With designs that are wearable under the sea and in the sky, Oris creates luxury wristwatches you can trust. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dedicated horologist or searching for a meaningful gift for that special someone—there’s an Oris watch for every occasion. Learn more about the robust history of the Swiss watchmaker and explore each of the most popular Oris collections to find a wristwatch you’ll wear for years to come.
The Origins of Oris Watches
In 1904, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian bought the recently closed Lohner & Co watch factory in the Swiss town of Hölstein. After striking a deal with the local mayor and naming their new company after a nearby brook, Oris quickly became the largest employer in the area. Having been met with great success, Oris expanded in the following years, opening up additional factories all over Switzerland.
After the death of Christian, his brother-in-law, Oscar Herzog, took over as General Manager in 1928, steering Oris through the world of watchmaking for the next 43 years. Driven by ambition, Herzog was determined to improve the quality of the company’s designs, employing highly skilled watchmakers and working hard to reverse the Swiss government’s regulatory “Watch Statute” that prevented Oris from using lever escapements. In 1966, he succeeded, forever making a name for himself in Swiss watch history and unlocking a world of possibilities for future Oris watch designs.
The Monumental Release of The First Oris Diver’s Watch
Though it was previously well known for aviation wristwatches, Oris set a new standard in the industry with the debut of the “Oris Waterproof” dive watch in 1965. This timepiece featured large cardinal numbers highlighted with inverted lume wedges and a water resistance of up to 100 meters, making it the perfect accessory for recreational divers and underwater exploration. Oris has continued to release well-reviewed diver’s watches ever since!
Where Are Oris Wristwatches Manufactured?
Oris watches are developed from start to finish in Switzerland. In fact, they’re still manufactured in Hölstein, which has been the home of Oris since it first opened. If you’re ever in the area, you can schedule a tour of the facilities, explore the factory, and visit the boutique to shop for the latest Oris timepieces on the market.
What Are Oris Timepieces Known For?
The talented watchmakers at Oris design with one shared vision in mind—to create striking, precise mechanical watches that make people smile. With over a century in the business, Oris has managed to earn a respected reputation for blending expert craftsmanship with modern design. The world-renowned brand is known best for:
- Designing traditional and high-quality mechanical movements
- Creating a diverse range of chronographs, diver’s, and pilot wristwatches
- Emphasizing sustainability and supporting environmental initiatives
- Featuring distinct and unique design elements in each timepiece
- Offering elegant Swiss-made watches at more accessible price points than competitors
Does Oris Make Women’s Watches?
Though Oris has historically designed men’s watches, it has recently focused on including more unisex models and women’s wristwatches in its collections. Oris women’s watches have medium case sizes, thinner straps, and colorful features to accommodate smaller wrists and delicate features.
The Many Materials Used to Create Durable and Stylish Oris Timepieces
When it comes to buying wedding ring stacks, diamond jewelry, and even luxury wristwatches, it’s important to consider the aesthetics and durability of the materials used. Though specifics can vary from model to model, Oris watches typically feature a combination of these metals and materials:
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
- Bronze
- Gold
- Recycled PET plastic (in upcycled models)
- Super-LumiNova® (for adding glow to Oris diver’s watches)
- Sapphire crystal (for watch faces)
A Closer Look at the Most Popular Oris Wristwatch Collections
Each Oris watch collection showcases the brand’s commitment to innovative design and cutting-edge technology. Finding your dream designer timepiece is easy with this many standout collections:
The Oris Aquis Collection
The sporty diver’s watches in the Oris Aquis collection have remained some of the most popular options since the first model was released in 2011. Over the years, the features of these water-resistant designs have evolved, with different designs allowing the wearer to measure depth, track elapsed time, and even check a second time zone.
Oris Aquis men’s watches are renowned for their versatility, range of dynamic colors, and powerful movement options. Some Oris Aquis Upcycle designs even feature dials made from recovered, recycled plastic from the ocean!
The Oris Big Crown Collection
Known for having a signature large crown and vintage, aviation-inspired designs, Oris Big Crown watches are perfect for pilots and passionate collectors alike. Though the original Big Crown was introduced in 1938, Oris has had a longstanding history in creating pilot watches since it first opened its doors. From the unique central date display seen in the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Watch to the more modern look of the Oris Big Crown ProPilot, every new model is as stylish as the last.
The Oris Divers Collection
The Oris Divers collection continues to draw inspiration from the first-ever Oris diver’s watch, combining retro aesthetics with modern feats of engineering to create timepieces suitable for everyday wear and underwater adventures. With a classic silhouette, high visibility displays, and dependable caliber movements, models like the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Watch are the epitome of the brand’s style.
The Oris Artelier Collection
Those in the market for elegant Swiss dress watches that won’t break the bank will love the Oris Artelier collection. As one of the more recent lines, launched in 2003, Artelier models offer a more modern feel, with design elements such as moon phases, world timers, date displays, and in-house developed calibers.
The Oris ProPilot X Collection
Designed as a more contemporary spin-off of the Big Crown models, the Oris ProPilot X collection blends the brand's timeless approach to aviation design with present-day technological advancements. With a lightweight and scratch-resistant titanium case, in-house Calibre 400 movement, and modern design elements like a coin-edge texture bezel or minimalist dial, nothing beats sporting the Oris ProPilot X—especially if it’s the colorful, collaborative Muppets Miss Piggy or Kermit models!
If you’re in the market for a new men’s watch to add to your collection, you’re in luck: Oris wristwatches are the height of affordable luxury. Browse the various aviation- and diver-inspired models to find your ideal design and treat yourself to a timeless accessory today.
