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Oris Watch Review: Is this Brand Worth Your Money?
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When I first got into watches, like most people, I only knew the big names; Rolex, Omega, Longines and a few other heavy hitters. But I also knew there was a whole world of incredible watch brands out there, so where do you even start?
One of the very first unknown brands I was introduced to was Oris. A close friend of mine, who knew I was just starting my watch collecting journey, told me something that stuck with me: “If you want a Swiss-made watch that looks and feels the part, but doesn’t cost anywhere near what a Rolex does, check out Oris”. And so I did.
It didn’t take long for me to fall down the Oris rabbit hole. I dove into their history, explored their past collections, and familiarized myself with their extensive lineup of modern timepieces. And, of course, I ended up buying a few along the way.
I realised that Oris wasn’t just some bog-standard Swiss brand, but they have a really unique identity, a strong heritage, and an undeniably playful charm that sets it apart from so many of its competitors.
So, if you’re in the same position I once was, curious about Oris but unsure whether it’s worth your hard-earned money, this review is for you.
Having owned several Oris models and tried on most of their core collection at some point, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned to help you decide whether Oris is the right brand for your wrist.
The History of Oris & Major Milestones
Oris has one of those stories that just makes you root for them. It all started in 1904, in the little Swiss town of Hölstein, when two ambitious watchmakers, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, decided to start a watch company.
They named it Oris, after a nearby brook, nothing fancy, just clean and simple, like their approach to watchmaking. Fast forward a few years, and Oris became the biggest employer in town.
By the late 1920s, Oris was making a name for itself, cranking out high-quality wristwatches and clocks that were getting noticed worldwide. But then, as aviation took off (literally) in the 1930s, Oris saw an opportunity and ran with it.
That’s when they introduced the now-iconic Big Crown in 1938. The name says it all; this thing had an oversized crown that made it easy for pilots to adjust their watches even while wearing thick gloves. It’s a model that is still a staple in their line-up today.
In 1952, Oris launched an automatic watch with a power reserve indicator which was a pretty major breakthrough at the time. A few years later, they released the Calibre 601, which had an alarm function, so it was clear early on that
Oris was about adding real, useful features to their timepieces rather than just making gimmicky watches. This was proven again in 1965 when they debuted their first dive watch, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five. Rugged, reliable, and built to handle the deep, it’s a watch that’s still loved today – and one of my personal favourites.
But then came the 1970s, and things got rough. not just for Oris, but for pretty much the entire watch industry. The Quartz Crisis hit, and suddenly, cheap, battery-powered watches were everywhere.
A lot of Swiss brands either folded and reluctantly switched to quartz or closed down entirely. But not Oris. Instead, they doubled down on mechanical watches, even though it wasn’t the easy choice. It was risky, but in hindsight, it was the move that kept them true to their identity.
Then in 1982, Oris got a second wind. A management buyout gave the company its independence back, and they made a bold call to stick only with mechanical watches, no matter what.
This was when they reintroduced the Big Crown Pointer Date, a watch that became a fan favourite and helped bring the brand back into the spotlight.
By the 1990s, Oris was back in full swing. They dropped the Calibre 581 with a moonphase complication and in the 2000s, they kept expanding, adding collections like the Oris Artelier for those who love a dressier, more elegant watch and the Oris ProDiver for serious underwater adventurers.
Before we hint too much at some of their more modern releases, we should also mention the launch of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge in the early 2000’s.
This was, and still is, an insanely innovative diving watch that allows underwater explorers to measure depth without electronics by using water pressure to tell you how deep you are. It’s a watch that is just classic Oris, solving problems in a mechanical, no-nonsense way.
Through all the ups and downs, Oris has stayed true to what they do best: making high-quality, no-frills Swiss mechanical watches at a price that feels almost too good to be true. And as a testament to their iconic innovations, many of these designs remain an integral part of Oris’ collections today.
The Modern-Day Oris Watch Collection
Oris is in a fascinating place right now. While still fiercely independent and committed to mechanical watchmaking, the brand has evolved beyond just being a maker of high-quality tool watches.
It’s built a strong reputation for innovation, sustainability, and a sense of fun which is something you don’t always see in traditional Swiss watchmaking.
