Oris Aviation

Oris's aviation-heritage line, built around one clever, charming complication. The name comes from the oversized 'big crown' of 1930s pilot watches, easy to work with gloves on, and the signature model is the Big Crown Pointer Date: instead of a date window, a slim center-mounted hand points to a date scale around the dial's edge. It's a design Oris has run since 1938 and still does best. Usually 40mm, automatic, on steel or leather, with bronze anniversary editions for a warmer look. It's a distinctive, affordable way into a genuine vintage-flavored pilot's watch, and the pointer date gives it character most rivals don't have.