The History of the Oris Brand
Founded in 1904 in Hölstein near Basel by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, Oris quickly expanded, opening additional factories in Holderbank, Ziefen, and Bienne. By the 1930s, it was one of the region’s largest employers. In 1938, Oris introduced its first pilot’s watch with the now-iconic Big Crown—a large crown designed for ease of use while wearing gloves.
After facing challenges during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and a merger with ASUAG, the brand regained its independence in 1982, led by managers Rolf Portmann and Ulrich Herzog. They made a bold decision to focus exclusively on mechanical watches. Since the early 2000s, Oris has been developing in-house calibers, including the Calibre 110 with a ten-day power reserve and the Calibre 400 series offering five-day power, anti-magnetism, and a ten-year warranty. Today, Oris remains one of the few truly independent Swiss watch manufacturers with a strong horological heritage.
Here are some masterpieces, including some of the latest ones.
The Oris ProPilot Hölstein Edition 2025 is a bold and playful tribute to Oris’s heritage, released in a limited edition of just 250 pieces. Encased in 41 mm of matte black DLC-coated stainless steel, this pilot-style watch combines stealth aesthetics with aviation-inspired design cues like the signature turbine bezel and textile strap secured with Oris’s aircraft seatbelt–style „LIFT” clasp. Its slim profile and minimalist no-date dial enhance its everyday wearability.
What sets this edition apart is its full Super-LumiNova dial, which glows entirely green in the dark, revealing a hidden Oris Bear silhouette—an unexpected, whimsical detail that adds personality without compromising function. The dial’s matte black hands and Arabic numerals remain clearly legible by day, offering a clean, professional look with a surprise twist after dark.
Inside, the watch is powered by Oris’s in-house Calibre 400-2, offering a 120-hour power reserve, anti-magnetic components, and chronometer-level precision. Paired with a 10-year warranty and a 10-year recommended service interval, this watch blends innovation, durability, and charm. The ProPilot Hölstein Edition 2025 is both a serious mechanical timepiece and a celebration of Oris’s independent spirit.
The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 (Ref. 01 400 7778 7158‑07‑7‑20‑01TLC) is a sleek, modern pilot’s watch crafted entirely from satin-finished titanium. With its 39 mm case, angular turbine-style bezel, and integrated bracelet, it delivers a lightweight yet robust wearing experience. The subtle salmon-toned dial, paired with a date window at 6 o’clock and Super-LumiNova-filled hands and markers, gives the watch a refined industrial aesthetic.
Powering the watch is Oris’s acclaimed Calibre 400, an in-house automatic movement offering a 120-hour (5-day) power reserve, anti-magnetic resistance, and chronometer-level accuracy. The caseback reveals the movement through a sapphire display, while the watch comes with a 10-year warranty and recommended 10-year service interval—hallmarks of Oris’s long-term commitment to quality and reliability.
Designed for modern enthusiasts who value both innovation and understatement, the ProPilot X Calibre 400 combines high performance with minimalist style. Its lightweight construction, aviation-inspired engineering, and impressive mechanical specs make it an ideal choice for daily wear with a technical edge.
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph features a 40 mm stainless steel case topped with a sunray silver-grey dial, accented by ocean-green chronograph sub-dials. Vintage-inspired details—such as the unidirectional rotating bezel, domed sapphire crystal, pump-style pushers, and a mix of polished and brushed finishes—give it classic charm with a modern twist. The design pays homage to Oris’s original 1960s dive watches while offering a fresh, updated presence on the wrist.
Inside, the watch is powered by the Oris Calibre 771, based on the Sellita SW510. This automatic, bi-compax chronograph movement delivers a 62-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It drives central hours and minutes, a chronograph seconds hand, a 30-minute counter, and a small seconds subdial. The lack of a date window ensures a clean and symmetrical layout, enhancing the vintage aesthetic.
Despite housing a full chronograph complication, the watch remains highly wearable with a case thickness of 15.4 mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 48 mm. It offers 100 meters of water resistance and is available on either a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet. The Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph combines sporty functionality with timeless styling, making it a versatile choice for both casual and refined wear.
