Vintage watches are certainly having a moment, with mid-century reissues and homages getting serious play across the board from even the most revered watchmakers. With a history dating back to 1938, Oris’ Big Crown Pointer Date has always had a decidedly vintage appeal. But now, after a 30-year absence, it’s bringing back a retro-style tuxedo dial that could very well make it one of the most attractive heritage-inspired timepieces on the market today.
A Design That Echoes Through Time
Oris has been leaning into its archives lately, and the “Bullseye” dial is a prime example of the Swiss watchmaker mining its own history for inspiration. This concentric sector design first appeared on Oris pocket watches back in the 1910s, then migrated to wristwatches throughout the 1920s and enjoyed popularity all the way through the 1970s. The dial eventually disappeared from the catalog entirely in 1998, but collectors never forgot about it. After all, good design doesn’t really age.
The new watch features a cool gray and black color scheme with red accents on the date track, creating a dartboard-like appearance that’s pretty versatile. The outer ring houses those red date numerals tracked by the signature pointer hand, while a railroad-style minutes track sits just inside. The broad black chapter ring contains white Arabic numerals, and the center bullseye matches that outer gray color. Cathedral hands complete the period-correct aesthetic.
Built for Pilots, Beloved by Enthusiasts
The Big Crown Pointer Date was originally designed as a pilot’s watch, hence the oversized crown that could be operated with gloved hands. At 38mm, this modern version is the perfect size. The coin-edged bezel and fluted crown maintain those vintage aviation cues, while the domed sapphire crystal gives it a retro touch.
Inside sits the Oris Calibre 754, a Sellita-based automatic movement with 41 hours of power reserve. It’s not Oris’ in-house movement, but it’s reliable, serviceable, and keeps the price reasonable. The exhibition caseback shows off the signature red rotor. Lastly, the timepieces comes adorned with a black Cervo Volante sustainable deer leather strap with quick-release pins.
Spec Sheet
Model: Oris Big Crown Pointer Date “Bullseye”
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 38mm
Case Thickness: 12.2mm
Lug-to-Lug: 45.5mm
Movement: Oris Calibre 754 automatic (Sellita base)
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Domed sapphire with AR coating
Strap: Black Cervo Volante deer leather with quick-change system
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $2,350, Oris’ Big Crown Pointer Date “Bullseye” is available now. This is a regular production model, not a limited edition, making it slightly more accessible than some of the other 38mm Big Crown variants currently in the lineup.
Recap
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bullseye
Oris just brought back its “Bullseye” tuxedo dial after a 30-year hiatus, slapping the retro concentric design (originally from the 1910s) onto the 38mm Big Crown Pointer Date for $2,350.
