History of ORIS

Oris was founded in 1904 by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian in Hölstein, Switzerland, Oris watches have continued through the next 100 years to evolve into one of the most reliable and notable manufacturers of luxury watches.  Oris watches produce no-nonsense watches, time pieces and accessories which were both high quality, affordable, distinctive and stylish.  Throughout their history Oris watches has withstood many challenges to remaining true to their identity and style.

Over the year Oris have released watches of distinction from initial wrist watches and pocket watches, through to chronographs and complications.  The legendary Oris Pointer Date watch was released in 1938 and has since been included in every Oris range released since.  For decades Oris craftsmen have been refining their watch making abilities and continue to launch new and successful movements.  These skills were recognised when Oris watches obtains full chronometer certification from the Observatory of Neuchâtel in 1968 for the 652 cal. movement.  Oris’ superior quality, accuracy and technical details are all represented in each chronometer movement.

Oris watches have been able to remain unique in mechanical features in the tradition of Swiss watchmaking.  This uniqueness allowed Oris to survive the difficult explosion of cheaper quartz watches during the 1970s when so many great Swiss bands had to close their operations.

Throughout the more than 100 years of watchmaking at Oris, several great watches have been released.  In 1970 a new factory was opened and the launch of the first Oris chronograph.  This chronograph became the legendary Oris Chronoris, which was matched to the precision of Formula One motor sport.  This started an association that continues to today, and since 2003 Oris watches have been the official time keeper for the Williams Formula One Team.

While there have been several limited edition watches for the Williams Formula One range, other Oris watches have also had impressive history’s.  The Oris Regulator was first introduced in 1995 allowing the minute and hour hands to be displayed on separate dials.  While the Oris Jazz range celebrates the great artists of the industry is renowned throughout the watch world.  From Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong through to Charlie Parker and Sinatra all have become collectors items.

Through to today Oris continues to focus on the manufacturing of superior mechanical watches for the international market.  Creating watches with unique mechanical features that distinguish Oris watches from those with electronics and quartz movements Oris has been able to hold its own for over 100 years.  Despite the turbulent changes the watch industry has experienced throughout this time, Oris has differentiated itself from the competition by producing great value quality mechanical watches.  Now every new Oris watch is clearly defined by that distinctive Red Rotor.

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