In 2004, to celebrate its 100 years of existence, Oris launched the range Artelier. Since then, around a common aestheticism and over the course of complications, the collection has expanded. Today, we have been able to test the Worldtimer model.
A comfortable watch to wear
The aestheticism of the Artelier range is found in a completely polished casing with rounded shapes and a bulb crown.
Its generous dimensions of 42.5mm of diameter are partially compensated with plunging lugs that make it comfortable to wear.
An elegant and flattering dial
The dial is elegant and flattering. Its two grey and silver surfaces are fully engine turned, as well as the two slightly planted out sub-dials.
These are with slightly different size but the general balance of the dial is preserved, as well as the date placed at 6 o’clock.
The texts such as Oris or Worldtimer are meticulously painted – an exercise never always taken for granted on this type of finishing – while the painting around the date window is not exactly centered on this one.
The markers, the peripheral hooping and the hands are treated almost in the same way.
“Almost” because the markers have a yellower tonality than the other two elements that are pinker.
A more homogenous ensemble would not have harmed.
The entirety gives a good general impression while offering with this different contrasts a satisfying readability.
A slightly rounded and antireflection sapphire on its internal face protects the whole.
The strap, contrary to what the pattern might suggest, is made of leather. It seems to quickly leave a mark at the pin.
A folding buckle or another strap could be necessary.
An easy use of the GMT function
Regarding the functionality, the Worldtimer enables to display two time zones.
The referring time (GMT time or time of the country of origin for example) is shown on a twelve-hour basis inside of the right-hand side sub-dial, which also has a day/night indication.
Concerning the local time, it is mentioned on the central hands and can be changed with the push buttons at 4 and 8 o’clock.
Their use is easy and do not risk any use at untimely moments.
At the moment of hand setting, the minutes indicated by the two times can be shifted to one or two minutes, but this phenomenon is corrected when the watch is restarted.
The movement
Modified from an ETA 2836, the 690 caliber beats 28.800 alternations per hour and has a power reserve of 38 hours, which is a bit reduced because of its complications.
The finishing of the movement is primary and we recognize as a signature the famous red rotor characteristics of the Oris.
Conclusion
If the global impression is rather positive thanks to the general style of the watch and its well-realized functionalities, we are slightly disappointed by the level of the finishing that deserves some improvement.
The + :
- the function GMT that is practical and easy to use
- the general aestheticism
The – :
- the uneven finishing level
- the little size of the casing for a formal watch
Further information :
- journalist’s wrist = 17,5 cm
- brand website : Oris
