Hands On Review: Oris Divers Date, A Vintage Diver With Modern Specifications

In 2015, Oris introduced the Diver Sixty-Five, a watch that masterfully tapped into the vintage reinterpretation wave sweeping through the enthusiast community. By channeling the spirit of the brand’s original 1965 dive watch, it hit a nostalgic sweet spot while offering modern build quality, reliable movement tech, and a respectable 100 meters of water resistance. Now, nearly a decade later, the Divers Date picks up that baton and runs with it, tweaking the formula to cater to enthusiasts who’ve been clamoring for more robust specs and wrist-friendly dimensions.

But, as is often the case, no good deed goes uncriticized as some corners of the community balked at the new price point. So, is the backlash fair, or is this a case of the internet being its usual overactive self? Let’s dive in.

Dimensions and Wearing Comfort

The Divers Date finds its groove with a 39mm case diameter—nestled perfectly between the Diver Sixty-Five’s 38mm and 40mm options. On paper, it’s just a millimeter here or there, but on the wrist, it’s a game-changer. The case is 12.2mm thick, thanks to a flatter domed sapphire crystal, while the lug-to-lug remains compact at 46.5mm. This profile, combined with 200 meters of water resistance, makes the Divers Date feel as if it’s splitting the difference between vintage charm and modern utility.

What’s even more interesting is the subtle redesign of the case. Where the Diver Sixty-Five had vertical side walls, the Divers Date tapers ever so slightly toward the caseback. This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s one you feel every time you strap it on. The taper pushes the lugs to sit flatter against the wrist, improving wearability, especially for someone like me who tends to wear their watches a bit lower on the wrist than most.

The screw-down crown has also received a makeover with its slightly domed top holding engraved letters replacing the embossed ones. The asymmetrical case still features the familiar protrusion meeting the crown at three, though now is a bit more noticeable than before due to those sloping sides. It still does nothing to hinder visual appeal as this portion is really only visible when taking in the movement from the back.

The Bracelet and Strap Options

The updated steel bracelet feels more polished (literally and figuratively), with quick-release spring bars for effortless swapping. It tapers gracefully from 19mm at the lugs to 16mm at the milled clasp, which features five points of micro-adjustment. The riveted three-link design is a nod to its vintage lineage, but the refined finishing and robust construction feel distinctly modern.

For those who prefer a bit more flexibility, the included rubber Tropic-style strap is a welcome addition. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and equipped with quick-release spring bars as well. That said, folks with wrists larger than 7.6 inches might find the rubber strap a bit short—something to keep in mind if you’re eyeing this setup.

Dial and Bezel

Upgraded to a new sleek ceramic insert, the glossy finish elevates the watch’s overall aesthetic while improving durability and resistance to wear. The aggressive grooves on the bezel’s edge make it easier to grip, even with wet or gloved hands, and the tactile feedback is satisfyingly crisp, also feeling a bit more tactile than its SixtyFive siblings.

Underneath the domed sapphire crystal—less domed now—the dial is offered in three colors: classic black, blue, and a surprisingly versatile brown. The latter absorbs and reflects ambient colors in a way that feels dynamic and alive, shifting between gray and taupe depending on the lighting.

The layout is clean and legible, with bold markers at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock and a date window at 6. The polished indices and pencil-style hands, paired with Super-LumiNova, make for decent low-light visibility. Even the lollipop seconds hand feels like a thoughtful touch, adding a bit of familiar yet playful balance to the design.

Movement and Price

Turn the watch over, and you’ll find the familiar caliber Oris 733, based on the Sellita SW200-1. It’s a workhorse movement, reliable and easy to service, though not particularly flashy. With 41 hours of power reserve and a 4 Hz beat rate, it gets the job done, and that iconic red rotor adds a bit of visual interest through the display caseback.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. At $2,700, the Divers Date faces stiff competition from brands like Doxa and Rado. Critics will point out that the SW200-1 isn’t exactly cutting-edge, and they’re not wrong. But the upgraded design, improved bracelet, ceramic bezel, and enhanced water resistance make a strong case for the move up market.

Final Thoughts

The Oris Divers Date feels like a thoughtful evolution of the Diver Sixty-Five, addressing many of the critiques enthusiasts had while introducing enough upgrades to stand on its own. It’s slimmer, tougher, and more refined, yet it retains the charm that made the original so beloved.

Sure, the price is a sticking point, but when you consider the complete package, the Divers Date starts to make a lot of sense. It’s a modern dive watch that doesn’t forget its roots, and for that, it’s a worthy addition to the Oris lineup.

The Basic Specs

Case Diameter: 39mm

Thickness: 12.2mm

Lug-to-Lug: 46.5mm

Lug Width: 19mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Water Resistance: 200 Meters

The Movement

Oris Cal 733 (SW200-1)

Frequency: 4 Hz / 28,800 VPH

Features: Hacking & Handwing

Power Reserve: 41 Hours