On the serious side, Oris is dedicated to conservation efforts, regularly launching limited-edition watches that support various environmental causes. From partnerships with ocean conservation groups to reforestation projects, Oris is proving that watchmaking and sustainability can go hand in hand.
But Oris also knows how to have fun. Recent special editions like the ProPilot X Kermit with its bright green dial and a surprise Kermit emoji on the first of every month, showcases the brand’s light-hearted side.
Then you have the Sixty-Five Cotton Candy series, a bold and unexpected take on dive watches with pastel-colored dials in bronze cases. Their ability to not take themselves too seriously is one of the reasons I love Oris so much, but equally, they have plenty of serious tool watches to balance their portfolio out.
The Oris Aquis
The Aquis is Oris’ powerhouse dive watch collection. Rugged, stylish, and packed with modern features, it’s a go-to for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Aquis Date is the most recognized model, available in multiple sizes and dial colors, while the Aquis Depth Gauge takes things further by incorporating a patented system that allows divers to measure depth directly from the watch.
More recently, Oris has been incorporating its in-house Calibre 400 into the Aquis line. This movement offers an impressive five-day power reserve, high levels of anti-magnetism and even an outstanding 10-year warranty. I don’t know any other affordable Swiss watchmaker that has their name attached to something like this.
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five
If you love vintage-inspired dive watches, the Divers Sixty-Five is a dream come true. This collection is a modern revival of Oris’ first dive watch from 1965, complete with retro touches like domed sapphire crystals, old-school font choices, and “light old radium” Super-LumiNova.
Despite its vintage aesthetic, the Divers Sixty-Five is thoroughly modern in construction. Stainless steel cases, modern movements, and even chronograph options make it a great choice for those who want a blend of history and contemporary watchmaking.
And let’s not forget the Cotton Candy series, a range of bronze-cased and stainless steel models with pastel dials that bring a playful, unexpected twist to dive watches.
The Oris Big Crown
One of Oris’ most iconic collections, the Big Crown series dates back to 1938. Originally designed for pilots, these watches feature oversized crowns for easy operation with gloves and a distinctive fluted bezel.
The Big Crown Pointer Date is easily the best known model in this family. Instead of a traditional date window, it uses a central hand to point to the date, circling the outer edge of the dial. It’s a simple yet charming complication that has been part of Oris’ DNA for over 80 years.
The Oris ProPilot
Another collection designed with pilots in mind, the Oris ProPilot combines functionality with sleek aviation aesthetics. Models like the Big Crown Altimeter, a mechanical watch with a built-in altimeter, showcase Oris’ technical prowess, making it a true tool watch.
The ProPilot X takes things in a more modern direction. It retains the aviation influence but with a more contemporary integrated titanium architecture and minimalist functionality.
With bold colors and an in-house movement, it’s perfect for those who want something a little different from a traditional pilot’s watch. And, of course, there’s the ProPilot X Kermit Edition, and more recently their Miss Piggy Edition, which both bring a playful side to an otherwise serious collection.
The Oris Rectangular
The Oris Rectangular isn’t the brand’s most talked-about collection, but it’s one of its most unique. A departure from Oris’ usual round tool watches, the Rectangular offers an Art Deco-inspired design with clean lines and a polished case.
Available in multiple dial colors and featuring automatic movements, the Rectangular is a dressy yet versatile option for those who want something different. It proves that Oris isn’t just about dive and aviation watches and that they can do classic elegance too.
The Oris Artelier
If there’s one collection that showcases Oris’ ability to do dress watches, it’s the Artelier series. Unlike the brand’s rugged dive and aviation watches, the Artelier models embrace classic dress watch aesthetics, with slim polished cases, minimalist dials, and traditional leather straps.
One standout piece in the lineup is the Artelier S, a watch that strips things down to the essentials. At 38mm, with almost no bezel, it’s all about the dial, creating an elegant and contemporary look.
The curved lugs ensure a comfortable fit, while the leather straps and polished stainless steel cases add to its timeless appeal.
What Makes Oris Watches Stand Out?
Oris has carved out a unique space in the watch world, bringing together a brilliant mix of mechanical craftsmanship, affordability, innovation, and a fun-loving personality that sets it apart from other Swiss brands.
