Oris represents one of the best values in Swiss luxury watchmaking. The company was founded in Hölstein, Switzerland, where it continues to operate to this day. Oris’s commitment to both its Swiss heritage and quality craftsmanship is what earns the brand its place among some of the biggest names in the industry. Of course, what sets Oris watches apart from many of those produced by the other major players within this industry are their value-driven price points.
In this guide, we will explore the Oris catalog, its different price points, and answer the popular question, “How much is my Oris worth?”
Oris Watches
Oris Fact Facts:
- Founded in 1904.
- Headquarters in Hölstein, Switzerland.
- Founded by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian.
- Catalog consists of 4 categories: Culture, Motorsport, Diving, & Aviation.
- The “Oris” name comes from a nearby brook in the region.
- Produces its own in-house movements.
- Created the first automatic mechanical altimeter watch in 2014.
A Brief Oris History
The rich heritage of mechanical watchmaking shaped Oris’s history for over a century, demonstrating how innovative, high-quality Swiss watches with timeless designs can be both enduring and accessible. The brand journey began in 1904 when founders Paul Cattin and Georges Christian took over a watch factory in Hölstein, Switzerland. In 1925, the brand transitioned from producing pocket watches to wristwatches, and the foundation of the Oris catalog that we know today was born.
The next several decades marked many important firsts for Oris, including the production of its first in-house escapement (1938), its first Oris automatic movement (1952), and the launch of the Oris diver’s watch in 1965, which would go on to inspire the massively-successful Divers Sixty-Five collection half a century later. Even when faced with many challenges during the first several decades, such as the quartz Crises and the resulting management buy-out, Oris persevered. Its dedication to quality and innovation is what has made Oris the success in the industry that it is today.
Continued Innovation
The late 1990s and early 2000s were a busy time for Oris. The company continued to stay ahead of the competition with the release of the first Worldtimer. This innovative watch allows the wearer to adjust local time forwards or backward one hour at a time. A few years later, Oris switched gears and developed the BC3, a sleek and modern automatic pilot’s watch equipped with a dial topped with a luminous display and a durable stainless steel case.
The now-iconic red rotor made its debut in 2002 and has since become a fixture on many Oris watches. The following year, in 2003, Oris released the Artelier collection, a series of sophisticated dress watches that boast innovative movements and exquisite dials. Even during the past decade, Oris has continued to innovate, releasing such ingenious designs as the Aquis Depth Gauge and the Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter, the world’s first automatic watch to feature a mechanical altimeter.
Oris Models
The Oris catalog is divided into four categories, each aimed at appealing to a different profession, environment, or lifestyle:
- Aviation: Developed for pilots and those flying at high altitudes and often boasting functions such as an additional time zone, highly legible display, or altimeter. Average Retail Price: $2k – $4k.
- Motorsport: Developed for the world of professional racing. These watches often feature a chronograph movement for precise timing while on the racetrack. Average Retail Price: $2k – $3k.
- Diving: A collection of highly water-resistant watches that often include added functions such as a built-in mechanical depth gauge, chronograph, or additional time zone. Average Retail Price: $2k – $5k.
- Culture: Classically designed wristwatches more in-line with traditional dress watches, but featuring Oris’s own distinct design language with some models featuring in-house movements. Average Retail Price: $2k – $10k.
Oris Watch Categories
From there, the current catalog consists of the following main subcategories:
- Diving: Divers Sixty-Five, Aquis, ProDiver
- Culture: Artelier, Classic
- Aviation: Big Crown ProPilot, ProPilot, ProPilot X
- Motorsport: Chronoris, Artix GT
Vintage Oris Watches
The history of the Oris brand dates back over a century. That impressive heritage and the company’s exceptional level of quality make any vintage Oris watch an attractive prospect on the pre-owned level. Oris also positions itself as the more affordable option compared to many other Swiss vintage watches such as Rolex and OMEGA. So if you’re in the market for an affordable vintage luxury watch with classic style, Oris is one of the best options on the secondary market. The average price for a vintage Oris watch is between $200 and $2,000.
Vintage Oris watches are prized for their timeless designs and reliable craftsmanship, offering an excellent entry point into the world of vintage Swiss timepieces. Examples like the Oris Chronoris with its bold 1970s racing aesthetic or the elegant Big Crown Pointer Date from the mid-20th century showcase the brand’s versatility. These models stand out as affordable yet collectible options in the secondary market.
How Much is my Oris Watch Worth?
