The grey PVD case and black calfskin strap give this ProPilot a subdued look. Pale luminous markings keep the time display distinct against the black dial.

DESIGN

The dark finish is what first sets this Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date apart. Reference 01 751 7697 4264-07 5 20 19GFC pairs a grey PVD-coated stainless steel case with a black dial and black calfskin strap. The matte case and dial keep the colours subdued, while the leather continues that treatment around the wrist. This is an important part of this version's look, rather than the textile strap found on a closely related model.

The hands and numerals stand out clearly against that dark background. Pale luminous markings give the main time display its contrast, with a finer minute and seconds track around the edge. The enlarged date window at 3 o'clock sits alongside the hands, keeping the calendar visible without adding another subdial.

Look around the dial, and the bezel adds more texture. Its engraved fluting takes inspiration from a jet engine, giving the watch a recognisable aviation detail. The large fluted crown carries that textured appearance onto the side of the case. These details give the otherwise restrained colour scheme something more to look at.

FUNCTIONS

The watch keeps its functions straightforward: central hours, minutes and seconds, plus an enlarged date. You can correct the date through the crown without turning the hands through complete days. When setting the time, the stop-seconds function pauses the seconds hand, allowing you to match it to another time source before starting it again.

The automatic Oris calibre 751 is wound by wrist movement, and you can also wind it through the crown. Its stated reserve is 38 hours when fully wound. Leave it off for a full two days, and that reserve will have run out, so you will need to wind it and reset the displays before wearing it again. How long it actually runs also depends on its state of wind and the movement's condition.

Before winding or setting, unscrew the crown. The intermediate pulled-out position adjusts the date, while the fully pulled-out position sets the time. Avoid quick-setting the date between 9 pm and 3 am. To get the morning and evening cycle right, set the calendar to the previous date, then advance the hands until it changes to the day you want. You can then continue to the correct time and screw the crown closed.

ON THE WRIST

At 41 mm across and 12.2 mm thick, the case dimensions are worth considering when deciding whether the size suits you. The black calfskin strap measures 20 mm between the lugs and fastens with a folding clasp. Those measurements describe its scale and construction, but fit will still depend on your wrist and how you adjust the strap.

Visually, the leather strap keeps the watch dark beyond the dial and case. The pale hands and numerals remain the strongest contrast, so the time display stands out within a restrained grey-and-black combination. If you are drawn to that appearance, the original black leather configuration is a meaningful part of it.

PRICE GUIDE

This older Big Crown ProPilot Big Date is listed as discontinued. It belongs to the earlier 7697 generation within the modern ProPilot collection introduced in 2014. For the nearest new-watch option, the current ProPilot Date reference 01 733 7805 4164-07 6 20 14LC costs RM10,500 in Malaysia. It keeps the 41 mm steel case, black dial and leather strap, with a revised design, an uncoated steel case and the date moved to 6 o'clock.

Overseas pre-owned prices are approximately RM3,700–RM4,500, including an example on brown leather towards the upper end. Treat this as a qualified guide across those configurations rather than a firm range for the original black-leather version.

By Edric | Solvera · 18 October 2026