The Oris Aquis Depth Gauge Is Back And Packing Upgrades

History will tell you that sequels rarely live up to the original movie. There are, of course, great exceptions to this rule, like The Godfather: Part II, The Empire Strikes Back, and Back to the Future Part II. But for the most part, you can expect I Still Know What You Did Last Summer or The Bad News Bears Go to Japan.

Today, Oris announced its second-generation Aquis Depth Gauge. And though the original set an extremely high bar for style and versatility, the new diver looks like it is an exceptionally good sequel.

The Aquis Depth Gauge’s actual depth gauge makes a return using the same method of putting the Boyle-Mariotte Law to work. The hole drilled into the sapphire at 12 o’clock lets water enter a channel cut around the outer edge of the crystal. As depth increases, the water in the channel compresses the air trapped inside, giving you a depth reading where the two elements meet.
 

For this second iteration, Oris refined the process of milling the channel itself, improving accuracy and legibility. Plus, the gasket seal around the crystal, protecting the rest of the watch from becoming waterlogged and destroyed, was tested up to 500 meters. It is an incredibly useful upgrade for those who plan on putting the Aquis Depth Gauge to work in its intended environment.

When refining the second-generation Aquis Depth Gauge, it’s clear Oris’s focus was on making the aquatic tool watch easier to use and wear. The Aquis now features Oris’ Quick Strap Change system. For divers who prefer a rubber strap under the surface but a metal bracelet on land, the simple clasp system makes swapping bracelets that much easier, no more fiddling with spring bars and tools while stressing over dropping them in the ocean.