Oris Oris Hölstein Edition 2020

Oris celebrates its roots with a special brimful of bronze Hölstein Edition 2020

Hölstein – Home of Oris

On the 1st of June 1904, two watchmakers Paul Cattin and Georges Christian received permission to set up their own watch company in the town of Hölstein in Switzerland. They named their company Oris after the local creek. By 1910 Oris was the biggest employer in the area and by 1960 they were one of the 10 biggest watch companies in the world. The 1970s brought not only the global financial crisis but also the evolution of quartz watches. Oris survived and to this day continues to produce accessibly priced mechanical watches in this magical place, famous for its beautiful landscapes, national parks, and of course Oris.

Oris Hölstein Edition 2020

Over a century has gone by since Paul and Georges started Oris and the Oris community grows stronger every year. In these challenging times Rolf Studer, Oris Co-CEO, wanted to bring a bit of joy.  ‘The Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is a celebration of Oris’s roots and the values we carry through into today and tomorrow. But we also wanted to give Oris fans and all watch enthusiasts something to cheer, something to make them smile.’ says Rolf Studer.

To honor their connection to the village of Hölstein, Oris announced this very special limited edition version of its Divers Sixty-Five chronograph for its 116 anniversary. This is the first in a series that will continue to commemorate the bond they share with Hölstein. The 43mm case is in bronze and features one of Oris’s most popular dials – a brilliant gold plated panda dial with black subdials. Whilst the case will acquire a patina over time, the gold dial will retain its look. A contrast we look forward to discovering. The case back is in stainless steel and is embossed with the Oris Bear which has become a symbol of the warm and honest spirit of Oris. Now that definitely puts a smile on our faces!

First solid bronze bracelet ever

The bracelet on the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is made of solid bronze links, each will acquire a natural patina as the bronze oxidizes. This is not only a first for Oris but is actually the first time ever a solid bronze bracelet has been fitted on a Swiss timepiece. As bronze is a very soft material this was no easy feat and the pins that hold the links together as well as the folding clasp had to be produced in stainless steel. The result is no less spectacular.

Oris and James Gruntz

To coincide with the launch of the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020, James Gruntz a Swiss musician and friend of the brand, composed an original track called “1904 – From Hölstein With Love” in honor of the year Oris was founded. The brand’s Co-CEO, Rolf Studer, first heard James play at the Basel Jazz festival a few years ago. Since then James has performed at various Oris events and has an impressive Oris collection.