For more than 120 years, Oris has crafted Swiss watches that blend traditional craftsmanship, practical functionality, and modern design. From professional dive watches to aviation-inspired styles, Oris offers models that appeal to experienced collectors and first-time buyers alike.
Whether you're searching for a stylish men's Oris watch, looking to embrace adventure with the sporty Aquis Oris collection, or shopping for a ladies’ Oris watch in a smaller case size, there are plenty of options.
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Is Oris a Luxury Watch Brand?
Yes, Oris is considered a luxury watch brand, though it targets a different market than ultra-luxury brands such as Cartier or Rolex. Oris focuses exclusively on mechanical watches and has built its reputation around quality, engineering, and unique design rather than simply creating the most expensive timepiece available.
The History of Oris
Oris was founded in Hölstein, Switzerland, in 1904 by watchmakers Paul Cattin and Georges Christian. Rather than build their manufacturing facility from scratch, the pair purchased a recently closed watch factory and named their new company after a nearby brook.
In 1938, Oris introduced its first pilot's watch. The men's Oris watch featured the oversized crown that would become a pillar of the now-iconic Big Crown collection. Over the years, the company developed watches for aviation, diving, and other extreme environments while refining its expertise in timepiece mechanics.
The Quartz Crisis of the 1970s and early 1980s led the company to abandon quartz movements and focus solely on mechanical watches. Although it caused uncertainty at the time, it was a blessing in disguise. After moving away from quartz, the company embraced mechanical movements wholeheartedly, a philosophy that remains a foundation of the brand today.
Are Oris Watches Still Made in Switzerland?
Oris remains headquartered in Hölstein, Switzerland, and is independently owned. For buyers, the Swiss-made designation is a large part of the appeal. It reflects the brand's connection to Switzerland's watchmaking tradition.
What Sets Oris Apart from Other Designer Watch Brands?
One defining characteristic of Oris is its independent ownership. Rather than being a small company within a large group, it has remained privately owned, allowing it to focus on the characteristics it finds important instead of having to answer to a larger corporation – such as its dedication to only producing mechanical watches.
Oris is also known for blending practical design with style. Men's Oris watch collections typically align with functional activities, including diving and aviation, rather than being designed solely as status symbols. The Big Crown, for example, draws inspiration from the company's 1938 pilot's watch, while the Oris Aquis watches and Divers collections focus on the challenges of underwater exploration.
What Materials Are Women’s and Men’s Oris Watches Made From?
- Stainless steel: Providing durability, versatility, and corrosion resistance
- Sapphire crystal: Protecting the dial from scratches
- Bronze: Unique and distinct for a look that changes with age
- Titanium: Offering a lightweight feel on the wrist
How Much Do Oris Watches Cost?
Men’s and Ladies’ Oris watches come in a wide range of price points, making them more accessible to a broader audience. Many models are priced in the low $2,000s, while advanced features and special editions can go for $5,000 or more.
The price of an individual men's Oris watch depends on several factors, including its movement, case material, complications, size, limited-edition status, and bracelet or strap material. When comparing prices, it's most accurate to compare specific models rather than generalize every ladies’ Oris watch in a particular collection.
What Are the Most Popular Men’s and Ladies’ Oris Watches?
Some of Oris's most recognizable collections include the Oris Aquis, Big Crown, Divers, and ProPilot X. Each collection offers a different interpretation of luxury, from sporty dive watches to aviation-inspired designs.
Oris also offers watches in a range of case sizes, making the collections suitable for a wide variety of wrists. A smaller watch isn't necessarily designed for women, and a larger model isn't automatically a men’s Oris watch. Ultimately, case proportions, wrist size, and personal style matter more than gender labels.
5 of the Most Popular Oris Collections:
- Oris Aquis
- Oris Big Crown
- Oris X Cervo Volante
- Divers
- ProPilot X
1. Underwater Adventure with Oris Aquis
The Oris Aquis is one of the brand’s signature sports watch collections. Designed for diving enthusiasts, it combines a durable case with a rotating bezel, high water resistance, and a design that works for work and adventure. Its versatility makes the Oris Aquis a great choice for diving or for anyone looking for a men's Oris watch that transitions from casual outings to more formal occasions.
The Oris Aquis Collection offers a modern take on vintage dive watches, with clean lines, a variety of dial color options, and versatility that lets you wear it at the office or on a diving adventure. With a water resistance rating up to 300 meters (approximately 1,000 feet), watches within the Oris Aquis collection offer durability and reliability during some of the most extreme underwater expeditions.
2. Vintage Inspiration of Oris Big Crown
The Big Crown is one of the most notable collections of men's Oris watches. It dates back to 1938, when Oris introduced a pilot's watch with an oversized crown designed to make adjustment easier while wearing gloves.
Today, the Big Crown Collection combines vintage-inspired features with modern Swiss mechanical movements. While it is a perfect choice for someone who wants a more traditional watch, colorful dials and a variety of strap options add versatility to these Oris watches for ladies and men.
3. Sustainability of Oris X Cervo Volante
The Oris X Cervo Volante Collection highlights Oris’s commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives and sustainability. Sometimes abbreviated as Cervo, this men's Oris watch collection is a collaboration between Oris and Cervo Volante, a Swiss company known for creating products from responsibly sourced deer leather. Although the strap of a watch isn’t typically the highlight, the Oris X Cervo Volante watches focus on just that.
The deer hides are a product of required population control by the Swiss government. Rather than allow the hides to go to waste, Cervo Volante utilizes every part of the material possible, creating everything from watch straps and shoes to home accessories.
4. Versatility of Oris Divers Watches
For those looking for a men's Oris watch that honors traditional dive models, the Divers Collection offers a variety of styles to choose from, including the Divers Date and retro Divers Sixty-Five. Inspired by the brand’s history of underwater exploration, the Divers Collection combines the individuality of vintage dive watches with the reliability of modern engineering.
