The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser is the second Oris ProPilot X that I’ve been able to review this year so I find it virtually impossible not to compare it to the ProPilot X Kermit from the spring. The good news for the Laser is that it comes out quite favourably in that comparison and to my mind is a much more cohesive timepiece. Let’s strap it on and get started.
On the wrist, the new watch is literally identical to the Kermit. Which is good because I really liked how the Kermit wore. The lightweight titanium construction is incredibly comfortable to wear with its high strength to density ratio and at 39mm it’s very svelte. I still maintain that it doesn’t feel particularly like a pilot’s watch as it has a much more industrial vibe but that’s actually something that the Laser leans into with its colourful oil-slick style dial.
That dial has been achieved through a phenomenon called optical interference, which means red light waves are destroyed while blue and green ones are reflected. What this means in simple terms is that the dial isn’t actually painted those colours, it just looks that colour when light hits it – which is why it changes depending on how you angle it. The laser technique to achieve this was developed in collaboration with ETH Zurich and is a first in watchmaking.
Getting even closer to the dial you can see that a secondary laser technique has been used for the inscriptions and hour markers. This not only makes them stand out from the blue-green of the rest of the display but also gives them a quasi-three-dimensional appearance as if they were applied in a traditional manner. The effect is truly captivating in person. I like how the combination of laser techniques makes for a vibrant dial that doesn’t hurt the eyes unlike a certain neon green display I can think of.
Beneath the surface of the Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser is, well, the Calibre 400. It’s Oris’ flagship movement and continues to impress with its five-day power reserve and 10-year service intervals. Not to mention its accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day. It’s a movement that suits the ProPilot X because this is supposed to be Oris’ most cutting edge collection and it’s their most advanced movement.
Ultimately, that’s the main story with the watch: cohesion. The concept, design and mechanics of the piece all gel together in a satisfying way that makes it a pleasure to wear. Don’t believe me? Check out our complete video review as well. The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser is priced at £4,050, which is a lot for an Oris, but this is also one of their most experimental and advanced designs to date, so that makes sense.
Price and Specs:
More details at Oris.
