The History of Oris: Crafting Timeless Watches Since 1904

WHERE PASSION AND PRECISION MET

Oris, founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland, by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, began its journey making reliable and innovative watches. The brand, named after the nearby Orisbach stream, laid the foundation for a rich watchmaking tradition.

THE ART OF LEADING THE WAY 

In the early years, Oris quickly gained fame with its precise pocket watches, including the groundbreaking 1911 "Oris Pointer Date," which introduced the date function with a pointer. As wristwatches gained popularity, Oris came out with the iconic "Big Crown," designed for use with gloves, and loved by pilots, in 1938.

After World War II, Oris expanded its offerings to include rugged watches, such as the "Divers' Watch" series, which underscored its commitment to precision and durability. During the quartz crisis in the 1970s and 1980s, Oris refocused on mechanical watches and introduced a fully in-house developed movement in 1982, proving its craftsmanship and quality.

WHERE TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS MODERN FLAIR

In the 21st century, Oris combines modern design with its heritage, with notable collections such as the "Aquis" dive watch series and the "Artelier" line. Today, Oris remains an independent Swiss watchmaker valued worldwide for its mechanical timekeepers. The brand continues to innovate while staying true to its rich history, and its watches are loved by collectors and watch enthusiasts for their timeless design and reliable performance.