Oris watches may not be as famous as other luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. However, this luxury watch brand also packs an interesting history and impressive catalog. Watch enthusiasts cannot find a lack of things to say about Oris. After all, It offers many fascinating pieces – from heavy-duty tool watches to vintage-looking timepieces. Even though it will be difficult to tackle everything about this luxury brand, today, we will be taking a closer look at this underrated powerhouse.
A Brief History of Oris Watches
George Christian and Paul Cattin founded Oris Watch in 1904. They named the brand after a brook that ran near their hometown in Holstein, Switzerland. They invested the first two decades of the company in expansion and manufacturing. By 1925, Oris’s operations already involved 6 factories and 300 employees in Holstein alone. During this time, the brand also started manufacturing wristwatches. In 1927, after the death of George Christian, Jacques-David LeCoultre joined Oris as its president of the Board of Directors.
Oris continued to make waves in the watch industry. Its Big Crown was first produced in 1938. It was a watch made for pilots who wanted to keep using their watches while wearing leather gloves. During World War II, Oris was able to stay in the industry by steering their production into making alarm clocks. By 1952, the watchmaker released its very first automatic watch—the Caliber 601. More than a decade later, the brand released its first dive watch with unique arabic numerals which are lumed. In 2015, 50 years after its initial release, the very same diving watch was relaunched as the Oris Diver Sixty-Five.
In the 70s, Oris was acquired by ASUAG (later known as The Swatch Group). Just twelve short years later, the past proprietors of Oris, Ulrich W. Herzog and Dr. Rolf Portmann, were able to perform a management buyout that helped Oris gain back its independence. During that time, the brand was suffering under the Quartz Crisis. The duo then decided to return to mechanical watchmaking instead. Through this, the brand was able to stand tall and hold a special position in the watch industry up to this day.
The Oris Catalog
Today, Oris offers a wide array of watches with its extensive catalog that is mainly divided into four categories—Aviation, Culture, Diving, and Motor Sport. In each category, there are a variety of designs and models being produced.
- Aviation: This category offers watches with a number of practical tools like GMTs, altimeter and chronographs. The Big Crown design is part of this line.
- Culture: This collection features dress watches that can be used for casual and formal events. The timepieces in this line include ones with round and rectangular cases, and those with skeletonized calibers.
- Diving: This category features task-focused diving watches. The original dive watch from 1965 is usually the foundation for the watches under this line. The Aquis and Prodiver are just some of the modern models that the brand offers for diving.
- Motor Sport: This category has two significant highlights. First is the Chronoris. It is a vintage-inspired chronograph series that gives a fresh spin on the original ‘70s model watch. Secondly, this collection also features a variety of watch models that were created for the Williams F1 team sponsorship.
Three Oris Watch Models to Check Out
As we’ve discussed, Oris has an extensive collection much like other luxurious watch brands. If you are looking for pieces you can add to your collection, here are some models that you might be interested in:
- Oris 57th Reno Air Races Limited Edition Automatic Black Dial Men’s Watch
This watch is part of the Big Crown series. It boasts the Oris Caliber 798 movement encased in stainless steel. The dial is black with luminous silver-toned hands and indexes. It packs a power reserve of 42 hours and has a water resistance of up to a depth of 100 meters. - Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 Automatic Blue Dial Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
This powerful diving watch packs a water resistance feature that can last up to a depth of 300 meters. It also has a power reserve of up to 120 hours. It has a protective case and strap made of stainless steel and ceramic. Its dial comes in dark blue and has luminous silver-toned hands and stick indexes. It has a transparent back that showcases the Oris Caliber 400 movement inside the powerful tool. - Oris Artix GT Skeleton Automatic Skeleton Dial Men’s Watch
This eye-catching watch features a transparent dial showcasing the Oris 734 base SW 200-1 movement that powers this powerful tool. It is built with a stainless steel case with luminescent silver-tone hands and indexes. It comes in a 42mm diameter case and it has a power reserve of 38 hours and 100 meter water resistance feature.
An Oris For You
If you are looking for a watch to add to your collection, getting an Oris timepiece is a great move. It may not be as well-known as a Rolex, but that only means you would have a more unique watch on your wrist. It will also be a great conversation starter since the brand has an extensive history and interesting background.
Oris also offers a variety of watches all falling under 4 different categories. Their catalog offers diversity which makes it easier to find a timepiece that can fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you are a person who conquers the land, air or sea, Oris has a powerful watch for you. Their designs also offer different varieties, so whatever the occasion may be, you’ll be sure to find a watch with the style you are looking for.
If you’re planning to buy an Oris Watch, you have our full support! It’s a brand with a rich history and variety – enough to meet any need and desire. What other reason do you need?
What are your thoughts on Oris Watches? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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