The Divers Collection offers the visual accents we expect from a dive watch: strong legibility, a rotating bezel, and a functional style. With its classic proportions and retro style, the Divers Sixty-Five is especially popular among those who love vintage-inspired watches, while the Divers Date offers a more modern take on the classic dive watch.
5. Creative Collaborations of ProPilot
The ProPilot X Collection of men's Oris watches blends Oris's aviation history with modern design. Its streamlined case and integrated-style bracelet capture the modern aesthetic, while the mechanical movements retain the traditional charm that defines the brand.
The ProPilot X Collection includes men’s and ladies’ Oris watches and is also where Oris has introduced some of its more fun and playful designs. One of the most notable collaborations is between men's and ladies’ Oris watches and Disney’s The Muppets. With tributes including Gonzo, Miss Piggy, and Kermit the Frog, the collaboration takes the traditional world of mechanical watches and reimagines them in a way that is truly magical – only fitting for the Happiest Place on Earth.
Does Oris Make Men’s and Women’s Watches?
Although Oris offers watches for both men and women, it's often more helpful to base your decision on size and style than to strictly divide men's and ladies’ Oris watches by gender. The brand offers men’s and ladies’ Oris watches in a variety of case diameters, so shoppers can choose a model that fits their wrist size and personal preferences.
For example, a smaller Oris Aquis can make an excellent ladies’ Oris watch. When shopping for a watch, evaluate case diameter, thickness, proportions, and bracelet width rather than gender to determine how the watch will look and feel on your wrist.
Which Celebrities Wear Oris Watches?
Unlike many luxury watch brands that rely heavily on Hollywood celebrity endorsements, Oris has taken a different approach to sponsorships and ambassadors. Instead of selecting a celebrity as the face of the brand, Oris often represents its partnerships through the activities and causes that inspire its watches, including motorsport, aviation, diving, and environmental initiatives.
Oris Watch Sponsorships:
- New York Yankees: With multiple ties to Major League Baseball, Oris serves as an official watch partner of the Yankees and has honored several players with limited edition men’s Oris watches, including Lou Gehrig, Roberto Clemente, and Hank Aaron.
- Billion Oyster Project: With a goal of restoring over one billion oysters to New York Harbor by 2035 to improve biodiversity and water filtration, Oris has partnered with Billion Oyster Project to release limited edition Oris Aquis Date models designed to raise funds and awareness.
- Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC): The first watch brand to partner with the MCC, Oris not only serves as the club's official timekeeper but also supports community projects, sustainability efforts, and programs encouraging diversity in cricket.
- Coral Restoration Foundation: For nearly a decade, Oris has partnered with the Coral Restoration Foundation in the United States and the Reef Restoration Foundation in Australia to support reef restoration impacted by climate change and pollution. The company has released several limited-edition timepieces to raise awareness and provide financial support.
- UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Yusra Mardini: Although the brand doesn’t typically use brand ambassadors, its collaboration with Olympic swimmer and refugee advocate Yusra Mardini and her foundation has helped raise awareness of the challenges refugees like Mardini faced.
Is a Men’s Oris Watch a Good Investment Piece?
A men’s Oris watch can be an excellent purchase, but like with all luxury watch purchases, buyers should be cautious about purchasing it solely for its future value. Unlike stocks or other traditional investments, a watch's future resale value depends on factors such as condition, rarity, demand, and market trends.
Certain limited editions and discontinued models may attract stronger collector interest, leading to a greater future return on investment. However, the best reason to buy a men's Oris watch is for the love of its design, mechanical movement, and craftsmanship. Consider any future increase in value a bonus, not an expectation.
How to Ensure Your Ladies’ Oris Watch Stays Valuable
The first step in protecting a ladies’ Oris watch's long-term value is retaining its documentation. Save the original box, warranty paperwork, purchase receipt, and any other materials that came with the watch.
Regular watch maintenance and service is also important. Follow the manufacturer's service recommendations and keep records of professional servicing for your men's Oris watch. Avoid unnecessary modifications, aftermarket parts, or refinishing that could compromise the watch's originality. Aftermarket parts or service by a non-licensed jewelry store may also void any warranty.
Finally, take care of the watch itself. Store your ladies’ Oris watch safely and securely when it isn't being worn, avoid exposing it to conditions beyond its intended purpose, and have its water resistance checked regularly.
Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Men’s or Ladies’ Oris Watch?
For a new men’s or ladies’ Oris watch, an authorized retailer or established luxury jeweler is the safest choice. Buying from a reputable jewelry store ensures authenticity, warranty coverage, and after-sales service. It also lets you compare case sizes, bracelets, and different collections in person before making a purchase.
Tips for Buying an Oris Watch:
- #1: Choose the right size. Don't select a men's Oris watch based solely on whether it is marketed toward men or women. Consider your wrist size, case diameter, thickness, and overall proportions.
- #2: Match the collection to your lifestyle. The Oris Aquis is a great choice for a versatile sports watch, while the Big Crown offers a more classic, aviation-inspired style. Each collection targets a different audience based on its features, so evaluate how you'll use the ladies’ Oris watch before you buy.
- #3: Buy from a reputable source. Luxury watches are significant purchases, so prioritize reputable retailers and jewelers. Be particularly cautious of prices that seem drastically lower than comparable examples.
With more than a century of Swiss watchmaking excellence behind it, Oris offers shoppers the perfect combination of mechanical craftsmanship, practical design, and unique style. Whether you're drawn to the adventurous Oris Aquis, the heritage-inspired Big Crown, or the distinctive Oris X Cervo Volante, there's an Oris watch guaranteed to suit your personality and lifestyle.
