Oris Hölstein Limited Edition Watch For 2020
Oris celebrates its 116th birthday by dedicating an extraordinary full-bronze timepiece to its hometown
On June 1st, 1904, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian founded Oris in the village Hölstein at precisely the place where the brand still is located today. They borrowed the brand’s name from a local creek — The Oris.
Hölstein, lying 25 kilometers south of Basel and hence far away from the center of the Swiss watch industry, knows a thing or two about solitude. It is not only geographically separated from the rest of the industry, but it is also independent. Its location has become an expression of Oris’s individuality and independence. Oris plans on highlighting this special bond with a series of limited edition pieces named in honor of Hölstein. Yes, that’s right. There will be further Hölstein Editions. But as for the first one to bear the name…
Hölstein Edition 2020
The Hölstein Edition 2020 is a bronze version of the Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph. What renders this watch extraordinarily is that this time almost everything is made of bronze — including, rather unusually, the bracelet. A rarity in Swiss watchmaking.
A bracelet made of bronze? Won’t this leave marks of oxidization on your skin? Yes, probably. Isn’t that a problem? Well, only if you care!
The case back of the watch, the inner part of the folding clasp, and the pins connecting the bracelet’s links are made of steel. All other outer parts are cast in solid bronze. A bracelet made of bronze? Won’t this leave marks of oxidization on your skin? Yes, probably. Isn’t that a problem? Well, only if you care! Oris is aware that this bracelet might stain your wrist but assumes that those who buy this watch are so as well and might even appreciate it as part of the watch’s charm.
Unlike the Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date, the dial of the Hölstein Edition 2020 is not made of bronze but is gold-plated. So, here Oris is adding a little glamor to the celebration. While the case, bezel, crown, pushers, and bracelet will quickly acquire a visible patina, the dial will retain its look. The black totalizers in a traditional bicompax arrangement create some contrast. The white luminous coating on hands and indices accentuate these elements well.
The Oris Bear
Turning the Hölstein Edition 2020 around, you face a smiling bear — the Oris Bear. The Oris Bear is a friendly, well-behaved guy that symbolizes Oris’s warm and honest spirit. You can meet him wherever the brand presents itself at events.
Having an image of this bear on the case back completes this watch. Like the village of Hölstein represents the origin and home of Oris, the Oris Bear represents its spirit, turning this watch into a true Oris statement. “So we did something quirky, something unexpected — who else puts a bear on the back of a luxury watch made of solid bronze?”, Oris Co-CEO Rolf Studer puts it.
Dedication
Swiss singer-songwriter James Gruntz is a friend of Oris and has performed at several Oris events. He created a little song for the brand and the launch of this limited edition named: “1904 — From Hölstein With Love”.
The intention of this limited edition is most certainly to make you smile. If you like Oris and are also open to the tongue-in-cheek aspects of this watch, this intention should be fulfilled. We will present a detailed hands-on with the Hölstein Edition 2020 here on Fratello Magazine soon.
The Oris Hölstein Edition 2020, which is limited to 250 pieces, is available in the Oris e-Shop now. There you can even select your preferred individual limitation number, pending availability of course. To explore Oris’s watch collections and their history head for the brand’s website.
