Oris's first wristwatch, manufactured in 1917, perfectly recreated with modern technology | ORIS

ORIS

Seeking Special Items to Cherish Across Generations

Vintage designs are booming. Though new, the pre-worn feel is akin to discovering a perfectly faded pair of jeans. There's no awkwardness of being pristine; it just fits from the start. Moreover, old styles, having completed a cycle, now appear fresh, offering a sense of timelessness that won't fade with age. And the clincher? The story of a brand's very first watch design is almost an irresistible selling point.

Text by TSUCHIDA Takashi(OPENERS)

“This watch is a recreation of Oris’s first timepiece,”
“they say.”

Now, the wearer of this watch can say this with a beaming smile. It’s a fact, so it’s not bragging. No offense intended, but for a brand like ORIS, which has steadfastly produced practical watches rather than power brands, it’s good that it won’t be perceived as boastful.

Until now, Oris believed its first wristwatch was the Big Crown manufactured in 1938. However, a recent archival investigation in Hölstein (where Oris is headquartered) revealed that the pilot’s watch on the right, manufactured around 1917, is Oris’s oldest wristwatch. This watch, a converted pocket watch with wire lugs, was the origin of Oris watches.

The newly announced “Big Crown 1917 Limited Edition” faithfully reproduces the original details. However, upon closer inspection of each detail, one can see subtle updates.

Oris's first wristwatch, manufactured around 1917.

The case back of the “Big Crown 1917 Limited Edition.”

The push-button at the 2 o’clock position is guarded to prevent accidental operation. Conversely, time can only be adjusted while this button is pressed.

The domed sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on the inside. This allows the textured dial and the railway index, retaining a hand-painted feel, to be clearly visible.

The movement is based on a generic Sellita movement, tuned by Oris. It’s rationally constructed.

While the specifications might be standard, the fact that it’s the brand’s first wristwatch has a certain appeal. Furthermore, the case back features

an embossed OWC trademark, the initials of “Oris Watch Company” which Oris once used for quality assurance of gold watches, and even a serial number engraved around it. The story is truly rich.

While specifications might have been the focus for practicality, a wristwatch is now an item that speaks of dreams, making the story paramount.

In that regard, this Oris reissue model offers a remarkably rich and profound flavor.