
Oris: The Swiss watch that survived every crisis and brought mechanical perfection
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Date 4. 8. 2022
Category Watchmaking
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The Swiss watchmaker Oris has encountered all kinds of challenges in its more than 100-year history, but has always emerged as a winner. The brand's mechanical watches are living proof that precision, innovation and care for employees are the keys to overcoming any obstacle.
Oris men's luxury watches are the ideal choice for men who appreciate traditional Swiss watchmaking combined with modern innovation.
The birth of a Swiss watchmaking legend
The story of Oris begins in 1904 in the picturesque Swiss town of Hölstein, when two visionaries, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, laid the foundations of a watchmaking dynasty. They found inspiration for the name in the nearby Oris stream, which became a symbol of their entrepreneurial spirit - like the water in the stream, their ambitions flowed unstoppably forward.
From the start, the founders focused on the industrial production of pocket watches, which soon gained an exceptional reputation. Success was so rapid and significant that they had to build additional production workshops in the area to meet the growing demand. As technology developed and lifestyles changed, Oris adapted to the new trends and began producing wristwatches that quickly gained popularity with customers around the world.
What set Oris apart from the competition was the absolute control over the manufacturing process. The company did not only produce the watches themselves, but also all the components, tools and even special machinery for watchmaking. This comprehensive approach ensured the highest quality of every piece and the possibility of constant innovation.
Values that have endured for centuries
Since its early days, Oris has been known not only for the quality of its mechanical watches, but also for its progressive approach to its employees. At a time when gender equality was not a given, Oris provided women with the same working conditions as men, which was revolutionary in the watch industry.
It was this combination of product quality and employee care that proved crucial in overcoming the crises that came during the 20th century. Mutual respect and loyalty created a community that was able to face even the toughest challenges.

The invincible spirit of Swiss watchmaking
The history of the Oris brand is characterised by its ability to adapt to changing conditions. When the Second World War drastically reduced the market for wristwatches, Oris did not hesitate to refocus production on alarm clocks. This strategic move not only ensured the company's survival, but also brought about a technological breakthrough in the form of an alarm clock that could run for up to eight days without winding - functionality that was revolutionary for its time.
After the end of the war, Oris returned to wristwatch production and during the 1950s rose to become one of the world's top ten watch manufacturers. This success confirmed the viability of the brand and its ability to adapt quickly to new market conditions.
The Quarz crisis and the return to mechanical perfection
The biggest test for Swiss watchmaking was the 'Quarz Revolution' in the 1970s and early 1980s, when cheap digital watches from Asia flooded the market. While many traditional Swiss manufacturers did not survive this crisis, Oris demonstrated extraordinary resilience.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure and switching exclusively to quarz technology, Oris proudly embraced the tradition of mechanical watches. This courageous decision ultimately proved visionary. The company focused on improving its mechanical movements and creating watches that offered more than just timekeeping - they provided a true experience of precision mechanics and timeless design.
Over time, customers were convinced that the value of Oris mechanical watches lay not only in their quality, but also in innovative ideas and features that provided unique and lasting benefits.
Oris technology milestones
Swiss watchmakers Oris are renowned for their ingenuity and technological innovations that have pushed the boundaries of watchmaking. Highlights include:
- The large crown for aviation watches - Oris was the first manufacturer to come up with this practical innovation, which allowed pilots to easily operate their watches even while wearing gloves.
- The automatic watch with the calibre 601 - revolutionised watchmaking in the 1960s with its reliability and precision.
- Calibre 110 with a ten-day power reserve - an extraordinary performance that allows the watch to be worn for almost two weeks without the need for winding.
- Anti-magnetic calibre 400 - offers protection against magnetic fields that can affect the accuracy of mechanical watches.
- Diver's watch with mechanical depth gauge - a technological gem that combines classic watchmaking with a practical function for divers.
- Switching between two to three time zones - a practical feature for travellers that adds an extra dimension of utility to the watch.
Collections that define Swiss precision
The current range of Oris men's luxury watches includes several distinctive collections that appeal to different types of customers and lifestyles:
Oris Divers
Oris Divers watches are the perfect blend of functionality and elegance. With water resistance up to 300 metres, luminescent elements for perfect readability underwater and a durable construction, they are the ideal companion for professional divers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Legendary models such as the Aquis and Divers Sixty-Five combine iconic design with state-of-the-art technology.
Oris Aviation
Oris Aviation watches continue a rich tradition of working with pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The Big Crown and Aviation collections offer clean, easy-to-read design, accurate timekeeping and special features designed for pilots. Durable construction, a clear dial and often additional specialised functions such as a rotating lunette for flight time calculations or distance measurements make this watch not only a fashion accessory but also a practical tool.
Oris Culture
The elegant mechanical watches of the Culture collection represent the quintessence of Swiss watchmaking. The Artelier and Classic series embody timeless design and craftsmanship. Clean lines, harmonious proportions and carefully selected materials make this watch the ideal accessory for formal occasions and everyday wear.
Oris Motor Sport
For lovers of speed and adrenaline, Oris offers the Motor Sport collection. This dynamic watch is inspired by the world of racing cars and motorcycles. Models such as the Williams and TT1 combine sporty design with advanced chronograph functions for precise timekeeping on the track.

Oris in 2025: a continuing legacy of innovation
Today, Oris continues its tradition of innovation, bringing exciting new models that appeal to both traditional watch lovers and a new generation of customers. Today, Oris men's luxury watches are not only a symbol of precision and elegance, but also a conscious choice for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship with a forward-thinking attitude.
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