Oris Hölstein Edition 2020

This June, Hölstein-based Oris is introducing the first piece in a series of limited edition watches. Essentially, the new Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is a solid bronze version of the watchmaker’s Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph. However, as Co-CEO Rolf Studer explains, the watch is also a ‘celebration of Oris’ roots’. Furthermore, the 43 mm timepiece hopes to give both watch enthusiasts and Oris fans ‘something to make them smile’ during this difficult year. It achieves this by including the smiling Oris Bear on the caseback.

Notably, it is the first watch to appear on Oris’ new e-Commerce platform, where clients can check available numbers on limited editions and even select their own personal number.

A resilient brand

Oris’ history with Hölstein spans over a century, having been founded there in 1904. The company’s name (Oris) stems from a local creek in the area, while Hölstein itself is a village surrounded by the bucolic Waldenburg Valley. Oris was set up there as the area struggled with economic hardship, despite its industrial background. A mere six years later, in 1910, Oris had become the largest employer in the entire region. Since then, the resilient brand has survived two global economic crises (1929 and 2008), two world wars, and the quartz crisis.

Ever since its foundation, Oris has focused on creating high-end, beautiful timepieces that remain accessible to hardworking Swiss citizens – a sentiment that holds true to this day.

The heart of the watch

According to Co-CEO Rolf Studer, the new watch is not only there to brighten our days and celebrate the brand’s roots, but also has a third aim: to pay tribute to people who love Oris, as well people who simply love mechanical watches. ‘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’.

In other words, the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 doesn’t only aim to bring joy with its unexpected smiling bear caseback, but also aims to recognise those who display a strong work ethic, contribute to society, and have a passion for horology.

Oris Hölstein Edition 2020

The Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 itself is housed in a multi-piece solid bronze case. It has a matching unidirectional rotating bronze bezel with a bronze insert. Furthermore, the timepiece is operated via a bronze screw-in security crown and bronze pushers. Likewise, the multi-piece bracelet with a folding clasp is also created with bronze. Naturally, the bronze material will oxidise over time and acquire a natural patina. However, as Studer points out, this is not a problem; ‘You have a shower, and it’s gone again’, adding that this process is ‘part of the charm’.

Amid the predominantly bronze aesthetics, the independent Swiss watchmaker’s Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 showcases a gold-plated dial with black chronograph counters, plus rose-gold-plated indices. Furthermore, both the hands and indices benefit from Super-LumiNova. While the central hands display hour, minutes and chronograph seconds, continuous seconds are displayed via the counter at 9 o’clock, and the chronograph’s 30-minute counter lies at 3 o’clock. Finally, a domed sapphire crystal with an inner anti-reflective coating protects the dial.

Powering the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is the automatic Oris 771 movement. It uses the Sellita SW 510 as its base. It has a power reserve of 48 hours, plus a frequency of 4 Hz. Also, hacking seconds allow for the watch to be easily accurately adjusted. Additionally – although not visible through the caseback – the calibre uses a bright red rotor – a historical feature of Oris’ automatic movements.

Finally, the Oris Hölstein Edition 2020 is water-resistant to 100 m. It is a limited edition of 250 pieces, and is available either in Oris boutiques, the Oris e-Shop, or via retailers with access to the Oris e-Shop. The Oris e-Shop can deliver directly to the client’s home address. Lastly, the timepiece is priced at 4,600 euros.

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