Last Updated on November 9, 2019 by swisswatchreview
A Swiss watch company popular for its mechanical or automatic watches, Oris has been around for over 100 years. Watch enthusiasts across the world consider Oris as an exclusive Swiss brand offering affordable mechanical watches. The brand was established in 1904 in Switzerland with its headquarters in the city of Holstein. The name was derived from a creek and valley called Oris located close to Holstein. In less than ten years, the company had become the biggest employer in the city. By 1960, Oris had become one of the largest watch companies in the world, producing about 1.2 million timepieces per year.
In this post, we take a closer look at if Oris Watches are any good and review its models to help you learn more about this brand and its products.
Oris Watches Brand History
Oris opened its first branch in Switzerland in 1906. In 1911, the watch manufacturer had expanded its business and employed a number of new workers. In 1925, it opened its first ever electroplating production. Oris had started making affordable high-quality watches and selling them to new customers in South America, the United Kingdom and the British Colonies. By 1929, the company had a total of six factories. In 1942, the company developed a way to harden the brass construction to ensure the durability and accuracy of the watch for years. It started getting popular for the quality of its watch plating. By 1949, the company had started getting increasingly involved in the manufacture of water-resistant models. In 1970, the producer introduced its first ever chronograph watch. It released the Jazz Collection in 1996 and prioritizing the shape and form of the models, it released the full steel collection in 1998. The watch producer launched its sporty design watch in 1999. Allan McNish, Formula 1 driver started using Oris watches in 2002 and the luxury brand became the timekeeper of the Formula 1 team BMW Williams. Oris has never made a single battery-driven watch and will never do. The designs are functional and practical and intended for daily use.
Oris Watch Collections
Oris watches are quite versatile with models falling in one of the four categories or families; namely Aviation, Diving, Motorsport and Culture. Let us discuss these families in detail and talk about some of the best watches from each collection.
Culture Collection
This collection consists of classic looking models and limited editions designed to pay tribute to various cultural and artistic influences. There is a wide array of watches under this line in different designs and technologies to choose from. One can select from leather and stainless steel strap, chronometers, diamonds, skeleton styles and more.
One of the most popular watches from this collection is the Oris Calibre 113 with some of the excellent reviews. Another watch from the Artelier collection is the Oris Classic Date which is a simple but stylish timepiece with engraved indices and numeral, blue dial and 3-piece stainless steel case. With a dial measuring 28.5mm, the watch looks great on small as well as big wrists.
Diving Collection
Oris offers a wide range of watches under three dive categories – Aquis, Divers and Prodiver. Oceans Project limited edition watch from the Aquis series comes with a blue gradient dial, stainless steel construction, rotating bezel and circular date window. The edition is limited to 2000 pieces.
The Divers line combines the brand’s latest technologies and vintage aesthetic. You can select from a number of watch models with different technologies and designs. One of the most popular models is the Oris Divers Sixty Five made out of corrosion-resistant steel. The 40mm watch is a great dress watch which can be used in water activities such as snorkeling and swimming. It features a scratch-proof sapphire crystal and an anti-reflective coating.
Oris ProDiver collection boasts a patented RSS bezel locking system. These models are 1000-meter water-resistant and ideal for serious diving activities. The ProDiver GMT has a titanium case, automatic helium escape valve and rubber strap. The ProDiver chronograph has 51mm titanium case and boasts the brand’s innovative Rotation Safety System.
Aviation Collection
This collection features impressive pilot watches loved by experts as well as beginners. One does not need to be into the aviation field to enjoy the exciting functions and designs of this collection. The watches feature a day window, bold, big numerals, big case and luminous hands and markers. The limited edition 40mm model, Oris Big Crown 1917 is a uniquely designed classic watch. The 40th Squadron Limited Edition is another model from this collection.
The Oris Big Crown is another series highlighting the brand’s signature designs and a great choice for a classic pilot watch. The Big Crown 1917 is a limited edition 40mm watch designed as a homage to the brand’s first pilot watch. It was introduced as 1917 pieces only and includes an extra leather strap.
Motor Sport Collection
This collection comprises of four categories, the most popular being the Oris Williams Series introduced as a partnership with the Williams Formula 1 Team in 2003. The FW41 is one of its latest releases introduced as 41 pieces chronograph. Newer models have been launched over these years in this series including the lightweight Chronograph C.F.C, a 44mm chronograph with durable rubber strap and titanium case. Another unique make is the Chronograph Carbon Fibre Extreme that the company claims to have featured a technique that has never been done in the history of watchmaking before. Oris TT1, Oris Artix GT and Oris Chronoris are other collections from the Motor Sport family.
Is Oris a Good Investment?
With a comparatively affordable price tag, Oris watches are great investments. The collections described here have an extensive array of models and it is a good idea to read about them on the company’s website. The trusted Swiss brand continues producing some of the best watches in the world. It makes exciting, innovative timepieces which are timeless and creative while staying true to its history and classic.
