By this point, we’ve seen so many watch collaborations that it’s difficult to be impressed with the preponderance of partnerships that come across our desks. However, every once in a while a tandem project will drop that makes you reconsider everything.
Case in point, Oris’ recent collab with U.K.-based Bamford is a retro-futuristic stunner that would make Kubrick jealous. Dubbed “Mission Control,” it’s a fresh new take on the ProPilot Altimeter, taking the Swiss brand’s already unconventional mechanical altimeter and launching it into orbit.
Beyond the Stratosphere
For starters, the ProPilot Altimeter runs on Oris Calibre 793 with a 56-hour power reserve and houses the only mechanical altimeter complication available in an automatic Swiss watch. But Bamford decided to swap the typical steel or titanium case for a carbon fiber composite that gives the 47mm timepiece an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
The most notable addition to the ProPilot Altimeter is Bamford Watch Department’s electric color treatment. George Bamford explains his vision: “I wanted an 80s sneaker vibe with colors that really pop.” The result transforms what was once a serious instrument into something that quite literally looks vibrant.
Mission Control Interface
To achieve this space-age aesthetic, Bamford applied vibrant yellow, lime green, and red Super-LumiNova throughout the black dial. The yellow indicator tracks altitude changes up to 19,700 feet around the outer scale, while the green marker displays absolute air pressure readings. Red calibration markers complete the spacecraft instrument panel effect, creating what Bamford calls recognition “from space.”
The secret lies in Oris’ patented dual-dial construction, which separates the altimeter module from the automatic movement beneath. This innovation, first developed in 2014, prevents the rotor’s motion from interfering with pressure readings — solving a problem that had stumped other manufacturers for decades.
However, operating the altimeter requires some procedure. The crown at four o’clock activates the system when unscrewed to position one (indicated by a red ring), then pulling to position two allows calibration against known reference pressure from sources like airport control towers. Once set, changes in altitude appear in real time on the yellow scale.
Carbon Fiber at 19,700 Feet
For the case, Oris partnered with 9T Labs, a Swiss engineering firm specializing in aerospace materials, to create the carbon fiber composite using additive manufacturing techniques never before applied to watchmaking. The material delivers strength exceeding many metals while remaining two-thirds lighter than titanium.
Combined with grey PVD-coated titanium crowns and caseback, the 16.7mm thick case maintains water resistance to 100m when both crowns are secured.
Lastly, a textile strap continues the space-age theme with yellow and green leather lining that matches the dial accents — a detail that reinforces the ’80s sneaker inspiration throughout the design.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 47mm
Case Material: Carbon fiber composite with titanium bezel and caseback
Movement: Oris Calibre 793 automatic
Power Reserve: 56 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, mechanical altimeter to 19,700 feet
Water Resistance: 100m
Lume: Super-LumiNova on indices, hands, and altimeter scales
Strap: Black textile with yellow/green leather lining
Limited Edition?: Yes, 250
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 250 pieces, the Oris x Bamford ProPilot Altimeter “Mission Control” is available now for $8,100.
Recap
Oris x Bamford ProPilot Altimeter Mission Control
Bamford transforms Oris’ ProPilot Altimeter, the world’s only mechanical altimeter watch, into a retro-futuristic instrument with vibrant colors and a carbon fiber composite case.
