by Oris Watches: Oris may not have a status symbol that levels with Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. However, the Swiss luxury watch brand has a solid reputation built upon its impressive catalog, with watches that are on par with the likes of TAG Heuer and Longines.
The brand’s history and commitment to quality have made it one of the most successful brands today. In fact, there’s hardly anything that you’ll find lacking in Oris. It offers a wide range of fascinating pieces, from tool watches to vintage-looking timepieces. But, probably the most interesting is that it has an array of watches under $2,000, serving as a great entry point if you’re looking to start your watch collection.
Continue reading as we look into the history of Oris watches and your options that don’t exceed the $2,000 mark.
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Oris: History and Catalog of Watches Under $2,000
Oris watches is one of the oldest watch brands in history. It saw its beginnings in 1904 when Paul Cattin and Georges Christian started offering pocket watches, which were the trend during that time. In just a few years, it found success in the industry by catering to the demands of the market. Seven years after its foundation, it had more than 300 workers, which made Oris the largest employer in the region.
By 1925, Oris gave its pocket watches a new look with the addition of a bracelet clasp. With the debut of its first wristwatch, the brand became the trailblazer for the global shift from pocket watches to wristwatches after WWII. Meanwhile, the watch served as the model for one of Oris’s most iconic models, the Big Crown—the first-ever watch for pilots released in 1938. Below are some of the most memorable years in Oris’s history.
1938
Oris introduced the Big Crown, which as the name suggests, features an intentionally large crown designed to help pilots adjust their watch with ease while wearing gloves. It also has the signature Pointer Calendar, which instead of a window, uses a hand that points to the date along the edge of the dial.
1952
The brand transitioned to manufacturing alarm clocks to tide the company over until the end of WWII. Its slow and steady efforts eventually saw Oris through and by 1952, it released its first automatic movement, the Caliber 601.
The ‘60s
From then on, the brand continued to work its way up and at the turn of the decade, they were producing over 1.2 million watches and clocks annually.
The ‘70s
What seemed to be Oris’s golden years were rather short-lived. During the Quartz Crisis, the entire watch industry was affected, Oris included. Nevertheless, the brand persevered until they were able to reclaim their position after a buyout in 1982.
Fast forward to the present, the brand continues to enjoy success and remains a favorable option in terms of value, quality, and style. During those years, the brand has created some of the most well-known watch families that we know today.
Oris Watches Under $2,000 That You Can Buy Today
Aquis Date Automatic Black Dial Black Rubber Strap
The Oris Aquis is one of the most sought-after watch families and highly recommended diving watches to date. Besides style, it boasts functionality and is carefully assembled as what Oris is globally known for. One of the distinct features of the Aquis Date Automatic is its sleeker appearance, a characteristic that is largely owed to the slimmer straps. It’s also intentionally designed to be lightweight yet durable—a must-have for any tool watch. With its black dial, 50mm stainless steel case, rubber bracelet, and 300m water resistance, this reference is one you can wear in and out of the water.
Big Crown Pointer Date automatic Blue Dial Brown Leather Strap
While made to look appropriate today for more formal wear, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is actually based on a vintage pilot’s watch. The brand has done interesting things with the dials, but this blue execution with rose gold-tone hands makes for a classic look. This reference is powered with the in-house Caliber 754 movement and has a 2638 power reserve. It is in a 40mm stainless steel case and brown leather straps.
Classic Date Automatic Silver Dial
For a classic watch that keeps a low profile on the wrist, the Classic Date Automatic is one to beat. The guilloché pattern in the dial is a distinct feature of the Classic Date and with this reference’s silver and stainless steel color combination, the overall design looks neat and readable, even in low light conditions. The in-house Caliber 733 automatic movement powers the Classic date, providing a 38-hour power reserve. It has a 50m water resistance, meaning it can survive light water splashes and rain.
Divers Sixty-Five Automatic Brown Dial Stainless Steel
The Divers Sixty-Five takes reference from the dive watches Oris produced in the 1960s. This particular reference has a distinctive brown dial and 40mm bronze case in a combination of stainless steel and bronze bracelet. It runs on the Oris 733 Caliber movement with a power reserve of approximately 38 hours and 100m water resistance.
An Oris Watch Just for You
Oris watches are of high quality, making them a worthwhile investment that is guaranteed to last. You’ll come across fellow watch enthusiasts that will compare the brand with others like TAG Heuer and Longines. But, the difference? They are way more affordable.
As a Swiss watch brand, you are guaranteed the brand’s high manufacturing standards.
Which of these Oris watches appeal to you most? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
