Oris - Pointer Date - No reserve price - Caliber 453 - Men - 1950-1959

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Few complications are as intrinsically linked to a brand's identity as the pointer date is to Oris. Introduced in the late 1930s, this intuitive and visually striking method of displaying the date became a hallmark of mid-century watchmaking. This charming vintage Oris beautifully captures the essence of that era, pairing the signature red-tipped date hand with a classic sub-seconds layout. With its warm, patinated dial and honest, time-earned character, this piece offers collectors a wonderful opportunity to own a quintessential slice of Oris heritage in its purest mechanical form. Brand: Oris Model: Pointer Date Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 453, 7 Jewels Dial: Cream dial with gilt Arabic numerals, outer date track, red-tipped pointer date hand, and engine-turned sub-seconds; displaying an attractive, even vintage patina Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest wear to the gold-plated case Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in mid-century legibility and design, presenting a warm cream or eggshell hue that has aged gracefully over the decades. It features crisp, gilt-printed sans-serif Arabic numerals that catch the light beautifully against the matte background. The outermost perimeter hosts the signature date track numbered 1 through 31, indicated by the iconic central date hand with its vibrant red arrow tip. Time is displayed via elegant gold-tone leaf hands, while an engine-turned sub-seconds register sits perfectly balanced at the 6 o'clock position. The dial condition is highly attractive, showing a fine, even distribution of light age-related spotting and patina that confirms its originality without detracting from its crisp typography or overall handsome aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 33mm case features classically proportioned, gently sweeping lugs and is topped with a domed acrylic crystal that magnifies the vintage charm of the dial. The case is constructed of a gold-plated base metal and exhibits clear, honest signs of its age and history as a daily-worn timepiece. Visual inspection reveals noticeable brassing and plating loss, predominantly along the sharp edges of the lugs, the case flanks, and the fluted winding crown. The transition between the case and the snap-on stainless steel caseback remains secure, with the caseback itself showing surface scratches typical of vintage wear while retaining its clear "FOND ACIER INOXYDABLE" factory engraving. Movement Powering this classic timepiece is the Oris Caliber 453, a robust manual-wind movement featuring 7 jewels. The movement plates are clearly stamped with "ORIS WATCH Co SWISS", "SEVEN 7 JEWELS UNADJUSTED", and the "CAL. 453" designation. The movement displays an honest, age-appropriate patina across its surfaces. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +50 to +59 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile grain pattern. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle that coordinates nicely with the tones of the case and dial furniture, providing a comfortable and elegant presence on the wrist. Condition This Oris is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable star, exceptionally well-preserved with a highly desirable, even patina and no severe damage or moisture intrusion. The gold-plated case shows significant, honest wear, including visible softening of the edges and localized plating loss on the lugs and crown, consistent with a well-loved mid-century watch. The acrylic crystal remains clear and free of major distracting scratches. Dimensions The case measures 33 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a classic, understated vintage profile that wears elegantly on the modern wrist. Remarks This timepiece is a superb representation of Oris's most famous complication. The pointer date remains a beloved design among enthusiasts, offering immense historical charm and a visually engaging alternative to the standard date window. It is a character-rich vintage watch that wears its history proudly. History Oris introduced the Pointer Date complication in 1938, and it quickly became a cornerstone of the brand's identity. Originally designed with pilots in mind—who required a highly legible date display that could be read at a glance without the need for a small, easily obscured date window—the central pointer hand aiming at an outer track was a functional triumph. Over the decades, this layout transcended its utilitarian roots to become a beloved aesthetic signature, one that Oris continues to celebrate and produce in their modern Big Crown collections today. / Second Vintage SKU: ORI-OHC-0001