English
Oris is a watch manufacturer founded in 1904 by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian in Hölstein, in the Swiss Jura. The two founders took over the operations of a bankrupt watch manufacturer, Lohner & Co, and started out with just 24 employees. Over the years, the company experienced rapid growth and opened its first branch in 1906. By 1911, the brand had more than 300 employees, becoming the region’s largest employer. In 1925, Oris began specializing in luxury watches with the opening of an electroplating plant, which enabled it to produce complex components on a large scale. In particular, the company transformed its pocket watches into true wristwatches by incorporating simple clasps onto the case. Models equipped with pin-escapement movements grew in popularity, particularly in England, and later throughout the British colonies and South America, contributing to the brand’s international success.
Since its founding, Oris has emphasized the quality of its mechanical movements. The brand made a name for itself through its innovations in watchmaking, including the Oris 652 caliber, certified in 1968. However, the quartz crisis of the 1970s severely impacted the Swiss watch industry, including Oris. Faced with this crisis, management decided to abandon the production of quartz watches to focus exclusively on mechanical watches.
The year 1982 marked Oris’s independence, with the company led at the time by Dr. Rolf Portmann and Ulrich Herzog. This strategic decision allowed the brand to return to its core values by producing high-quality mechanical watches at affordable prices.
In the 1980s, Oris experienced a renaissance thanks to iconic models like the Pointer Date, which appealed to a young audience in Japan seeking simplicity and authenticity in the face of electronic gadgets. The Caliber 581 movement, featuring moon phase, day, date, and second time zone functions, made its debut in 1991. The brand also made a name for itself in the field of diving with the launch and patent filing of its rotating safety system, the Oris Rotation Safety System (RSS), in 2009, which is integrated into the Oris ProDiver Chronograph. Oris is also famous for its pilot’s watches, such as the Oris BC3 Sportsman. Today, the brand continues to innovate while remaining true to its commitment to Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship.
Must-Have Oris Watches
Oris is renowned for its high-quality mechanical watches, which combine watchmaking tradition with innovation. In 1938, the brand launched one of its most iconic models: the Big Crown Pointer Date. Designed for aviators, this watch stands out thanks to its large crown, which makes it easy to set the time. The date is displayed by a central hand, a unique feature.
The Aquis collection, dedicated to dive watches, is also among Oris’s iconic models. These watches offer unbeatable functionality and durability. Equipped with the Caliber 400, they offer a 5-day power reserve and are available in several versions tailored for divers.
Inspired by a model from the 1960s, the Divers Sixty-Five evokes a retro style while incorporating modern technologies. This iconic watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters and features a unidirectional bezel made of anodized aluminum for measuring dive times.
The ProPilot collection, meanwhile, is designed for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Its watches feature a range of complications useful for travelers and adventurers, such as power reserve indicators, GMT functions, altimeters, and compasses. ProPilot watches are also equipped with a prominent crown, a feature that gave the "Big Crown" series its name. The stainless steel case—robust yet refined—along with the bezel inspired by aircraft turbines and the luminescent elements, reinforce the watch’s aviation spirit.
A range of straps for Oris watches
Since its founding, Oris has built a solid reputation by offering high-quality watches that blend tradition and modernity. Enhance your timepiece with the Oris watch bands from Cie. Bracelet Montre. We offer a wide range of straps designed to fit your watch case perfectly and provide optimal comfort while adding a touch of sophistication. Customize your watch however you like with a variety of colors, tone-on-tone or ecru stitching, materials, and finishes.
The leather watch straps from calfskin are designed for watch enthusiasts seeking a classic look. Renowned for its fineness, durability, and suppleness, this leather ensures optimal comfort while being resistant to wear and tear. The leather is also available in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the accessory that complements your style.
Exotic leather watch straps are also an option to add a touch of luxury and extravagance to your Oris watch. Alligator leather, with its natural patterns and unique texture, is one-of-a-kind, giving the strap an exclusive look. You can also choose a lizard leather watch strap, highly prized for its fine scales and refined look. Why not also opt for a watch strap made of ostrich? The feather follicles create a distinctive pattern, giving the leather a look that is both exotic and elegant. Over time, ostrich leather also develops a natural patina that adds character to the strap.
To order your Oris watch strap, visit the Cie. Bracelet Montre website. Our team also welcomes you in person at our store in Paris, located on Rue du Dragon in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
