Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 – Honoring a great man’s legacy

In 2015, Oris partnered for the first time with the Carl Brashear Foundation to keep the inspiring legacy of the first African-American diver in the US Navy alive. His name: Carl Brashear. Following a bronze three-hander in 2016 and a chronograph in 2018, this special collaboration is now bearing fruit for the third time.

Caliber 401: The new Caliber 400 with minor modifications

The big highlight of this limited edition watch is arguably the Caliber 401, which is based on the recently introduced Caliber 400. (You can find out all about it here.)

The main difference to the Caliber 400, however, is that the Caliber 401 comes without a date aperture. Instead, it features a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock, which is elegantly integrated between the minute ring and hands. Other than that, the 401 is pretty much identical and relies on the same three pillars as the 400: anti-magnetism, power reserve and warranty.

By using over 30 non-ferrous components – for example silicon for the escape wheel and the pallet – Oris makes the watch virtually insensitive to magnetism. The long power reserve of 120 hours is a result of two barrels that house extended mainsprings, which power the watch with chronometer accuracy over 5 days. Oris claims a maximum deviation of -3/+5 seconds per day, which not only exceeds the COSC standard, but is also backed by an impressive 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Original MN Strap by Erika’s Originals

Another novelty is the super comfortable strap from Erika’s Originals, which is made of a highly elastic nylon fabric. The so-called MN straps (short for Marine Nationale) have their roots in the military: In the 1960s and 1970s, members of the French navy made their own straps from their elastic parachute material, which they could then attach to their strapless diving watches.

Erika, the woman behind the eponymous brand, took up this idea again a few years ago. Today, she successfully manufactures what are some of the most comfortable straps out there.

Availability and price

The third edition of Carl Brashear watches is available as of now and limited to 2000 pieces. All watches come in a luxurious wooden box and are priced at 3,900€.

At a glance:

• Reference: 01 401 7764 3185-Set
• Case diameter: 40mm
• Case material: Bronze
• Winding: Automatic
• Caliber: Oris Calibre 401
• Power reserve: 120h
• Strap: Erika’s Originals
• Water resistance: 100m
• Limited Edition: 2000 pieces
• MSRP: 3,900€

More information at oris.ch.