Oris is fleshing out their Aquis Pro collection this week with a second variation that dials things back from the 4000M diver released back in 2023. The new watch is the Aquis Pro 1000M, and while it keeps the same muscular 49.5mm frame, it also represents a more approachable take on the formula in a few ways. The watch signals a broader commitment to professional grade divers from Oris, slotting in between the brand’s great daily options, and the extreme 4000M. Oh, and this time, the multi-part titanium case has been given a DLC black coating. The Aquis design works best in professional guise, if you ask me, and this one hits a lot of the right notes.
The Aquis Pro 1000M may not reach the same depths as the 4000M, but it’s still pretty extreme in its own measure, and the benefits of scaling back the depth rating bring some practical benefits that you’ll likely notice more than you would on your next dive. The biggest of which is the reduction of case thickness, which was just shy of 24mm on the 4000M, and is now 16.6mm. Still plenty hearty, but manageable. Further, this is a surprisingly ergonomic platform, even in full size 4000M trim. If you’ve been watching the MLB post season, you’ve likely noticed the manager of the Blue Jays, John Schneider, rocking the 4000M.
The Aquis Pro 1000M is still quite large, but the lug is very short on the Aquis, so the 49.5mm diameter doesn’t wear as big as it sounds on paper. Point being, as far as extreme divers go, this one is relatively easy to pull on a semi regular basis. The titanium case only helps the situation by mitigating some of the heft. It’s a unique experience on the wrist, and the overall design of this watch works well within the Aquis framework.
One of the key features seen on the Aquis Pro is the RSS, or Rotation Safety System bezel, and it’s also incorporated into this new 1000M. This bezel assembly must be pulled up to be rotated within a fixed sleeve, the idea being to protect the rotating portion from being accidentally moved underwater (or anywhere else, for that matter). Think of it as a similar system to the button on Omega’s PloProf, but it’s entirely self-contained in the assembly.
The dial retains a similar wave pattern design set atop a fume blue color with applied polished hour markers and hands. The date is placed at the bottom of the dial for a symmetrical design, and an ‘Aquis Pro’ label has been added to the inner rehaut wall. While the Aquis Pro 4000M used the brand’s own caliber 400, the 1000M uses a red rotor Sellita based movement, which has the added benefit of keeping the price in more reasonable territory for such a watch. Obviously, the caseback is closed so you won’t be getting a view either way.
The new Aquis Pro 1000M is a welcome addition to the Pro collection, and represents a further evolution that I hope the brand continues to flesh out. They’ve got a great history of unique designs in this arena, so watch this space. The Aquis Pro 1000M is priced at $4,100, and is available now. Oris