Only Mechanical Watches
One of the most defining traits of Oris is that they only make mechanical watches. Unlike many brands that jumped on the quartz bandwagon, Oris has remained dedicated to traditional watchmaking, creating pieces that are built to last.
From robust Sellita-based calibers to their own impressive in-house movements, each one guarantees high levels of reliability and precision. It makes them the perfect watch brand for collectors, like myself, who prefer traditional mechanical timekeeping over modern-day quartz.
Luxury Without the Price Tag
For a Swiss-made mechanical watch, Oris is surprisingly accessible. While many brands price their in-house movement watches well into the five-figure range, Oris offers high-quality craftsmanship at a fraction of the price.
Their flagship Aquis dive watches and Big Crown Pointer Date models compete with watches that cost thousands more, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a beautifully crafted, reliable timepiece.
Committed to Conservation
Oris isn’t just about making great watches. They’re also deeply invested in ocean conservation. Many of their limited-edition releases support environmental causes, like the Aquis Great Barrier Reef, which helps protect one of the world’s most vital ecosystems, and the Oris Aquis Bracenet, which features a dial made from recycled fishing nets, created in partnership with Bracenet.
The isn’t a brand that just talks about sustainability and then does little to nothing about it; Oris actively incorporates it into their designs.
Playful and Never Boring
Despite their dedication to serious watchmaking, Oris has a fun side and it’s one of the main reasons I love this Swiss watchmaker so much. The Oris Bear, originally introduced in 2005 as part of a civic event, has become the brand’s lovable mascot, representing their approachable and light-hearted nature.
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This spirit extends to their watches too. I know I’ve mentioned it several times already, but the Oris ProPilot X Kermit is the perfect example, featuring a lime green dial and a hidden Kermit the Frog face that appears on the first of every month. Even after two years, it remains one of the most talked-about and sought-after Oris models.
They’re also not afraid to embrace bold and experimental colors, as seen in the Cotton Candy series with pastel dials or the ProPilot X in salmon pink. And for those who love cutting-edge technology, the ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser is a true standout.
With its iridescent dial created using laser-cutting techniques, it plays with light in a way that makes the colors shift between blue, green, and violet. Having had hands-on experience with this watch, I can confidently say it’s one of the most visually stunning pieces Oris has ever created. If I didn’t already own a ProPilot X, I would have bought it instantly.
Should you get an Oris Watch?
If you’re in the market for a well-made, mechanically driven Swiss watch that offers both serious craftsmanship and personality, then the answer is yes, an Oris watch is absolutely worth considering.
Oris appeals to a wide range of watch lovers. If you’re a serious diver or pilot, models like the Aquis and ProPilot offer robust, reliable tool watches designed to handle extreme environments. These watches aren’t just about looks, they’re built for performance, with high water resistance, durable cases, and useful complications like depth gauges and altimeters.
But Oris isn’t just for adventurers either. If you’re someone like me who is unlikely to be found up in the sky or at the bottom of the ocean, and just appreciates beautifully crafted timepieces with distinctive designs, you’ll find plenty to love in their lineup.
Whether it’s the vintage charm of the Big Crown Pointer Date, the elegance of the Artelier, or the modern spirit of the ProPilot X, Oris offers something truly unique in a market flooded with copy-paste designs.
At the end of the day, Oris is for those who want a quality mechanical watch with character, something that stands out, tells a story, and doesn’t blend into the crowd. If that sounds like you, then yes, an Oris watch is absolutely worth it.
Conclusion
At its core, Oris is a brand that refuses to conform to industry norms. They blend Swiss tradition with innovation, offering top-tier watchmaking without the inflated price tag.
Unlike many luxury brands, Oris doesn’t chase trends and instead creates watches with personality, purpose, and a genuine passion for mechanical craftsmanship.
The Aquis and ProPilot deliver rugged, no-nonsense tool watches, while the Big Crown Pointer Date and Artelier bring classic charm with a distinctive touch. And then you have the Oris ProPilot X and Cotton Candy series which proves that serious watchmaking can still be fun.
Oris never takes itself too seriously and that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s a brand that’s confident enough to have fun, innovative enough to stand out, and committed enough to making a real impact. And that, to me, is what makes Oris truly worth owning.
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