Celebration of Heritage

This year, Oris introduces a new watch in celebration of its roots – the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020. This watch honours the company’s heritage and its proud association with the Swiss village of Hölstein. Designed to inspire and commemorate this magical place, Oris entices watch enthusiasts to take a trip down memory lane.

Image: Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 (Courtesy of Oris)

On the 1st of June, 1904, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian signed a contract with the mayor of Hölstein. This marked the joyous beginning of a tale of endurance that would span many generations. Naming the watch company after the local creek, Oris, the Swiss watchmaking company was officially born and would eventually rise to become the largest employer in Hölstein.

“We are extremely proud of our roots. Hölstein is the Oris heartbeat. Our factory has been on the same site in the village since 1904. Today, this is where our watchmakers, engineers and designers create watches. It’s also where our test and quality control centres are, and our distribution centre.”

The decision to set up in an industrial town that was experiencing economic hardship signalled Oris’s determination and vision to differentiate. Endeavouring to conceive a company culture that combined industrial techniques with the romantic values of traditional horology, Oris sought to, and continues to, deliver beautiful timepieces for the hard-working citizens of the world. This visionary concept has remained at the core of Oris, with their fierce independence and determination allowing them to survive many unprecedented times and driving their continued success.

“We make watches for the citoyen. We make serious mechanical watches for people who work hard for their money, who play their part in building strong communities, and who appreciate quality and beauty.”

Today, Oris and Hölstein have become synonymous with each other, prompting the emergence of the perfect synthesis of philosophy and identity. With the myriad of alternative ways of telling time in present day society, the mechanical watch transcends more than a mere wristwatch for the watchmakers of Oris, it encapsulates the beauty and joy that is much needed in these times.

“ We wanted the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 to give watch enthusiasts something to smile about”

The Oris Spirit

A bronze version of the Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph, the design signatures of the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is infused with the funky and quirky designs of the 1960s. Showcasing a rotating bezel with rose gold plated indices, the black chronograph provides a contrast that creates a striking impression on the wrist.

Image: Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 (Courtesy of Oris)

The Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 boasts a watch cast entirely in solid bronze, including the bracelet which marks a first in Swiss watchmaking. A soft, natural material, bronze is the oldest material utilised extensively in human civilisation, and acquires a natural patina over its period of wear. This adds an unexpected element, with the intrigue of the material charming the wrists of every wearer.

The case back is embossed with the Oris bear, a symbol of the Oris spirit of warmth and honesty. Designed to bring a smile to people’s faces, the Oris bear mirrors the childhood emotions of wonder and happiness.

“ The Oris Bear has become a symbol of the Oris spirit – warm and honest. And it just makes you smile”

Released on the 1 June 2020, this watch is limited to 250 pieces worldwide. Available through Oris Boutiques, e-Shop and retailers, with an online tool allowing watch enthusiasts to choose their limited edition number.

Image: Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 (Courtesy of Oris)

To celebrate this launch, James Gruntz, a Swiss musician and friend of Oris, has composed a song called ‘1904’. Coinciding with the launch of the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020, the song is inspired by the year the company was founded.

“I love Oris’s joyful, independent spirit,’ says James. ‘There’s a maverick quality to the brand, which really resonated with me.  I wanted the song to have this powerful, warm melody that embodies that spirit.”

Image: Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 (Courtesy of Oris)

The Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 marks Oris’s promise to uphold its values through the challenging times created by the Coronavirus crisis. This watch will be the first in a series of watches that will pay homage to the magical village of Hölstein.

“A celebration of mechanical watchmaking isn’t a first priority, but it is a welcome distraction, a high point when the world is laid low”