In the world of luxury watches, few brands can offer the perfect mix of high-end design and affordability quite like Oris. The brand has earned a devoted following among collectors and watch enthusiasts alike and is known for producing stylish, functional watches that can be worn for any occasion – all without breaking the bank.
History of Oris Watches
Founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland, Oris is one of many men’s luxury watch companies that got its start in the country around the turn of the century. Over the years, Oris has survived a number of challenges, including industry regulation, the Quartz Crisis, and competition from other brands.
One of the last remaining independent Swiss watchmakers, Oris built its reputation on professionalism, in-house design, and precision engineering. In 1982, Oris made the bold choice to focus solely on producing mechanical watches, a decision that remains true to this day.
The Aquis Collection of Oris Watches
Oris watches for diving date back to the 1960s. However, the brand truly began to establish itself within the dive industry with its 1998 release of Full Steel, a watch that paired high-tech materials with the must-have features for deep dives. As demand grew, so did the company's dedication, and in 2011, the Aquis Collection was born.
The Aquis Oris Collection represents a modern interpretation of the professional dive watch. Unlike other brands that base their designs on vintage styles, the Aquis Collection features clean lines, diverse dial color options, and a style that allows it to transition from dive trips to formal dinners without a second thought.
Design and Aesthetics of the Oris Aquis:
- Case shapes and sizes: The Aquis Collection is available in a range of sizes to fit comfortably on a variety of wrists. Although designed to be sporty, the case is proportionately designed for maximum comfort. When paired with the size options, Aquis is one of the most comfortable dive watches you’ll find on the market.
- Dial colors and textures: Oris is known for its colorful dials, and the Aquis Collection is no exception. From classic options like black and navy to vibrant pops of color in green, hot pink, and red, this collection has something for everyone. You’ll even find styles with gradient and multicolored dials.
- Strap options: Another aspect of Aquis Oris’s versatility is the variety of strap styles. From traditional stainless steel and titanium to durable rubber and fabric, there are options for any occasion and personality.
Are Oris Aquis Watches Good for Professional Diving?
While the Aquis Oris is undeniably elegant enough for everyday wear, it is first and foremost a professional-grade dive watch, engineered to excel in the most demanding underwater environments. Every detail of the Aquis collection reflects Oris’s commitment to functionality, safety, and reliability.
Most Aquis models offer water resistance rated to 30 bar (300 meters or approximately 1,000 feet). This level of resistance ensures dependable performance under extreme pressure, whether navigating deep dives or prolonged submersion. A screw-down crown with integrated crown guards further protects the internal components from water seepage and accidental impact, reinforcing the watch’s dependable construction.
A defining feature of the Aquis Oris is its unidirectional rotating bezel, crafted from highly durable, scratch-resistant ceramic. Designed to prevent incorrect measurement of dive time, the bezel allows divers to accurately track the amount of time they’ve been submerged - a critical safety function when depending on a limited oxygen supply.
Popular Oris Aquis Watches:
- Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 in Black
- Oris Aquis Date Stainless Steel Brand Watch with Blue Dial
- Oris Aquis Watch with Summer Red Dial
- Oris Aquis Small Second Date Watch
- Oris Aquis Date Relief Watch with Cherry Red Dial
How to Choose the Right Aquis Oris Watch
Selecting the right Aquis Oris watch is about more than aesthetics – it’s about finding a timepiece that aligns with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and wrist diameter. The Aquis Collection offers a variety of sizes, features, and styles, providing options catering to technical performance, everyday wear, or a blend of both.
What to Wear with the Aquis Oris Watch
One of the best qualities offered by the Aquis Oris watch is its versatility. Whether you’re gearing up for a dive or getting dressed up for a night out, you can easily match your watch to your outfit.
Bands made of rubber and colorful watch faces offer a fresh addition to casual outfits, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, shorts and a polo shirt, or a T-shirt and swimming trunks. When paired with stainless steel bracelets, the vibrant Aquis Oris watch faces are also a perfect match for office wear or special occasions. They are also great for adding a pop of color to more elegant ensembles.
For black-tie affairs that call for a monochrome color palette, you can’t go wrong with an Oris Aquis Date Calibre, available in black and gemstone hues like green and blue.
Does the Oris Aquis Watch Hold Its Value?
Although not typically purchased as an investment, Aquis Oris watches hold their value well, especially limited-edition models. However, the more important quality in terms of value is the longevity and dependability of Aquis watches. Thanks to its performance, quality, and timeless design, Aquis Oris offers a selection of watches that provide exceptional long-term value.
Aquis Oris Watch Maintenance
Properly caring for your Aquis Oris watch ensures it performs flawlessly and maintains its appearance for years to come. Understanding when and how to clean your watch, adhering to an accurate maintenance schedule, and properly storing it when not in use will help it last.
5 Tips and Tricks for Caring for an Oris Aquis Watch
- Always rinse your watch using fresh water after exposure to saltwater
- Have the water resistance on your watch checked periodically
- Service the movement according to Aquis Oris recommendations
- Ensure your watch is dry before placing it in its storage case
- Store your watch by itself in a cushioned case when not in use
The Aquis Collection by Oris features modern luxury dive watches that personify the qualities the brand is known for: innovation, integrity, and independence. By combining legendary Swiss craftsmanship with modern design and functionality tested and proven in the real world, Oris offers a selection of timepieces that are as beautiful as they are durable.
