Oris

 

Ditto.

 

I'm trying to decide between two blue dive watches -- the Oris Aquis Date and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer.

I'm an Oris fan and have two of their watches. I really don't know anything about Maurice Lacroix but this watch caught my eye.

I like the Oris rubber strap design better because it has a fold-over clasp. However, it ends up being pretty thick because it's basically three layers stacked together under your wrist. The color is also a bit funky, in person it doesn't look like the photo below, it looks like you took the watch below and left it in the desert sun for six months. It's a very unique shade of washed-out blue and I'm undecided if it's in a good unique or a bad unique.

One of my other Oris watches is the Depth Gauge which is very different from Aquis, but the bezel is identical so you can tell they are closely related.

The ML has a regular buckle, which can be hit and miss. I much prefer a buckle, even if it's thick. I haven't seen it in person yet but I'm convinced the color is a more traditional royal blue. I do like the quick release strap option but the replacement straps are, of course, exorbitantly expensive. It's also a different look compared to my other Oris, which is a plus. I haven't seen it in person and not sure how nice the finish is but I expect it will be on par with Oris. However, the ML doesn't have a display caseback, which I'd prefer (Oris does).

This Oris does not have the caliber 400 movement, which I want nothing to do with.

Thoughts?

Any other watches I should be looking at in this price range? I want a blue face with a blue rubber strap. Doesn't have to be a dive watch.

Oris between these two, hands down. The ML is just so awkward, but honestly you're massively limiting your strap options with either, because of their stupid lug designs. The Oris needs an $80 screw driver to remove the strap, and there are a couple of AM rubber straps for it, but none of them are very good. The ML, you're stuck with whatever they give you.

I much prefer the current 200M Tag Aqua Racer to the Aquis. Caliber 5 is the same as Oris Cal 733, they're both Sellita SW200s, and they both cost the same. Regular 20mm lugs, so the world is your oyster as far as blue rubber straps and buckles are concerned. No $80 screwdriver necessary, and you don't have to pay Tag a single dime for a strap.

Another option would be the CW Lumiere. Less expensive than the Oris and Tag, while packing a far superior COSC certified SW300 inside. For about $2500 or so, you could buy a blue Tudor BB58 on the secondary market, or a new Monta's version of the blue Tudor BB58, also with an SW300, but not COSC. I think the Tourby Lawless is worth considering as well.

Non-diver choices are practically limitless.

 

Oris of these two.

Fight on!

 

Another vote for the Oris.

 

You already have two Oris'. Broaden your horizons.

 

Disclsimer: Typing this while I wear my Aquis Date

Oris.

The bezel on the ML is not working for me

 

My vote is for option C. You've got 2 Orises and you've got multiple reasons for not loving the Aquis. The bezel on the ML just doesn't look right to my eye, and like the Aquis, you have multiple reasons for not lovIng the ML. You're open to non-divers and seem to be more interested in the blue on blue idea. I'd encourage you to keep looking until something really speaks to you. Option C might ultimately not have all the features and design aspects that you think you're looking for, but it might speak to you in ways you weren't even considering.

My vote for option C is the Hydroconquest in blue on blue. Comes in 39, 41 and 43mm so you have size options. The sunburst dials on these absolutely sing. I have the 43mm grey on an aftermarket strap and I love it. Available right now at Jomashop and Watchmaxx for well under retail and $400 to 500 less than what those same sites are asking for the Oris.

I've got a couple of Orises (not an Aquis) and a Hydroconquest, and the Longines is built like a tank. It doesn't have a display back but I'd get the Longines over the Aquis or the ML.

 

If you’re already an Oris fan, I’d say stick with what you know and love. The Aquis blue might be a little funky in pics, but on the wrist it has real depth. The ML is cool, but the buckle and strap costs would bug me.

 

Whichever you buy, try to avoid paying list price.

 

From those two, the oris, no question.

The longines HC is another very good option though.

 

Just one word - Aquis.

 

Similar price range .... Longines hydroconquest GMT which looks better than the standard version IMHO. Or the Rado captain cook 42mm blue gradient dial.

 

The ML has a regular buckle, which can be hit and miss. I much prefer a buckle, even if it's thick. I haven't seen it in person yet but I'm convinced the color is a more traditional royal blue. I do like the quick release strap option but the replacement straps are, of course, exorbitantly expensive.

While $250 for a rubber strap and hardware may not be cheap, I wouldn't call it "exorbitantly expensive", and since the OEM strap for the Aquis is actually more money I don't get why that's a negative for the ML.

As you already own two Oris I think it's time to branch out a little perhaps? Not saying you should go with the ML as you obviously have reservations there so I think you ought to do more shopping around and see what's available out there.

If you’re already an Oris fan, I’d say stick with what you know and love. The Aquis blue might be a little funky in pics, but on the wrist it has real depth. The ML is cool, but the buckle and strap costs would bug me.

 

As to suggestions, the PRX is priced a lot more affordable ( the OEM strap is only $85), and there are actually aftermarket straps you can play with, despite the proprietary fitting.

FKM Rubber Strap For Navy Blue Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 - Wristbuddys.com

Upgrade your Tissot PRX 40mm with our premium FKM rubber strap, crafted for PRX 40mm, Powermatic 80, and quartz versions. Effortlessly adjust and replace using the quick-release spring bar. Enjoy comfort and style with a 304L stainless steel buckle. Upgrade your Tissot PRX strap now!

wristbuddys.com

Or, you can check this one out.

 

Oris rubber is expensive. I have bought AliX straps for the Aquis for around £25/$30 - does that sound like the correct currency rate?

The AliX straps were fine, but I found the holes very tight for the pins., and I had to remove some rubber with a craft knife to get them to fit. Still good for a fraction of the price. I also bought a tri-wing tool from AliX for a lot less.

I like the ML, but never bought one. I would be looking for a substantial reduction from list proce for either watch.