Oris

The History of Oris

The history of the Swiss watch brand Oris has been marked by ups and downs. Highly successful years were followed by crises and the strength to reinvent itself. Founded in 1904 in the Swiss town of Hölstein by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, Oris soon embarked on a successful path. The Swiss Watch Statute was to have a decisive influence on the company’s history between 1934 and 1966, as a law prevented the introduction of lever escapements. For a time, it was the production of alarm clocks that kept Oris alive.

With the freedom to develop, the Oris Calibre 482 was created and went on to make history. In the 1960s, the manufacture was one of the most important brands in the world, but its integration into ASUAG (later the Swatch Group) and the quartz crisis also presented Oris with an existential challenge. Independence and a focus exclusively on mechanical Watches marked the beginning of a new, successful chapter.

Technical Innovations from Oris

Over the years, Oris has brought numerous innovative developments to the market, enriching the luxury watch segment. The Calibre 400 (manufacture movement), with a 120-hour Power Reserve, high resistance to magnetism, and a patented low-friction sliding bearing, is so impressive that Oris offers a 10-year warranty on it. The Rotation Safety System (RSS) is a safety bezel for extremely deep dives that locks against accidental adjustment. The Red Rotor, visible through the exhibition case back, has also become a trademark feature.

The Most Popular Watches from Oris

The Aquis, a modern Dive Watch, is one of Oris’s best-known model lines. It is characterized by a robust case, a ceramic bezel, and high water resistance. The Divers Sixty-Five is also part of the Dive Watch segment. However, Oris takes a retro approach here, drawing inspiration from the successful 1960s. The Big Crown Pointer Date makes a distinctive statement as a pilot’s watch. Its unusually large crown was specifically designed for pilots wearing leather gloves, but it has since become a permanent stylistic feature. The ProPilot and ProPilot X impress with their striking appearance, featuring a skeletonized Dial, a titanium case, and eye-catching bezel structures inspired by jet turbines.

Did You Know This About Oris?

Because demand for Watches fell drastically during the Second World War, production was switched to table alarm clocks. The 8-day alarm clock is legendary.

The ProPilot X Kermit Edition offers its wearer a special feature: on the first day of each month, Kermit’s face appears in the date window. Oris has declared this day “Kermit Day”.

Buy Used Oris Watches

Used Oris Watches offer excellent value for money. Especially in the entry-level segment, selected model lines can already be found for under 1,000 euros. The most popular editions, such as the Oris Artelier, Oris Aquis and Oris Divers Sixty-Five, can be found in the price range between 1,000 and 2,000 euros. An Oris Big Crown ProPilot X or an Oris Aquis Date Upcycle belongs more to the brand’s premium range and costs between 2,000 and 4,000 euros. Overall, Oris Watches prove to be an excellent investment with high quality.