The Swiss independent house Oris has once again teamed up with sustainable leather specialist Cervo Volante to release a striking new version of its classic pilot-style model: the Big Crown Pointer Date with a burnt maple gradient orange dial and a mahogany deer-leather strap. This edition blends vintage-inspired design, mechanical pedigree, and a genuine sustainability story — making it a compelling option for watch enthusiasts in 2025.
In this review we’ll look at the brand & collaboration background, design & first impressions, full specifications, wearability and styling, strengths & trade-offs, and finally a verdict on who this watch is for (and who should pass).
Oris, founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland, has long been an independent Swiss mechanical watchmaker offering well-designed, accessible Swiss watches. The Big Crown Pointer Date lineage dates back to pilot’s watches of the late 1930s and remains one of Oris’s most iconic collections.
Cervo Volante, founded in 2017, is a Swiss leather goods manufacturer that uses deer hides from the controlled Swiss red-deer cull (about 15,000 animals annually) — hides that would otherwise go unused — and vegetable-tans them into high-quality leather goods.
This cooperation brings the mechanical heritage of Oris together with the sustainability ethos of Cervo Volante: the strap (and travel pouch) are made from deer leather, which gives the piece both story and materials substance.
The new orange-dial version is described by Oris as the latest collaboration in this partnership, introduced in autumn 2025.
On first glance, the standout feature is the dial. The gradient “burnt maple” dial starts at a brighter “burnt sunset orange” centre and transitions to a darker caramel/brownish edge, evoking alpine autumn leaves and deepening sunset skies.
The dial maintains classic pilot’s-watch DNA: Arabic numerals, cathedral-style hands filled with Super-LumiNova, a pointer-date hand with a forest-green tip (a subtle natural nuance) and an outer date track.
The 40 mm stainless-steel case retains the fluted / coin-edge bezel, oversized crown, combination of brushed/thick polished surfaces, and a domed on both sides sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside.
The strap is a mahogany-brown deer leather piece from Cervo Volante, with quick-change system, supplementing the eco-narrative with material texture and visual warmth.
Overall the design feels like a vintage pilot’s watch re-imagined with autumnal color and meaningful materials — less hardcore tool watch, more heritage lifestyle piece with mechanical cred.
Here are the key specifications for this edition:
• Model: Oris × Cervo Volante Big Crown Pointer Date “Burnt Maple”
• Reference: 01 754 7785 4068-Set
• Case: Stainless steel multi-piece, diameter 40.0 mm, thickness 12.20 mm, lug-to-lug 48.20 mm.
• Bezel: Coin/coin-edge / fluted bezel (retro pilot cue)
• Crystal: Domed on both sides sapphire with internal anti-reflective coating; see-through case-back (mineral glass)
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 bar)
• Dial: Burnt maple gradient orange dial (bright centre fading to deeper orange/brown periphery); Arabic numerals; pointer date hand tipped in forest green; cathedral hands with Super-LumiNova.
• Movement: Oris Calibre 754, automatic, 4 Hz (28,800 vph), 26 jewels, power reserve 41 hours.
• Strap: Mahogany-brown deer leather strap by Cervo Volante (quick-change system) + matching deer-leather travel pouch included.
• Retail Price: CHF 2,250 (approx USD $2,600) at launch.
• Availability: October 2025
At 40 mm diameter and lug-to-lug 48.2 mm, this watch should wear comfortably on many wrists, though the thickness of 12.2 mm (domed crystal) gives it a presence. If you have smaller wrists (< ~16.5 cm / ~6.5″) you’ll want to check it in person for how the lugs extend.
The warm orange gradient dial and mahogany strap make this piece more of a casual heritage / autumn-friendly lifestyle watch rather than a strict tool/instrument watch. Its colors pair beautifully with brown leather, tweed, earth-tones, cream shirts, field jackets – less so with business formal black/tux though it could still work depending on strap swaps.
The 50 m water resistance is modest: fine for general wear, maybe light splash or rain, but not for serious swimming/diving. The quick-change strap system is a bonus if you want to swap to a textile or rubber for more active use.
Because of its distinctive color and pattern, this model will draw attention — if you prefer ultra-subtle monochrome dials, this might feel more expressive than you want. But if you enjoy watches with personality and material story, it hits nicely.
• Distinctive dial: The burnt-maple gradient orange dial is eye-catching yet tasteful, combining heritage pilot cues with seasonal tones.
