For over 120 years, Oris has been considered a trailblazer of manufacturing highly functional, highly luxurious timepieces. Weathering the storm of the Quartz Crisis in the 1970’s, the brand has come out on top and continues to show why they are one of the best.
Below, our helpful Oris watch buying guide breaks down everything you need to know about Oris watches. From a rich history to their most breathtaking collections, I cover it all. Let’s get into it!
Innovations & Milestones: The History of Oris
With roots dating back to 1904, Oris began in the humble town of Holstein, Switzerland. Founded by Paul Cattin and George Christian, the factory was named after the gorgeous brook running nearby. The manufacturer worked diligently to produce high quality watches without the heartstopping luxury price.
By 1920, Oris was known internationally fr their wristwatches and clocks. Ensuring to meet demand without sacrificing that all important Swiss-watchmaking quality. 1938 marked one of the biggest years in the brands history. The year they unveiled the Oris Big Crown.
The Oris Big Crown derives its name from the oversized crown, purposefully crafted for pilots to adjust the watch during flight while wearing cumbersome gloves. This collection pays homage to Oris’ aviation heritage, capturing the spirit of early aviators.
Continuing to grow, the brand waited just under 20 years for their next revolutionary release. Their automatic movement features a power reserve display. From there, they worked tirelessly to ensure they were at the forefront of horological advancements.
Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, Oris, like many other brands, could have fell to the hands of the Quartz Crisis. However, they decided to weather the storm and come out on the other side with the release of the Oris Moonphase in 1984.
Today, Oris has become a major player within the world of luxury watches. With their ability to craft high-end Swiss-watches without adding that luxury price tag, customers of all ages and financial backgrounds flock to purchase their timepieces!
The Oris Watch Collections
Oris watches have been in production for over 120 years, allowing them to craft some of the most incredible watches the world has ever seen. Below, I breakdown the most popular collections that Oris has to offer and help you begin your journey to finding your perfect Oris watch.
Oris Aquis
The Oris Aquis seamlessly transitions from office attire to deep-sea adventures. Its sleek design appeals to both men and women, making it one of Oris’ most elegant timepieces. Most importantly, its specifications guarantee safety, regardless of the wearer’s gender. With water resistance up to 300 meters, the Aquis is ready for any aquatic exploration.
A popular model is the Oris Aquis Date. A gorgeous model featuring a large 41.5mm case, a a matching black dial and bezel with striking accents. The stainless-steel bracelet ensures this watch is fit for the office or the ocean.
Crafted for those who adore the feel of adventure, the Oris Aquis is brimming with possibilities. Enhancing your life to become more than simple pleasures.
Oris Artelier
The Oris Artelier showcases both ingenius engineering feats and whimsical designs. Its diverse complications range from indicating the current moonphase to tracking the day of the year. Additionally, certain Artelier models feature in-house movements. A truly incredible collection!
The Oris Artelier S embodies the very essence of the collection. With a slim case, simplicity speaks volumes. Powered by an automatic movement, each tick is precise and reliable. Designed for the modern man who enjoys making the most of any occasion, the Oris Artelier S is sleek and refined in its creation.
Oris Big Crown
While other collections continue to grow in popularity among watch collectors, there is one that Oris can accredit the majority of their success to, the Oris Big Crown. Considered the flagship collection, the Big Crown was first debuted in 1938 and has been a favourite ever since!
The brands perfected aviation watch, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date launched the brand into the limelight. With the iconic pointer that gives the date, slowly moving around the dial each month. This would then advance the classic day date display that is so common in our watches today.
A new generation of the Big Crown was created in 2018 to celebrate the collections 80th anniversary, providing more selection in sizing without sacrificing that nostalgic feeling of such a remarkable watch.
Oris Divers
Over the years, Oris has created some truly gorgeous diving watches for both the professional and the enthusiast. The Oris Divers is a grand display of sleek minimalism. With many of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five featuring brightly coloured dials and straps, especially within the Cotton Candy range.
The Oris Diver Sixty-Five is inspired by the act of skin-diving. A diving activity without the aid of a tank such as snorkelling or free diving. They are designed with a lower water resistance due to their intention to be used near the water's surface.
The Oris Diver Sixty- Five Cotton Candy features both stainless steel and recycled Perlon straps in sky blue, lipstick pink, and wild green. Adding a pop od colour no matter whether your on sea or land.
Oris ProPilot
With the success of the Big Crown, Oris created their newest design, the Oris ProPilot. A sub-category of the innocuous Oris Big Crown, this aviation watch collection quickly garnered the right to be its own collection.
ProPilot, Oris’ pilot tool watch, boasts a minimalist design compared to the pointer date models. It showcases clean dials with highly legible Arabic numerals.
Bringing the past and future together, the Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot Big Date Bronze features the gorgeous bronze case of the older model while adding promising touches of the future of aviation watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Owns Oris?
Unlike the majority of luxury watch brands, Oris remains privately owned. It is not owned by an internatial watch conglomerate like many of its competitors.
Do Oris Watches Hold Their Value?
Oris has worked hard to position itself among the leading luxury watch brands. And subsequently, their watches hold the same resale value as other pre-owned luxury watches. Find out more about our pre-owned service and what selling your watch can do for you.
Do Oris Use In-House Movements?
While having a history that is over a century long, Oris only began creating their own in-house movements in 2014. The brand had a brief stint in in-house movements between 1904 and 1981 before moving to outsourced movements until 2014.
Are Oris Watches Reliable?
Oris has expanded its watchmaking capabilities by producing its own in-house movements, ensuring consistent performance rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, for certain models, Oris selects top-quality outsourced movements known for their reliability. The brand’s diverse portfolio includes GMT watches, day calendars, day-night indicators, power reserve displays, and chronographs.
Since 1904, Oris have produced remarkable timepieces that go above and beyond the expectations of horologists. Finding a passion is pushing past the boundaries, Oris have become a beacon of change in the historic industry. With redefining movements, and timeless designs, the brand will remain as a top luxury brand for generations to come. I hope this Oris Watch Buying Guide helps you find your perfect Oris watch and brings a touch of something more to your journey.
