Reviving an iconic design in their most enduring collection, Oris have brought back the classic Big Crown Pointer Date with the Bullseye sector dial!
Ever since regaining their independence in the 80s, Oris has made significant strides in establishing itself within the horological world. It’s safe to say the brand has succeeded, as the Swiss brand is one of the few remaining champions of the middle-market luxury arena.
Admittedly, the middle segment across most industries is in dire straits at the moment, but it’s reassuring to see brands like Oris maintain their commitment to the craft without alienating their customer base. Modern progressions still occur, evidenced by the updates made to the Big Crown Pointer Date line in 2025.
While those pieces represent the contemporary wing of Oris’ iconic Big Crown collection, it’s equally refreshing to revisit the classics. As such, Oris has chosen to re-release a heritage model, albeit with a few modern refinements.
Meet the Big Crown Pointer Date “Bullseye”, a compelling revival of a historic dial configuration within the brand’s most enduring collection. The Bullseye name refers to its striking two-tone sector dial. Unlike tuxedo dials, a Bullseye configuration is composed of several concentric rings that contrast with one another.
The new release adopts the case established by the 38mm Pointer Date line within the Big Crown family. Measuring a comfortable 38mm across, with a 45.5mm lug-to-lug length and 12.2mm thickness, the watch offers versatile wear for most enthusiasts. It’s available on a black deerskin leather strap made by Oris’ partner Cervo Volante, making it an easy-going daily driver should you pursue the Bullseye as your next piece.
Unlike the latest Big Crown Pointer Date models, this brand has travelled back in time to deliver a more heritage-driven design. The coin-edge bezel and cathedral hands have returned, both staples of the archive-inspired line-up. Speaking of archival cues, this brings us back to the dial configuration.
Oris catalogues from the 1910s show the Bullseye configuration appearing on their pocket watches. The aesthetic resurfaced periodically throughout the mid-20th century, enjoying popularity before gradually disappearing from the catalogue. The concept was last revisited in 1998, making it nearly three decades overdue for an official return.
The Bullseye sector dial is composed of four concentric rings: three in off-white/grey and one in black. Red Arabic numerals run around the periphery from 1 to 31, indicating the date via a matching red-tipped pointer hand.
The minute track occupies the outermost ring, followed by a thick black ring containing crisp, contrasting Arabic numerals. At the centre, the dial returns to off-white/grey, featuring the familiar logo and text found on most Oris timepieces.
Mechanically, it’s not ground-breaking, but Oris has long been known more for reliability than spectacle. Visible through the transparent caseback is the Calibre 754, an automatic movement beating at 4Hz (28,800VpH) with a 41-hour power reserve. Based on the Sellita SW200 architecture, it has been regulated to meet Oris’ standards. It also carries the brand’s signature touch: the bright red rotor, a hallmark on many calibres.
My Thoughts
This watch reminds me less of a bullseye and more of a baseball. As I was writing this press release, I couldn’t shake the image of Babe Ruth wearing something like this on his wrist. It’s an antiquated design, sure, but no less for it. In fact, a bit of old-school cool might be exactly what Oris needs right now.
Over the past few years, the brand has dedicated itself to modernising its line-up. While that’s brought plenty of positive changes and some genuinely impressive models, it can be a double-edged sword. There’s always the risk of dedicated fans tuning out, especially those who favour the golden-era charm of more heritage pieces.
With the release of the Big Crown Pointer Date Bullseye, Oris shows it remains committed not only to contemporary watchmaking but to every chapter of its history. If memory serves, I believe we’ve only ever reviewed one Oris Big Crown Pointer Date. Maybe we revisit the collection this year…
Reference: 01 754 7779 4061-07 5 19 25
Specifications
- Dimensions: 38mm case diameter x 45.5mm lug-to-lug x 12.2mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Off-White with black & red accents
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 754 with date pointer complication
- Power Reserve: 41h
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Interchangeable black deer leather strap with steel pin buckle