Big Crown Pilot 7543

 

M My friend wore this to my wedding recently. I hadn't seen him for awhile and noticed it on his wrist. He works as a tour manager for some fairly well known artists and told me he decided to treat himself after a particular long tour. I congratulated him on a solid choice as he isn't really a watch guy. He was a bit unsure of it though. He said after deliberating about the purchase for ages he doesn't feel the way he thought he would about it now.

 

Got dad this Sixty-Five 40mm a couple years ago. I picked the 40mm for the black date at 6, though the 36mm is better sized. Dad lives in it, wears it to the pool every day like a proper tool watch. Here it is just back from warranty service where Oris replaced a fallen index and a missing bezel pip.

 

Well made and a good value. I like them.

 

First and foremost, congrats on the wedding!

Did you friend share what left him feeling unsure after wear? I find the lugs are a love it or hate it aspect

 

It's a nice watch but I am surprised there are issues with it a couple of years down the line. I would expect more in terms of durability from Oris.

 

I created a thread at watchuseek in the Oris forum asking if anyone else had an index drop. No one else yet.

 

I did ask him and he hummed and hawed. I think he thought there would be more of an emotive feeling walking around with ( to him ) an expensive watch on his wrist. That he would look down on his wrist and it would make him happy.

 

Ah, I can understand that. Thanks for the reply

 

Did you get a big crown pointer date on a bracelet? I’m wondering what folks’ thoughts are on the bracelet

 

I don't have the bracelet, but here's fairly detailed video showcasing the watch + bracelet.

 

I own the 36mm Steel Green and it came with a bracelet. It looks good, but I think the 40mm bracelet is much better proportion wise.

No adjustable quick tool-less adjustment. Overall wears a bit towards dressy. I also like that it's quite different than what I'm used to seeing.

My only gripe may be 36mm specific. The 36mm lug width is already narrow and with the taper, feels a bit too feminine - unless there's a men's version like the leather straps. On the 40mm though, I think the proportions look right, but have not seen in person.

Some spec info - it uses push pins instead of screws. 5 micro-adjusts and on a butterfly clasp.

Don't have much arm hair, so can't talk to that.

Hope that helps.

 

Thank you. That’s helpful. I agree the 40mm straps have better proportions. The 36mm green is gorgeous. I’ve tried both the 36 & 40mm, just on leather. I think I prefer 36mm, but with the blue dial, which is only available in 40mm

Here is the green 36mm and black 40mm on my 17.3cm wrist





For the lack of arm hair, you could try drinking Southern Comfort

 

Thank you. Teddy makes a good video

 

I like to use the Slender Wrist’s calculator for wrist sizes and you fit in 36mm to 43mm so you can pull off either very well. Visually, they also check out to my eye.

The reason I went for the chalk green was that it looks consistently that amazing light “baby green” in all lighting conditions.

The blue, my friend had, only showed the equivalent “baby blue” - as show in the Hodinkee article - in certain sunlight or jewelry/watch store light conditions. Not saying it’s a bad thing, here, just not what I was looking for.

Will follow up with some pics for those who can’t see in person.

So I’d say if bracelet is your key factor go blue, or if consistent colour go chalk green.

And I do enjoy a good Southern comfort, unfortunate I’ve found it’s the genes… .

 

Hope no one minds that I revive this.
I’ve always admired the pointer dates and just discovered the 7400 references from the 90’s.
I love small diameter watches so the 32mm is awesome
Just wanted to share

 

Lovely watch. Is that the Forstner Beads bracelet? How do you like it?

 

Thanks! I’m not sure if it will find a place in my rotation yet but it is awesome.
The bracelet though, yes it’s a Forstner and I recommend it for sure!

 

Great collection