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Why be the guy who checks his phone for the time? When a well made timepiece communicates so much more than merely the time of day? A beautiful watch strapped to a man's wrist instantly says something about him—about his style and tastes as well as his interests. More than simply a status symbol, a Swiss-made watch is a marker of achievement for many men because it's such an intricately machined instrument that takes both precision and skill to produce. And let's face it, those don't come cheap.
That's what sets Oris apart from other luxury watchmakers. One of the most reliable and well-respected watch brands for those in the know, they've been crafting quality mechanical timepieces in Hölstein, Switzerland for over a century. And they've always put a premium on value, making them a favorite not just for serious collectors, but for first-time watch buyers too.
Founded by two pioneering watchmakers, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, the Oris brand was born in 1904 in the shadow of Switzerland's Jura Mountains. The plan was to make high-quality mechanical watches using efficient industrial methods, which would allow for more reasonable prices. They quickly set about building a skilled workforce of craftsmen and state-of-the-art factories that would enable them to deliver these unique timepieces.
Within two decades, Oris had factories in six sites, including a sophisticated electroplating operation which established the company as one of the most forward-thinking watch manufacturers in the world. Apart from a few hands, hairsprings and jewels, the brand produced every watch component in-house. And to this day, Oris only produces mechanical watches. You won't find a single battery-powered timepiece in its workshop.
What we've always appreciated about Oris is how the watches are as hard-wearing as they are handsome. They're built for real men, inspired by the worlds of aviation, diving and motorsports. They're the kind of timepieces that will serve you through all the phases of your life—made to be worn everyday, in all sorts of situations. Here are three of the latest watches we want to buy and why.
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Editor's Picks
Divers Sixty-Five With Recycled Strap
A modern, environmentally-friendly take on one of the brand's most popular watches, Oris is breaking new ground by introducing its iconic Divers Sixty-Five with a strap engineered from recycled plastic. The material used in the handsomely striped woven strap is called r-Radyarn, which is made from post-consumer recycled polymer. The versatile material, never before used in luxury watchmaking, not only removes the need for further natural resources, but the solution dyeing process saves both water and energy consumption.
The pointer calendar movement has been an Oris favorite for more than 70 years. And this latest iteration is a striking combination of modern and vintage aesthetics which result in a versatile watch that is at once sporty, rugged and traditional enough to be worn with anything in your wardrobe. With a bubble-domed sapphire glass for extreme shock and scratch resistance, a brushed metal case and a classic leather band, it can handle anything you throw at it.
Oris and the iconic Williams Racing Formula 1 Team continue their long-standing partnership with this limited-edition watch inspired by the team's 2018 race car. The watch's lightweight carbon fiber case and dial are made using a technique borrowed from Williams that's unique to watchmaking. The chronograph counters are painted in the same blue as the Williams Racing Formula 1 Team and reset to a zero point at 8 o'clock—chosen in homage to the instrument panels of historic Williams racing cars.
