In the 1960s the Swiss watch industry experienced an innovation crisis, hemmed in by protectionist laws adopted during the Great Depression. The 1934 Swiss Watch Statute attempted to stabilize the industry and standardize quality. One of the unintended consequences of the statute was that it prohibited companies from innovating. The law limited watch brands to less accurate pin-lever movements – hindering progress and competition. In 1956, Oris hired a young lawyer and tasked him with getting the statute reversed. Dr Rolf Portmann fought for a decade before getting the law overturned in 1956. One year later Oris introduced the Star, its first in-house lever escapement movement watch. Sixty years later, the new Oris Star Edition marks that defining moment for the brand.
With a silvery dial and compact proportions, the new Oris Star Edition is visually faithful to the original. It has a barrel-shaped 35-mm case with seamlessly integrated lugs. The silvered dial is sparsely decorated with twin-baton markers, square hands and a date window at 3 o’clock. The words Star, Automatic and 26 Jewels have been added to the dial, a reference to mid-century models. Like the original Star, it’s set on a black leather strap. Inside, Oris’ Calibre 733 produces a 41-hour power reserve.
Oris Star Edition ($2,300.00) – oris.ch
