In the small Swiss town of Hölstein, nestled between rolling hills and winding rivers, two watchmakers set out on a mission in 1904, to create high-quality timepieces that were both precise and accessible. Paul Cattin and Georges Christian didn’t just want to build another watch brand; they wanted to craft something that would stand the test of time.
What began as a modest workshop quickly grew into a powerhouse of Swiss watchmaking, surviving wars, industry shifts, and even the rise of quartz technology. Through it all, Oris remained fiercely independent, staying true to its mechanical roots while pushing the boundaries of innovation.Â
This is the story of Oris, a brand built on passion, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship.
Let’s dive deeper.
Humble Beginnings (1904 – 1920s)
Oris was founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland, by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian. They purchased an existing watch factory and named their new company after a nearby brook, Oris. Unlike many luxury watch brands of the time, Oris focused on practicality and durability, ensuring their watches could withstand the test of time. Their dedication to craftsmanship quickly made Oris one of the largest employers in the region, setting the stage for over a century of Swiss watchmaking excellence. By 1911, Oris had grown rapidly, employing over 300 workers and expanding production across multiple sites.Â
Innovation & Growth (1920s – 1940s)
During the 1920s and 1930s, Oris developed pilot watches and alarm clocks, gaining a reputation for robust, practical timepieces. The Big Crown Pilot Watch, introduced in 1938, became an icon, designed for aviators who needed a larger crown to adjust their watches while wearing gloves.
However, the Swiss Watch Statute of 1934 restricted Oris from using lever escapements (a more precise movement used by high-end brands). Instead, they relied on pin-lever escapements, limiting their ability to compete with luxury Swiss brands.
Breaking Free & Achieving Excellence (1950s – 1970s)
Oris fought against the restrictions for over 30 years until 1966 when they finally won the right to use lever escapements. This marked a turning point, and they soon introduced their Caliber 645, a high-quality movement with improved accuracy.
During this time, Oris became a leader in automatic watches, launching notable models like the Oris Chronoris (1970), one of its first chronographs, and several diving watches that became popular among professionals.
By the 1960s, Oris was producing over 1.2 million watches per year, making it one of the 10 largest Swiss watch manufacturers.
Quartz Crisis & Independence (1980s – 1990s)
Like many Swiss brands, Oris struggled during the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, when cheap quartz watches from Japan flooded the market. The brand was acquired by ASUAG (now Swatch Group) but later regained its independence in 1982 when Dr. Rolf Portmann and Ulrich Herzog led a management buyout.
Oris made a strategic decision: No quartz watches, only mechanical movements. This bold move set them apart and solidified their commitment to traditional Swiss watchmaking.
Modern Era & Iconic Collections (2000s – Present)
Since the 2000s, Oris has grown into one of the most respected independent Swiss watch brands, known for innovation, reliability, and affordable luxury. Some of their most notable collections include:
Aquis: A professional dive watch line with water resistance up to 500m, featuring in-house innovations like depth gauges.
Big Crown ProPilot: A modern evolution of their 1938 pilot watch, featuring aviation-inspired designs.
Divers Sixty-Five: A vintage-inspired dive watch based on their 1965 model.
Artelier: A dress watch collection with in-house complications like the Caliber 110 with a 10-day power reserve.
Oris Limited Editions
Oris creates limited-edition watches to celebrate milestones, partnerships, and history. Here are some standout models:
Oris Hank Aaron Limited Edition
A tribute to baseball legend Hank Aaron, this model features a black dial and details honoring his 755 career home runs.
Oris Father Time Limited Edition
A sleek dress watch with a silver dial and blue strap, this limited edition symbolizes timeless craftsmanship.
Oris Wings of Hope Gold Limited Edition
Created to support the Wings of Hope organization, this gold-colored timepiece features a rose-gold case
Oris Sun Wukong Artist Edition
Inspired by the Chinese myth of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, this artistic model features a beautifully designed dial.Â
Why Oris Stands Out Today
Independent & Swiss-Made: Unlike many big brands owned by conglomerates, Oris remains independent, allowing for more creative freedom.
Mechanical-Only Philosophy: No quartz movements, staying true to traditional watchmaking.
Affordable Swiss Luxury: High-quality timepieces without the extreme price tags of some competitors.
Strong Heritage: Over 100 years of craftsmanship, innovation, and resilience.
