Renders Can Ruin A Watch — Hands-On With The Oris Hölstein Edition 2026
Oris introduced its annual Hölstein Edition on June 1st, and unfortunately, the brand used renders (not very good ones) to showcase it. It was the accompanying press release, with all the information about this watch, that convinced me it could actually be interesting. Oris ensured we could go hands-on with the Hölstein Edition 2026 to see what it’s really like. Last week, the watch arrived in the Fratello office, and truth be told, it’s not easy to capture properly in an image. Still, it’s much better in real photos than in the renders that went around.
Oris Hölstein Edition 2026
The highly polished case, gray dial, and polished sub-dial at 6 o’clock immediately reveal that this is not an easy watch to photograph. That said, these elements, which are usually not on my watch checklist, work exceptionally well in this Oris Hölstein Edition 2026. The watch is based on the Artelier collection but also features neat Bauhaus-style elements by in-house Oris designer Lena Huwiler, as I explained in the introductory article.
A domed dial
Aside from the case design, the dial is a standout feature of the new Oris Hölstein Edition. The light gray dial is domed and follows the contours of the case and crystal. On the dial, you will find beautiful faceted applied hour markers, with no printing except the brand name and “Swiss Made.” It’s as clean as possible, and the polished sub-dial provides a wonderful contrast when the light hits it. I added some wrist shots I took to show what it looks like in the sunlight, despite the reflection on the crystal.
Artelier collection
It’s a very elegant-looking Oris watch, and it’s quite different from the regular Artelier collection. There are two models with similar elements — the Artelier Complication and the Artelier Date, both with white dials. But this Hölstein Edition 2026 has a cleaner dial layout and adds a touch of color with the red sub-seconds hand. It’s also significantly more expensive than the Complication and Date models, though, due to the use of Oris’s caliber 401.
A 10-year warranty
Caliber 401 is an antimagnetic movement with a 120-hour power reserve. Additionally, Oris guarantees an average precision of -3 to +5 seconds per day, which meets chronometer specifications. Last but not least, the Oris 401 movement is covered by a 10-year warranty after owners register on the MyOris platform. Oris also recommends servicing once every 10 years. The Oris Hölstein Edition 2026 doesn’t display this movement, though, as it lies hidden beneath a polished case back.
On this case back, you’ll find the Oris Bear mascot. I am not particularly fond of this bear, but I have nothing against it either, so it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker. At least my daughter likes the Oris Bear, given how fond she is of the merchandise (she has an Oris keychain, sweater, and mug featuring the Hölstein bear). On the case back, you will also find each watch’s unique number, as Oris will only produce 250 of these Hölstein Editions. That probably also affected the price.
Hölstein Edition 2026 on the wrist
This new Oris Hölstein Edition 2026 is a fun watch to wear. It’s the first Hölstein Edition since 2020 that can be considered a dress watch, or at least an elegant one. And it’s just that — an elegant watch you can wear daily and use as a dress watch. It lacks proper water resistance and luminescent hour markers, but that wouldn’t hold me back from wearing it. I don’t swim (with a watch), and at night, I don’t need to check the time. If you are after a GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch that ticks as many spec boxes as possible, this one is not for you. There are other (Oris) watches that are more suitable in that case, but this could still make a nice addition to a collection.
Dimensions that work
The Oris Hölstein Edition 2026 is unlike any watch I own, but it’s one I could have easily picked out because of how it looks and wears on my wrist. With its 39.5mm diameter and 45.5mm lug-to-lug, it’s comfortable and goes with almost any outfit. Oris got the proportions right with the Hölstein Edition 2026, as its slim 11.1mm profile works well with the diameter. The suede strap is very different from what I expected based on the renders.
It’s soft and comfortable on the wrist, and the dark gray-brown color complements the light gray dial nicely. Attached to the strap is an Oris-signed folding clasp with pushers to open it.
Readability
The lumed hands remain visible in low-light conditions, but the lack of lume on the hour markers and dial prevents highly precise time reading.
Just like the polished applied hour markers, the sub-dial plays well with light, making it a fun watch to wear. The polished, elegantly shaped case and lugs make it a nice ensemble. Kudos to Oris’s designer for creating something playful and very different from previous Hölstein Edition models.
Some afterthoughts
Usually, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five and Big Crown models are more to my taste, but this year’s Artelier watches do tick a few boxes. Especially at a price point below €2,000, I think Oris offers nice, elegant watches. This limited Hölstein Edition 2026 adds the proprietary 401 movement, of course, which comes with the perks mentioned above. Additionally, it has a special dial and case back that sets it apart from the regular collection(s).
The launch of the Oris Hölstein Edition is an annual celebration, and I think Oris did itself a bit of a disservice by not having the actual images of the watch ready. However, the Hölstein Edition 2026 watch itself was a positive surprise when we unpacked it in our office. It’s a cool, dressy piece that will probably find its way onto the wrists of many (250 in total) Oris enthusiasts.
Oris has priced the Atelier Hölstein Edition 2026 at €3,800 / US$4,600 / £3,550 / CHF 3,800 and will deliver it in a special wooden box. More information is available on the Oris website.
Let us know what you think of the new Hölstein Edition 2026 in the comments below.