• Sustainability credentials: The collaboration with Cervo Volante for deer-leather straps from repurposed hides gives this watch a meaningful story beyond looks.
• Mechanical value: Swiss automatic movement, classic pointer date complication, solid finishing and heritage design.
• Good value relative to the bundle: For CHF 2,250 (~USD 2,600) you get mechanical watch, heritage case, special strap + pouch.
• Versatility: Despite niche color, the warm tones and leather strap make it quite wearable for casual/smart-casual use.
• Water resistance only 50 m: This limits sporty/wet-environment use.
• Thickness 12.2 mm: Under cuffs it may be more conspicuous than ultra-slim pieces.
• Dial color is bold: While appealing, it may not suit those who prefer understated black/blue/grey dials.
• Leather strap rather than metal bracelet: If you prefer a bracelet or want a watch for all weather activities, this may require aftermarket changes.
• Not explicitly numbered / limited run (though distributed as special edition) — for collectors seeking scarcity premium, this may be less attractive.
• Appreciate vintage pilot-watch styling (coin-edge bezel, oversized crown, pointer date complication) but want a splash of color and personality.
• Are looking for a Swiss mechanical watch under ~USD 3,000 with both heritage and sustainable materials story.
• Prefer leather-strap watches with warm tones and enjoy casual-to-smart-casual styling rather than strictly formal or sport tool watches.
• Value meaningful narrative in watch design (eco-materials, collaboration) and want something a bit different from the usual black/white/blue dials.
• Need high water resistance (100 m+ or diving capabilities) or plan heavy sport/water use.
• Prefer ultra-slim watches for formal wear or have very small wrists and worry about lug-to-lug fit.
• Prefer ultra-neutral or monochrome dials (black/grey) rather than color that draws attention.
• Require a metal bracelet coupled with the watch rather than strap-only.
• Are primarily buying for investment/collector scarcity (since production may not be strictly limited or numbered).
The Oris × Cervo Volante Big Crown Pointer Date “Burnt Maple” edition is a compelling offering in 2025: it takes a well-loved heritage pilot watch formula and infuses it with color, material story, and sustainable design. The burnt orange gradient dial is bold yet refined, the mahogany deer-leather strap adds warmth and texture, and the mechanical credentials are solid.
While it may not be a hardcore sports watch (given 50 m WR) or ultra-minimal dress piece, it delivers strong value, narrative and styling for its price point. If you like the color, appreciate the leather strap, and want something that stands out with substance — this is a watch definitely worthy of consideration.
If I were to gauge it — perhaps a score of 8/10 in its category: strong on individuality, story, value; minor deductions for water resistance and more expressive color for some tastes.
Brand & Collaboration Background
Oris, founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland, has long been an independent Swiss mechanical watchmaker offering well-designed, accessible Swiss watches. The Big Crown Pointer Date lineage dates back to pilot’s watches of the late 1930s and remains one of Oris’s most iconic collections.
Cervo Volante, founded in 2017, is a Swiss leather goods manufacturer that uses deer hides from the controlled Swiss red-deer cull (about 15,000 animals annually) — hides that would otherwise go unused — and vegetable-tans them into high-quality leather goods.
This cooperation brings the mechanical heritage of Oris together with the sustainability ethos of Cervo Volante: the strap (and travel pouch) are made from deer leather, which gives the piece both story and materials substance.
The new orange-dial version is described by Oris as the latest collaboration in this partnership, introduced in autumn 2025.
First Impressions & Design Language
On first glance, the standout feature is the dial. The gradient “burnt maple” dial starts at a brighter “burnt sunset orange” centre and transitions to a darker caramel/brownish edge, evoking alpine autumn leaves and deepening sunset skies.
The dial maintains classic pilot’s-watch DNA: Arabic numerals, cathedral-style hands filled with Super-LumiNova, a pointer-date hand with a forest-green tip (a subtle natural nuance) and an outer date track.
The strap is a mahogany-brown deer leather piece from Cervo Volante, with quick-change system, supplementing the eco-narrative with material texture and visual warmth.
Overall the design feels like a vintage pilot’s watch re-imagined with autumnal color and meaningful materials — less hardcore tool watch, more heritage lifestyle piece with mechanical cred.
Technical Specifications & Details
Here are the key specifications for this edition:
• Model: Oris × Cervo Volante Big Crown Pointer Date “Burnt Maple”
• Reference: 01 754 7785 4068-Set
• Case: Stainless steel multi-piece, diameter 40.0 mm, thickness 12.20 mm, lug-to-lug 48.20 mm.
