Oris Big Crown: A Size Comparison

jml_watches · 2015-12-21T14:33:33Z

Is the Oris Big Crown truly big? Jml_watches measures crown diameter vs. case thickness across multiple watches, including Seiko and JLC, for a data-driven comparison.

jml_watches

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

3 replies557 views6 photos

Jml_watches embarks on a practical investigation to determine if the crown on his Oris Big Crown truly lives up to its name. Using calipers, he measures the crown diameter and case thickness of several watches, including his Oris, to calculate the crown's proportion relative to the case, offering a quantitative perspective on a common watch descriptor.

Hi All

I've had an Oris Big Crown for the best part of 20 years - I thought stuck me recently when saw the size of it compared against my Seiko Sarx029, is the crown really that big?

Urushi and Big Crown

Essential kit

Better shot of the Big Crown

So with the help of hitting a well known auction site I managed to get some callipers nice and cheap - accurate to .1mm by all accounts

So I chose a few of my watches and measured both the crown and the thickness of the case, I'm sure I could have used case diameter or width between lugs too, but as we all know there are lies damned likes and watch statistics!

So a quick table below which notes the details above and the crown size as a proportion of case thickness.

Watch Crown Diameter Case thickness Proportion

Big Crown 6.8 11.1 75.5

Seiko 5 4.0 11.2 44.8

Bellmatic 5.3 13.6 39.0

Seiko Urushi 6.6 12.2 54.1

Master Moon 4.9 10.5 51.5

EMAS Diver 7.4 12.5 59.2

Swatch Skin 2.3 4.0 57.5

Vulcain Cricket 5.8 12.1 47.9

? 10.8 11.1 97.3

So is the Big Crown still a big crown - or even the biggest? Its terms of absolute size no, its the second largest (if you exclude the left field option at the end). As a proportion yes it is again excluding the final option. So yes for me it does still meet its description - and certainly with the set of watches that I own. I'm well aware that that of this had been assessed differently - case diameter then it may have been different, but also if I had a different group of watches to look at. I think anything from Chronoswiss with an onion crown may well have been head and shoulders above everything else both in absolute terms and as the proportion used.

So whats the joker in the pack - its obvious really

The watch with no crown

Slide do not lift - the crown that's not a crown

A big fat close up of that Big Crown

So what else has a big crown? Which do prefer and do you have something that trumps the Oris?

Cheers

JML

This message has been edited by jml_watches on 2015-12-21 14:35:50 This message has been edited by jml_watches on 2015-12-21 15:01:35

Key Points from the Discussion

The proportion and tactile feedback of a crown significantly impact the overall experience and perception of a watch, with some bulbous designs being less agreeable in person despite looking good in photos.
A well-proportioned crown can greatly enhance a watch's appeal, while a distracting crown can detract from an otherwise attractive timepiece. The crown is a primary point of interaction, influencing the wearer's connection through winding and setting.
While some crowns may appear prominent in photos, they can work well on the wrist without being distracting, and the crown's importance is underscored by its role in the pleasurable act of winding a watch.

The Discussion

Dr No

Jan 3, 2016

. . . to my RGM 222 . . . . . . was the crown. Bulbous onions look cool in pics, but in the metal, more disagreeable than not. I didn't care for the tactile feedback, and the eccentricity wore on my senses after just a short while. A well proportioned crown works wonders . . . . . . for aesthetic appeal. Cordially, Art

jml_watches

Jan 5, 2016

Though I can understand that they have a significant impact on what you think of your watch. Especially as its one of the main ways you connect with it, through winding it and setting it. I'll admit to look at some watches and thinking that the crown distracted from what would otherwise be a very nice watch. Converserly as you say there are some that really add to the overall appeal. Currently one of favourites is on Nomos Metro - the knurled effect looks great and feels in keeping with the whol

KMII

Jan 5, 2016

I have always thought the PSM crowns too prominent, until I tried one on - on the wrist it worked and did not distract at all. And yes, as winding is a pleasurable way to connect with the watch, the crown is of supreme importance Thanks for the comparison, btw.

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