Oris is a darling amongst watch enthusiasts today.

With hits such as the Diver 65, Pointer Date, and Big Crown Pilot line headlining their collection, a slew of awesome special limited-edition models released annually, and a decidedly community-facing way of doing business rounding them out, Oris is appreciated — if not beloved — by beginner and tenured collectors alike.

The Big Crown is perhaps the maison’s most storied collection, with additions both vintage and recent that have become favorites in the eyes of the watch community. This particular Big Crown, a Propilot Reno Air Races Limited Edition, is unique for an interesting reason: The event that it celebrates, the 57th Annual Reno Air Race, never actually occurred — it was canceled upon the onset of COVID-19 back in 2020! Nevertheless, the watch is beautiful in its own right, and deserving of your consideration.

Housed in a 41mm, grey PVD-plated stainless steel case with a fluted bezel, a double-domed sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and an engraved, screw-down caseback, it features a matte black dial with lumed, white ‘Arabic’ indices, an outer minute track, an outer 24-hour track, an inner date track, and a lumed ‘sword’ handset with a blue-tipped GMT hand. Vintage-inspired but contemporary in execution, it makes for an excellent traveler’s watch.

Powering this brute beauty is the Oris Caliber 798, based on the Sellita SW-330. Automatic and featuring 25 jewels and a 41-hour power reserve, it incorporates an independently adjustable GMT hand for quick time zone changes. Paired to the watch is a black textile strap with a grey PVD-plated, stainless steel folding clasp. 

You certainly don’t need to be a pilot to appreciate this sleek, highly modern take on the pilot’s watch aesthetic — though it also wouldn’t hurt! Swing by Analog:Shift to take this one for a spin.