Sixty years ago, in 1965, Oris introduced its very first dive watch, a modest tool built for professionals. That watch laid the foundation for what would become one of the brand’s most enduring and beloved collections.
In 2025, Oris returns to its roots with the Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition, and they’ve done it with an eye for authenticity and a dedication to thoughtful watchmaking.
Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2025, this release didn’t rely on superficial features or over-the-top complications. Instead, Oris reminded the watch world that restraint and reverence for history can speak louder than any tourbillon. This watch is a tribute, but it’s also a relevant, wearable, and mechanically sound piece for today’s collector.
Honoring 1965: The DNA of a Tool Watch
The original 1965 Oris diver wasn’t created to sit in a display case. It was made for divers, adventurers, and explorers who needed reliable and legible underwater equipment. The 60th Anniversary Edition taps directly into this DNA with vintage cues that will have enthusiasts nodding in appreciation.
One of the most noticeable features is the dial layout, with inverted Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. This quirky, bold design was distinctive on the original and makes a welcome return here. Those numerals, along with the hour indices, are filled with “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova, a modern luminous material designed to replicate the aged glow of tritium without its radioactive downsides.
The warm lume adds a creamy patina effect that feels lived-in right out of the box. And then there are the period-correct inscriptions: “WATERPROOF,” “ANTI-SHOCK,” and the jewel count printed directly on the dial, charming throwbacks to a time before ISO standards and marketing jargon homogenized the industry.
The vintage Oris logo completes the dial’s throwback identity, serving not just as branding but as a symbol of heritage done right. It’s not just aesthetics, it’s storytelling in design.
A Highlight at Watches & Wonders 2025
In a year filled with skeletonized displays, ceramic everything, and over-engineered novelties, Oris chose a different path at Watches & Wonders. The Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition didn’t scream for attention, it earned it. Watch media and enthusiasts alike praised its honest execution, wearable proportions, and refreshing lack of marketing fluff.
This wasn’t Oris trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they took their own blueprint from 1965 and improved it where it mattered: materials, build quality, finishing. At a time when many brands are chasing extremes, Oris went back to what made their original diver great in the first place.
Vintage Look, Modern Build
Let’s talk specs. The case comes in at a well-balanced 40mm in diameter, with a thickness that remains comfortably under 13mm, making it suitable for everyday wear without feeling bulky. The stainless steel construction is brushed and polished in just the right places, giving it a subtle presence that doesn’t compete with the dial.
The double-domed sapphire crystal is another nod to the past, reminiscent of old acrylic crystals, but with the durability and scratch-resistance of modern materials. It’s also treated with an anti-reflective coating on the underside, keeping legibility high in all lighting conditions.
The bidirectional bezel is another period-accurate detail. It features a black anodized aluminum insert with a minimalistic 60-minute scale. While a unidirectional bezel is more common today for safety reasons, the bidirectional format here is faithful to the original and contributes to its vintage charm.
Movement: Practical and Proven
Inside, Oris has chosen the Caliber 733, which is based on the Sellita SW200-1. This movement has become an industry workhorse, known for its reliability, ease of service, and solid performance. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and provides a 38-hour power reserve.
Is it flashy? No. But that’s precisely the point. The Caliber 733 fits the ethos of the watch: practical, robust, and mechanically satisfying. With hacking seconds for precise time setting and a date-free dial to preserve the vintage symmetry, the movement supports the design rather than stealing the show.
Strap Options for Every Setting
Oris includes two strap options with the 60th Anniversary Edition: a three-link stainless steel rivet-style bracelet and a black leather strap. The bracelet has brushed outer links with polished center links, echoing mid-century styles without looking costume-y. It’s also fitted with solid end links and a sturdy clasp, modern upgrades that wear well and age beautifully.
The leather strap, meanwhile, is supple, comfortable, and adds a refined, everyday elegance to the watch. With quick-release spring bars, switching between looks is fast and tool-free, enhancing the watch’s versatility.
