Oris, a highly respected name in the world of Swiss watchmaking, proudly marks its 120th anniversary this year. Founded on June 1, 1904, in the quaint Swiss village of Hölstein, Oris has remained a paragon of independence and innovation throughout its storied history. This milestone is not just a celebration of time, but also a testament to Oris’s unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and technological advancement. To honor its legacy, the brand unveils the Hölstein Edition 2024 black-on-black dive watch.
Oris: A Legacy of Independent Spirit
From its inception, Oris has stood out for its independent spirit. The brand was established by two entrepreneurial watchmakers who sought to break away from the traditional heart of Swiss watchmaking in the Jura region. They chose Hölstein, surrounded by the serene Waldenburg Valley, as their base and named their company after a nearby brook. Their vision was clear: to create the best possible watches at the best possible prices using the most advanced techniques of their time.
Over the past 120 years, Oris has maintained this philosophy, constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. While the brand doesn’t typically make a grand spectacle of anniversaries, preferring to highlight its dynamic people, partnerships, and product milestones, the significance of 120 years offers a moment for reflection and celebration.
The New Oris Hölstein Edition 2024
In honor of this landmark anniversary, Oris has unveiled the Hölstein Edition 2024, a limited edition watch that epitomizes the brand’s innovative spirit. This special timepiece is a striking black-on-black version of the retro-inspired Divers Sixty-Five, making it a unique addition to the Oris collection.
The Hölstein Edition 2024 stands out as the first full black-on-black timepiece. The 40mm stainless steel case, bezel, and crown are all plated in black DLC (diamond-like carbon), offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. The hands, hour markers, dial text, date wheel, and lume are also in black, creating a cohesive and bold look. Complementing the design is a black rubber strap with a black-DLC-plated buckle.
Technically, this watch is impressive. It is powered by the in-house Calibre 400, known for its five-day power reserve and high levels of anti-magnetism. This movement ensures the watch’s reliability and precision. It is backed by a 10-year recommended service interval and a 10-year warranty upon registration at MyOris. The watch is also water-resistant to 10 bar (100 meters), making it as durable as it is stylish.
Adding a touch of whimsy, the case back is engraved with the limited-edition number of the total 250 pieces, and the beloved Oris Bear, depicted in festive summer attire, complete with flowery swim trunks and sunglasses. This playful detail underscores the brand’s personality and connection to its fans.
The Hölstein Edition 2024 is a highly exclusive piece, limited to just 250 examples. It is available exclusively through Oris boutiques and the Oris website, with a price tag of $4,200 USD.
As Oris celebrates this significant milestone, the Hölstein Edition 2024 not only honors the brand’s rich heritage but also showcases its commitment to continuous innovation. This anniversary is a moment to reflect on the achievements of the past and to look forward to the future, where Oris will undoubtedly continue to set standards in the world of watchmaking.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Oris’s journey began with the determination of two independent watchmakers in Hölstein. Over the next 120 years, the brand built a reputation for high-quality Swiss Made mechanical watches. Oris developed over 280 in-house mechanical calibers, including the acclaimed Calibre 400 Series. Today, Oris remains true to its founding principles, making only mechanical watches because they believe in the joy of mechanics and the longevity of well-crafted timepieces.
The company also continues to draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Waldenburg Valley, where it all began. As an independently certified climate-neutral company aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Oris is committed to sustainability.
Above all, Oris creates watches to make people smile. While no one needs a mechanical watch in the digital age, the joy and connection these timepieces bring are invaluable. This spirit is embodied in the Hölstein Edition 2024.
Essentially, the Hölstein Edition 2024 is more than a watch; it is a punctuation mark in Oris’s enduring story. It is a fitting tribute to a brand that has spent 120 years perfecting the art of watchmaking, bringing joy to its wearers, and remaining steadfastly independent.
Technical specifications of the Holstein Edition 2024 full black-on-black version of the Divers Sixty-Five powered by the Caliber 400
Case Multi-piece stainless steel case, uni-directional rotating bezel, both plated in black DLC
Size 40.00 mm (1.575 inches)
Dial Black
Luminous material Hands and indices filled with Super-LumiNova®
Top glass Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Case back Stainless steel with black DLC plating, screwed, special engravings Operating devices Stainless steel screw-in security crown with black DLC plating
Strap Black rubber strap with black-DLC- plated buckle
Water resistance 10 bar (100 m)
Movement
Number Oris Calibre 400
Functions Date, centre hands for hours, minutes and seconds, fine timing device and stop-second
Accuracy -3/+5 seconds a day (within COSC tolerances)
Extra features Highly anti-magnetic Winding Automatic
Power reserve 120 hours
Warranty Extended to 10 years with MyOris sign-up. Applies to watch and movement. 10-year recommended service intervals. Five-year recommended water-resistance check
Limited edition 250 numbered pieces
Price: $4,200.