Oris watches was created over 100 years ago by partners Cattin and Christian. Interestingly, they named their company as a homage to a local brook in Switzerland and today the company is certainly known for producing some of the world’s most precise automatic watches.
The Oris Catalogue
There are 4 main collections of Oris watches to pick from.
Dive
The Dive collection offers three sub-categories, all designed for water sports enthusiasts. You can get your hands on the Aquis, Provider or Diver for around $1,500.
Culture
The Culture Collection has Oris’ in-house made calibres inside and includes an abundance of limited editions. Prices start at $1,000 and up (and up again).
Aviation
This collection is hardcore – made for pilots, aviators and even aeronauts. Their functions and features are faultless, according to experts. You can pick one up if you have a spare $5,500 to spend.
Motor–Sport
You can get hold of a TT1, Chronoris, Williams FW41 or the Artix GT with a motor racing theme for around $1,700.
Let’s have a closer look at three exceptional examples of Oris watches.
Propilot
($6,025 / £5,975)
Specification
This Oris has a 44mm black titanium case (as is the bezel) with a sapphire crystal dial that’s both anti-reflective and scratch-proof. The wristband is made of 22mm wide black leather with a folding clasp.
Inside it has in-house developed hand-winding calibre 115 mechanical movement. You can see this from the back of the case. It’s also water-resistant to 100m so you’ll rarely have to take it off.
The Crown Propilot boasts 10 days’ power reserve and an indicator will tell you how much juice is left.
Aesthetically, there are a lot of nods to aviation design. It’s fairly chunky, but it’s good-looking and comfortable.
Advantages
- Big and bold
- Titanium makes it lightweight despite the size
- Easily read in all lights
- Excellent power reserve
Disadvantages
- It’s perhaps a little too big
Divers Carl Brashear Chronograph
($5,000 / £4,700)
Specification
This Oris comes in a 43mm case that is made of bronze atop a stainless steel back. On the blue dial there’s sapphire crystal, which is anti-reflection and scratch-proof. The 21mm strap comes in a tan leather with a bronze buckle. Interestingly, it oxidises over time and renders an attractive patina.
Inside you’ll find in-house developed auto-winding chronograph calibre 771 movement. Like the Propilot – and many other Oris offerings – it’s water-resistant to 100m.
This watch is dedicated to the famous US Navy amputee and divemaster. Only 2,000 pieces were released onto the market. You can tell by the serial number stamped on the back.
The face is purposely deep blue to reflect the sea. The hands are luminous for readability in poor lighting.
Advantages
- A strikingly good looking watch
- Bronze is a niche material
- Luminous hands for easy reading
Disadvantages
- 100m water resistance doesn’t make it a diving watch
- On the whole, doesn’t perform well underwater
Aquis Great Barrier Reef
$2,100 / £1,975
Specification
This beautiful timepiece comes in a hefty 43.5mm stainless steel case. The glass is sapphire and the dial is blue, with a sturdy ceramic bezel on top. The 24mm band matches the case in stainless steel.
Inside lives an automatic calibre 743 movement and the watch can go as deep as 300m.
The Aquis is part of Oris’ Ocean project and is limited edition. The Great Barrier Reef is a product of a joint venture with the Reef Restoration Foundation. The project aims to bring attention to the dangers to ocean life and supported the planting of coral.
This Oris timepiece is incredible. It’s high-function, weighing in with a water resistance of up to 300m. This is the diver’s Oris timepiece of choice.
Only 2,000 of these gorgeous watches were made. The beautiful blue bezel shines like the ocean. If you get your hands on one, it’s something to treasure for many, many years. If you’re someone who is passionate about the ocean, this Oris offering could not be more perfect.
Advantages
- This is a stunning timepiece
- Positive activism at the heart of its creation
- The dial is niche-looking
- Exceptional water-resistance for divers
- Highly-functional and beautiful watch for the price
- Not too many have been made
Disadvantages
- Some are disappointed by the 38 hour power reserve
Which watches are the best alternative?
The Oris collection is pretty hard to beat. If you have the budget to spend on a luxury watch, you simply must do your research before you buy. Know what your requirements are, beyond just how it looks.
To add to your homework, take a look at the top five luxury watches for men in 2021.
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Last Updated on December 22, 2020
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