Is your Aquis
the real deal?
The Oris Aquis is the brand's flagship dive watch, built with 300 meters of water resistance, a ceramic bezel insert, and available in 39.5mm, 41.5mm, and 43.5mm sizes. Widely regarded as one of the best values in the dive watch segment, its popularity has attracted counterfeiters looking to profit from the Aquis name. Here's how to tell the real thing from a fake.
How to authenticate an Aquis
Unidirectional Ceramic Bezel
The Aquis bezel should rotate only counterclockwise with a firm, precise 60-click action. The ceramic insert should have sharply printed numerals and minute markers with no smudging or unevenness. The insert should sit flush within the bezel ring with no gaps or wobble. Each click should feel crisp and consistent.
Dial Sunburst Finish and Applied Indices
The Aquis dial features a subtle sunburst finish that catches light at different angles. The hour indices are applied (raised) metal markers, not printed. They should be perfectly aligned with the bezel markings and evenly spaced around the dial. The "Oris" text and depth rating should be crisply printed.
Red Rotor Through Caseback
Through the exhibition caseback, you should see the signature Oris red rotor spinning freely. It should be a vibrant, consistent red with the Oris name engraved on it. The movement should be properly finished with clean bridges and visible jewels. Calibre 400 models will show a different rotor design than Sellita-based models.
Screw-Down Crown with Oris Logo
The Aquis uses a screw-down crown for water resistance. It should thread smoothly into the case with no cross-threading. The crown features the Oris bear logo, which should be sharply engraved. The crown guards on either side should be properly proportioned and match the case finishing.
Bracelet Quality and Micro-Adjust Clasp
The Aquis bracelet features solid stainless steel links with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The clasp includes a micro-adjustment system for fine-tuning the fit. Links should articulate smoothly with no rattling. The Oris logo on the clasp should be cleanly engraved. End links should fit flush against the case with no visible gaps.
Lume Consistency
As a dive watch, the Aquis uses generous Super-LumiNova on the hands, hour indices, and bezel pip at 12 o'clock. The lume should glow brightly and evenly in low light with a consistent color across all elements. The lume application should be smooth and uniform with no bubbles, gaps, or uneven edges.
Aquis counterfeit warning signs
Bezel Does Not Click Properly
The Aquis bezel should have a firm, precise 60-click unidirectional action. If the bezel feels loose, sloppy, or rotates in both directions, it is a counterfeit. Genuine ceramic inserts also have a smooth, glassy feel that cheap fakes cannot replicate with plastic or painted aluminum.
Wrong Lume Color or Uneven Application
Genuine Aquis watches have bright, evenly applied Super-LumiNova that glows consistently across all hands and indices. If the lume is patchy, different colors on different elements, or fades very quickly in the dark, the watch is likely counterfeit. The bezel pip at 12 o'clock should also glow brightly.
No Red Rotor or Wrong Color
Every genuine Oris Aquis has the signature red rotor visible through the caseback. If the rotor is silver, gold, a different color, or missing entirely, the watch is a fake. The red should be vibrant and consistent, not faded, orange, or painted over a standard rotor.
Cheap Bracelet Clasp
The genuine Aquis clasp is solid, features the Oris logo, and includes a micro-adjustment system. Counterfeit clasps feel flimsy, lack the micro-adjust feature, have a poorly engraved or missing logo, and may not close securely. The overall bracelet should feel substantial, not hollow or rattly.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the water resistance rating of the Oris Aquis?
The Oris Aquis is rated to 300 meters (30 bar) of water resistance, making it a true professional dive watch. This rating is achieved through the combination of a screw-down crown, screw-down caseback, and robust case construction. The watch meets ISO 6425 dive watch standards, meaning it has been tested under conditions that exceed its stated depth rating to ensure reliability underwater.
Does the Oris Aquis have a ceramic or aluminum bezel?
Modern Oris Aquis models use a ceramic bezel insert, which is more scratch-resistant and color-fast than aluminum. The ceramic insert is mounted on a stainless steel bezel ring with a unidirectional 60-click rotation. Older Aquis references may feature aluminum bezel inserts. The ceramic version has a smoother, more polished appearance with sharper numerals compared to the matte finish of aluminum inserts.
Which Oris Aquis models use the Calibre 400?
Oris has been gradually rolling out the Calibre 400 across the Aquis collection since its introduction. The Aquis Date Calibre 400 was among the first models to receive the new in-house movement, offering a 5-day power reserve, anti-magnetic properties, and a 10-year warranty. Not all Aquis models use the Calibre 400; many still use the Sellita SW200-1 based movement. Check the specific reference number to confirm which movement your Aquis contains.