• Bezel: Coin/coin-edge / fluted bezel (retro pilot cue)
• Crystal: Domed on both sides sapphire with internal anti-reflective coating; see-through case-back (mineral glass)
• Water Resistance: 50 m (5 bar)
• Dial: Burnt maple gradient orange dial (bright centre fading to deeper orange/brown periphery); Arabic numerals; pointer date hand tipped in forest green; cathedral hands with Super-LumiNova.
• Movement: Oris Calibre 754, automatic, 4 Hz (28,800 vph), 26 jewels, power reserve 41 hours.
• Strap: Mahogany-brown deer leather strap by Cervo Volante (quick-change system) + matching deer-leather travel pouch included.
• Retail Price: CHF 2,250 (approx USD $2,600) at launch.
• Availability: October 2025
Wearability, Sizing & Style Notes
At 40 mm diameter and lug-to-lug 48.2 mm, this watch should wear comfortably on many wrists, though the thickness of 12.2 mm (domed crystal) gives it a presence. If you have smaller wrists (< ~16.5 cm / ~6.5″) you’ll want to check it in person for how the lugs extend.
The warm orange gradient dial and mahogany strap make this piece more of a casual heritage / autumn-friendly lifestyle watch rather than a strict tool/instrument watch. Its colors pair beautifully with brown leather, tweed, earth-tones, cream shirts, field jackets – less so with business formal black/tux though it could still work depending on strap swaps.
Because of its distinctive color and pattern, this model will draw attention — if you prefer ultra-subtle monochrome dials, this might feel more expressive than you want. But if you enjoy watches with personality and material story, it hits nicely.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
• Distinctive dial: The burnt-maple gradient orange dial is eye-catching yet tasteful, combining heritage pilot cues with seasonal tones.
• Sustainability credentials: The collaboration with Cervo Volante for deer-leather straps from repurposed hides gives this watch a meaningful story beyond looks.
• Mechanical value: Swiss automatic movement, classic pointer date complication, solid finishing and heritage design.
• Good value relative to the bundle: For CHF 2,250 (~USD 2,600) you get mechanical watch, heritage case, special strap + pouch.
• Versatility: Despite niche color, the warm tones and leather strap make it quite wearable for casual/smart-casual use.
Trade-offs / Considerations:
• Water resistance only 50 m: This limits sporty/wet-environment use.
• Thickness 12.2 mm: Under cuffs it may be more conspicuous than ultra-slim pieces.
• Dial color is bold: While appealing, it may not suit those who prefer understated black/blue/grey dials.
• Leather strap rather than metal bracelet: If you prefer a bracelet or want a watch for all weather activities, this may require aftermarket changes.
• Not explicitly numbered / limited run (though distributed as special edition) — for collectors seeking scarcity premium, this may be less attractive.
Who Should Buy It — And Who Should Pass
This watch is a great choice if you:
• Appreciate vintage pilot-watch styling (coin-edge bezel, oversized crown, pointer date complication) but want a splash of color and personality.
• Are looking for a Swiss mechanical watch under ~USD 3,000 with both heritage and sustainable materials story.
• Prefer leather-strap watches with warm tones and enjoy casual-to-smart-casual styling rather than strictly formal or sport tool watches.
• Value meaningful narrative in watch design (eco-materials, collaboration) and want something a bit different from the usual black/white/blue dials.
You might want to pass (or consider alternatives) if you:
• Need high water resistance (100 m+ or diving capabilities) or plan heavy sport/water use.
• Prefer ultra-slim watches for formal wear or have very small wrists and worry about lug-to-lug fit.
• Prefer ultra-neutral or monochrome dials (black/grey) rather than color that draws attention.
• Require a metal bracelet coupled with the watch rather than strap-only.
• Are primarily buying for investment/collector scarcity (since production may not be strictly limited or numbered).
Final Thoughts
The Oris × Cervo Volante Big Crown Pointer Date “Burnt Maple” edition is a compelling offering in 2025: it takes a well-loved heritage pilot watch formula and infuses it with color, material story, and sustainable design. The burnt orange gradient dial is bold yet refined, the mahogany deer-leather strap adds warmth and texture, and the mechanical credentials are solid.
While it may not be a hardcore sports watch (given 50 m WR) or ultra-minimal dress piece, it delivers strong value, narrative and styling for its price point. If you like the color, appreciate the leather strap, and want something that stands out with substance — this is a watch definitely worthy of consideration.
[photo credits: www.oris.ch]
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