A Brief History of Oris Watches
Founded in 1904 by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian in the Swiss town of Hölstein, Oris began with a clear vision: to produce high-quality, reliable mechanical watches at accessible prices. From its early days, Oris distinguished itself by focusing solely on mechanical movements, a commitment it proudly maintains today under its “Go Your Own Way” philosophy. Throughout its history, the brand has weathered industry shifts, including the quartz crisis, by staying true to its roots and maintaining its independence, allowing it to innovate freely.
Oris quickly gained recognition for its robust and practical timepieces, particularly pilot’s watches featuring the signature “Big Crown” for easy operation with gloves, and the innovative Pointer Date complication introduced in 1938. These functional designs became hallmarks of the brand. Unlike many Swiss counterparts associated purely with luxury, Oris built its reputation on creating durable, functional, and value-driven mechanical watches for everyday enthusiasts and professionals alike, fostering a loyal following that appreciates both the engineering and the spirit behind the brand.
Oris’s Philosophy: Mechanical Movements, Real-World Value, and Making a Difference
Oris remains fiercely independent and committed exclusively to mechanical watchmaking. This focus allows them to channel their resources into developing innovative movements and practical features. A prime example is the groundbreaking Calibre 400 series, an in-house automatic movement family boasting a 5-day power reserve, high levels of anti-magnetism, and impressive 10-year recommended service intervals and warranties. This demonstrates Oris’s dedication to pushing mechanical performance boundaries while offering tangible benefits to the owner.
Beyond technical innovation, Oris is deeply committed to “Change for the Better,” actively partnering with various environmental and conservation organizations. Many Oris watches directly support initiatives related to ocean conservation, clean water projects, and wildlife protection, often reflected in special edition designs. This commitment to sustainability and making a positive impact resonates strongly with modern consumers. Oris watches are widely regarded as offering exceptional value, providing Swiss mechanical quality, thoughtful design, and often in-house movement technology at competitive price points, making them a respected choice among seasoned collectors and newcomers.
Below is a list of our top 10 favorite Oris models:
10. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze (Ref. 01 754 7741 3167-07 5 20 58BR) – $2,600 msrp
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is arguably the brand’s most iconic design. This version, cased in multi-piece bronze with a striking green dial, develops a unique patina over time, making each watch personal. It features the signature oversized crown, originally designed for pilots wearing gloves, and the classic pointer date complication indicated by a central hand with a crescent tip. It’s a timeless piece that perfectly encapsulates Oris’s heritage and design language, offering a fantastic entry into the brand with a unique material twist.
9. Oris Aquis Date (Ref. 01 733 7730 4157-07 8 24 05PEB) – $2,500 msrp
The Oris Aquis Date is a cornerstone of Oris’s modern dive watch collection. Known for its robust build quality, distinctive integrated bracelet design, and excellent legibility, it offers serious dive watch credentials (typically 300m water resistance) with a refined aesthetic. The ceramic bezel insert adds scratch resistance and a touch of gloss. Available in various sizes and colors, like this popular gradient blue dial, the Aquis is a versatile and highly capable tool watch that represents outstanding value in the Swiss diver category.
8. Oris Divers Sixty-Five (Ref. 01 733 7707 4055-07 8 20 18) – $2,400 msrp
Reviving a design from Oris’s first diver watch in 1965, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five collection blends vintage charm with modern watchmaking. This popular model features a slim profile, a retro-inspired dial layout often with distinctive numerals, and a domed sapphire crystal that mimics the acrylic crystals of the past. While offering respectable 100m water resistance, its appeal lies more in its stylish, nostalgic design than hardcore diving specs. It’s a characterful watch that wears comfortably and looks great in various settings.
7. Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date (Ref. 01 751 7761 4164-07 8 20 08) – $2,100 msrp
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Date exemplifies Oris’s long-standing connection to aviation. It features a highly legible dial inspired by cockpit instruments, the namesake oversized crown for easy handling, and a distinctive turbine-patterned bezel edge. The “Big Date” complication provides an easily readable date display through two large windows. Often paired with durable textile straps or a sturdy bracelet featuring Oris’s “LIFT” buckle inspired by airplane seatbelts, this watch is a functional and stylish modern pilot’s watch.
6. Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 (Ref. 01 400 7763 4135-07 8 24 09PEB) – $3,900 msrp
Elevating the popular Aquis platform, the Aquis Date Calibre 400 incorporates Oris’s revolutionary in-house automatic movement. This upgrade provides a massive 5-day power reserve, enhanced anti-magnetism, and the confidence of a 10-year warranty and service interval. Externally, it maintains the Aquis’s robust design and dive capabilities, often adding features like Oris’s patented Quick Strap Change system. This model represents a significant step up in performance and technology, embodying Oris’s modern watchmaking prowess within their flagship diver.
5. Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 (Ref. 01 400 7778 7158-07 7 20 01TLC) – $4,600 msrp
The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 marks a bold, contemporary design direction for Oris. Featuring an angular, aviation-inspired titanium case and integrated bracelet, it’s lightweight and incredibly comfortable. The minimalist dial, available in striking colors like this salmon pink, allows the focus to remain on the architecture and the powerful Calibre 400 movement visible through the sapphire case back. It blends Oris’s pilot watch heritage with modern aesthetics and cutting-edge mechanics, appealing to those seeking a unique and high-performance timepiece.
4. Oris Aquis GMT Date (Ref. 01 798 7754 4135-07 8 24 05PEB) – $3,200 msrp
Adding travel functionality to the robust Aquis platform, the Oris Aquis GMT Date incorporates a fourth hand and a 24-hour scale (often on the ceramic bezel insert) to track a second time zone. This makes it an ideal companion for frequent travelers who also need a durable, water-resistant watch. Models like the “Whale Shark” limited edition highlight Oris’s commitment to conservation, featuring unique dial textures inspired by marine life. It combines the practicality of a GMT with the proven capability of the Aquis design.
3. Oris Divers Sixty-Five ‘Cotton Candy’ (Ref. 01 733 7771 3155-07 8 19 15) – $2,900 msrp
Injecting vibrant color and personality into the Divers Sixty-Five line, the ‘Cotton Candy’ series features bronze cases paired with playful pastel dials in sky blue, wild green, or lipstick pink. Offered in a versatile 38mm size, these watches maintain the vintage charm of the Sixty-Five but add a fun, modern twist. The bronze case develops a unique patina, contrasting beautifully with the bright dials. They demonstrate Oris’s willingness to experiment with color and materials while staying true to their core designs.
2. Oris Aquis Date Upcycle (Ref. 01 733 7766 4150-Set) – $2,700 msrp
Directly reflecting Oris’s commitment to environmental causes, the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle features a stunning and unique dial made from recycled PET plastic. Each dial has a completely random pattern of colors, meaning no two watches are exactly alike. Based on the popular Aquis Date platform, it retains the robust build, ceramic bezel, and 300m water resistance. The Upcycle is not just a capable dive watch; it’s a statement piece that highlights the beauty that can be found in recycled materials and promotes awareness of ocean plastic pollution.
1. Oris Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 115 (Ref. 01 115 7759 7153-Set7 22 01TLC) – $8,200 msrp
Representing a pinnacle of Oris’s in-house movement development and modern design, the Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 115 showcases a stunning skeletonized movement within the angular titanium ProPilot X case. The hand-wound Calibre 115 boasts an incredible 10-day power reserve, indicated prominently on the dial, alongside a non-linear power reserve indicator that shows the remaining energy with greater precision as it winds down. This watch is a technical marvel and a bold statement piece, demonstrating Oris’s capabilities in haute horlogerie while maintaining their characteristic aviation-inspired design language. It perfectly fuses mechanical artistry with futuristic aesthetics.
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