the minute track.
Measuring 44 millimeters in diameter, the watch may be too large for some, but otherwise, I have no complaints about the size of this thing: it is a sporty chronograph, after all, not some dressy three-hander.
Like it’s almost always the case with Oris watches, this particular Oris RAID 2013 looks balanced with the crown and chronograph push-pieces being of just the right size to be easily operated and comfortable at the same time. The lugs may look a bit too long, though.
As usual, the watch will be offered with a “luxury” wooden presentation box. The total production will be limited to just 500 individually numbered pieces. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this model is set at $3950, but, given the high volume of the original run, I am fairly confident that soon you will be able to buy one online at a lot lower price. Just make sure that you choose a reputable store.
See also: Oris Challenge International de Tourisme 1932
Photos: Oris
WWR verdict:
Originality 4/5
Build quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Oris RAID 2013 Chronograph (Ref. 01 775 7686 4084-Set) specification
Price: $3950 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, caliber Oris 775, base Sellita SW500 Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 25
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 48 hours
Movement decoration: Red branded oscillating weight
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day of the week, chronograph
Case, Bezel & Crown material: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Case size: 44.00 mm
Dial: Black, sandblasted
Numerals: Arabic, luminous
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Black leather strap on a stainless steel folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective inside, domed on both sides
Back: Stainless steel, engraved