Oris Launch Updated ProPilot Altimeter for 2023

In the world of pilot’s watches there are two main aesthetics that tend to dominate: retro military or technical instruments. This is of course a massive generalisation but for the most part it’s true. On the one side are watches like the IWC Spitfire and on the other is the Bell & Ross Radiocompass. Oris have produced many watches that fall on either side of this aesthetic divide but the new Oris ProPilot Altimeter is the most clearly defined technical instrument they’ve produced in a few years.

That’s because it’s not just inspired by the instruments you might find in a cockpit, it technically is one. It has a mechanical altimeter built into it, allowing the watch to display its current altitude and air pressure, vital for pilots or even mountaineers. It’s only the second watch in history to contain a mechanical altimeter with the first being its 2014 predecessor. The new version has an upgraded altimeter module that’s capable of reading altitudes of up to 19,700 feet/6,000m (the display is available in both metrics), whereas the 2014 model capped out at 15,000 feet/4,500m.

As it’s a pretty rare complication for a wristwatch, let’s dig into it with a bit more detail. A traditional mechanical altimeter operates by containing a barometric chamber that reacts to increases and decreases in air pressure, which bends a spring to move the altitude indicator. The Oris ProPilot Altimeter operates on a similar basis.

By unscrewing the crown at 4 o’clock an airflow is allowed into the watch so that it can monitor the air pressure, denoted by a red indicator. It’s important to note that due to air pressure being affected by atmospheric conditions you need a reference air pressure to calibrate the altimeter each time you activate it – this can usually be obtained from airport control towers etc. Once it has been activated, the yellow indicator around the periphery will begin to show your altitude.

It’s also important to say that as the altimeter requires a direct airflow to function, it loses its water resistance while active. However, when the crowns are screwed down, the case has a 100m water resistance rating. In fact, the case is another element of the Oris ProPilot Altimeter that has been updated for the 2023 edition. It measures 47mm in diameter (huge) and is produced from a single piece of carbon fibre composite, making it lightweight and durable. The crowns, bezel and caseback are then produced in black PVD titanium.

With all this focus on altimeters and the case, it’s almost easy to forget that this is a regular wristwatch too. The central time display is classic pilot’s watch fare with a strong black and white colourway and instantly legible numerals. It’s powered by the Oris Calibre 793 with hours, minutes, seconds and date functions and a 56-hour power reserve.

The Oris ProPilot Altimeter is priced at £5,250. Considering how unique it is as a concept and design, that seems like a good price to me. Especially when you add the high-performance materials and execution on top. The original Altimeter became somewhat of a cult icon among pilots and mountaineers and I expect the 2023 edition to be lauded in the same way.