Bronze forms both the case and the brown dial. A separate red-tipped hand shows the date on the outer scale.

DESIGN

Bronze is the defining detail of this Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date, reference 01 754 7741 3166-07 5 20 74BR. It forms both the case and the brown dial, bringing their warm colours together. The dial is treated and sealed with transparent matt lacquer, giving each watch a slightly different finish. The exposed case develops patina over time; the lacquered dial should not be expected to change in the same way.

The traditional dial layout gives those colours a clear structure. Large painted Arabic numerals sit alongside cathedral-style hands, while a slender hand with a red crescent-shaped tip reaches towards the calendar scale around the edge. With no date window, the calendar becomes part of the overall design.

The fluted bronze bezel and oversized screw-down crown carry through the Big Crown's aviation background. When the collection began in 1938, the large crown helped pilots adjust their watches while wearing gloves. Combined with the brown leather strap, these details give this version its vintage appearance.

FUNCTIONS

To read the date, follow the red-tipped hand to the number on the outer scale. The other central hands show hours, minutes and seconds. You adjust the time and date through the crown, and the seconds hand pauses during time setting so you can match the watch to a time reference.

Inside is the automatic Oris calibre 754, with a specified 38-hour power reserve. If you leave it unworn for two days, you may need to restart it. Oris's general guidance is to unscrew the crown and give it 12 clockwise turns in the winding position before setting the displays. Screw the crown back down when you have finished.

The calendar also needs correcting after months with fewer than 31 days. Before using the rapid date adjustment, move the hands outside 21:00–03:00, the period Oris warns against for date correction. This is the main setting restriction to remember.

ON THE WRIST

The 40mm diameter gives you one part of the size picture. Published measurements put the watch at approximately 12.1mm thick and 48.2mm from lug to lug, so consider its length as well as its width when judging the proportions. The projecting lugs contribute to that length; diameter alone will not tell you how it fits your wrist.

The original suede deer-leather strap fastens with a bronze pin buckle, letting you adjust it through the strap holes. Quick-release spring bars make strap changes straightforward. In its original brown leather configuration, the textured strap continues the warm colours of the case and dial, carrying the vintage appearance through to the complete watch.

PRICE GUIDE

This bronze-dial version became available in December 2019. It is currently marked unavailable on Oris's website, although discontinuation remains unconfirmed. If you want a new bronze Big Crown today, the green-dial Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition is available in Malaysia for RM11,500. It keeps the 40mm bronze case and leather strap, with the dial colour being the clearest difference.

Overseas pre-owned prices are approximately RM6,900–RM10,100, including historical advertised prices.

By Edric | Solvera · 18 October 2026