Review: Oris x Bamford Watch Dept. ProPilot Altimeter ‘Mission Control’

Altitude Meets Attitude: Oris x Bamford’s Limited-Edition Marvel

Strap in, altitude junkies and horology heads—Oris and Bamford Watch Department have just launched a wrist rocket that’s equal parts retro swagger and mechanical wizardry. The ProPilot Altimeter ‘Mission Control’ isn’t just a watch—it’s a statement, a tool, and a collectible all rolled into one carbon-fibre-clad beast.

🚀 Design That Pops Like a Supernova

Bamford’s signature 80s aesthetic is in full throttle here. Think neon sneaker culture meets cockpit instrumentation. The matte black dial is electrified with lime green, yellow, and red accents, giving it a vibe that’s part Kubrick, part Back to the Future. Even the strap gets in on the action, lined with yellow and green leather that peeks out like a flash of vintage Nike Air.

This isn’t just playful—it’s purposeful. The bold colours enhance legibility, especially for the altimeter scale, which wraps around the dial like a mission-critical readout.

🛠️ Materials: Built for Orbit

The case is a single-piece carbon-fibre composite, developed with Swiss aerospace firm 9T Labs. It’s lighter than titanium, stronger than steel, and each case has a unique layered pattern—no two are exactly alike. Add in a grey PVD-coated titanium bezel and caseback, and you’ve got a watch that’s rugged enough for mountain peaks or zero gravity.

Despite its 47mm diameter and 16.7mm thickness, the watch wears surprisingly light—just 98 grams, thanks to the carbon construction.

🧭 Movement & Altimeter: A World First

Here’s where things get wild. The ‘Mission Control’ is the only automatic Swiss-made watch in the world with a built-in mechanical altimeter. That’s right—no batteries, no sensors, just pure mechanical genius.

Central hours, minutes, and sweep seconds
Quick-set date
Hacking seconds
56-hour power reserve

The altimeter module is completely decoupled from the movement via Oris’ patented twin-dial construction, ensuring the rotor doesn’t mess with pressure readings. The crown at 4 o’clock activates and calibrates the altimeter, which can measure altitude up to 19,700 feet (over 6,000 metres), with real-time feedback via a yellow indicator and red pressure marker.

🎯 Limited Edition: Only 250 Pieces

With just 250 units worldwide, this is a collector’s grail in the making. Whether you’re a pilot, a mountaineer, or just someone who appreciates mechanical innovation wrapped in bold design, the ‘Mission Control’ is destined to become a sought-after piece.

Retailing at CHF 6,700 / USD 8,100 / AUD $12,800, it’s not cheap—but then again, neither is space travel.

⭐ Final Verdict

Altitude With An Attitude: That’s what this Oris x Bamford Wrist-Bound Rocket Is!

The Oris x Bamford ProPilot Altimeter ‘Mission Control’ is a horological mic drop. It’s daring, technically brilliant, and unapologetically fun. Bamford’s 80s flair injects life into Oris’ tool-watch DNA, while the mechanical altimeter sets it apart from anything else on the market.

If you want a watch that turns heads, starts conversations, and might just help you navigate the stratosphere—this is it.

🧭 Specifications

Case Diameter: 47.00 mm
Case Material: Multi-piece carbon fibre composite with titanium grey PVD plating
Movement: Oris Calibre 793 automatic movement
Power Reserve: Approximately 56 hours
Water Resistance: 10 bar (100 meters)
Altimeter: Mechanical altimeter measuring up to 19,700 feet (6,000 meters)
Dial: Black with vibrant, space-themed accents designed by BWD
Strap: Textile strap with a technical, utilitarian aesthetic
Edition: Limited to 250 pieces worldwide
Presentation: Delivered in a special presentation box