Two years ago, Oris released the Big Crown Pointer Date 403. It was the popular model’s first in house movement in modern history (also used in the Limited Edition Hölstein)—an upgrade from the ETA and Sellita calibres powering previous iterations. The 403 was automatic and, like other calibres in the 400 series, anti-magnetic with a …
In all, the timepiece has a classy, iconic balance that is clean and visually powerful--particularly the black dial reference with its stark matte bezel which just seems to focus the eye. Case finishing is also impressive at this range with the rectangular pushers offering just a touch of contemporary flair in what is essentially a retro aesthetic.
The first M79 colourway ("M," for mechanical; "79," for the year the Q first appeared) to roll out was the very cool Batman bezel. Again, another riff on the GMT-Master II. While it would be absurd to consider the two watches as competitors, the referential design was not lost on aficionados and newcomers, alike. What both the Q and the M79 offered was an attractive entry-point into collecting, for some; and for those with already carefully curated collection, an inexpensive bit of fun.
Calibre321 