Oris watches are built to last for generations. At retail, prices start as low as $2,100 for more entry-level models such as the Big Crown Pointer Date. The middle tier averages around $3,000 to $6,000 for models with more complicated functions such as the Big Crown ProPilot and Artelier Caliber 113. Topping out the price range are expensive options such as the yellow gold limited edition Carysfort Reef Oris, which retails for $19,000, along with the solid 18k rose gold Artelier Calibre 111, which retails for $15,500. There is certainly an option for every budget within the current Oris lineup.
Retail vs. Pre-Owned Prices
Just like most luxury watch brands, you can often find a discount on Oris watches if you shop for them on the secondary market. For example, many of the brand’s best-selling Aquis dive watch models retails for around the $2k to $3k range and some can be found available for as low as $1,500 on the secondary market. Additionally, the top-tier Oris models can also be found at a discount, like the Artelier in solid 18k rose gold, which retails for $15,500, but can often be found for about $10k to $12k on the pre-owned market.
Oris Watches Priced Under $2k
The entry-level collection from Oris delivers exceptional value through a combination of Swiss watchmaking tradition and accessible price points. These timepieces showcase robust mechanical movements housed in versatile designs that appeal to both newcomers and experienced collectors. The refined finishing, reliable components, and heritage-inspired elements create compelling options for daily wear without compromising on quality or style.
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Big Day Date
This aviation-inspired timepiece features a commanding 44mm case complemented by a distinctive turbine-styled bezel that draws direct inspiration from jet engine design. The oversized crown stands as a testament to traditional pilot watch functionality, while the highly legible dial incorporates enlarged day and date displays. Modern manufacturing techniques blend seamlessly with vintage-inspired elements like cathedral hands and textured surfaces.
- Pre-Owned: ~$995–$1,500
- Retail: ~$1,800
Oris Chronoris Date
Drawing from motorsport heritage of the 1970s, this model showcases a distinctive tonneau-shaped case combined with an innovative internal rotating timing bezel. The dial architecture balances vintage inspiration with contemporary execution through high-contrast markers and strategic orange accents. The unique case construction and sporting character create a compelling presence that stands apart from traditional round case designs.
- Pre-Owned: ~$1,500–$2,000
- Retail: ~$2,000–$2,200
Oris Classic Date
This refined timepiece exemplifies understated elegance through meticulous attention to proportions and detail. The dial incorporates subtle guilloche texturing that creates depth and visual interest, while applied indices and a traditional date window maintain exceptional clarity. The versatile design transcends casual and formal settings through careful material selection and balanced finishing techniques that elevate the overall presentation.
- Pre-Owned: ~$1,000–$1,500
- Retail: ~$1,700–$2,000
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
The centerpiece of the Oris collection since 1938, this model demonstrates timeless appeal through a distinctive central pointer date mechanism that sweeps across a domed dial surface. Traditional Arabic numerals complement the coin-edge bezel pattern, while the balanced 40mm case dimensions provide excellent versatility. The heritage-inspired dial layout features a red-tipped date indicator that adds both practical function and visual intrigue to the overall design.
- Pre-Owned: ~$1,200–$1,800
- Retail: ~$1,900–$2,100
Oris Watches Priced from $2k to $3k
The mid-range Oris portfolio demonstrates exceptional capability in both diving and aviation categories. These models incorporate advanced features and premium materials while maintaining competitive pricing. The robust construction and reliable movement selection establish a strong value proposition, while enhanced finishing techniques and sophisticated design elements justify the price increment over entry-level offerings.
Oris Divers Sixty-Five
This modern interpretation of classical diving watches combines authentic 1960s design language with contemporary engineering standards. The streamlined case profile works in harmony with a domed sapphire crystal to create a distinctive silhouette, while modern manufacturing processes ensure exceptional durability. Strategic use of bronze elements and carefully considered dial markers establish an effective balance between heritage appeal and modern functionality.
- Pre-Owned: ~$1,800–$2,400
- Retail: ~$2,200–$3,000
Oris Aquis Date (Standard Models)
The contemporary dive watch platform demonstrates professional-grade capabilities through robust engineering and refined aesthetics. The integrated case and bracelet design creates a cohesive visual statement, enhanced by a ceramic bezel insert and 300-meter water resistance rating. Multiple dial variations feature sunburst finishing and applied markers that establish a premium presence while maintaining exceptional underwater legibility.
- Pre-Owned: ~$2,000–$2,700
- Retail: ~$2,300–$3,000
Oris Big Crown Pilot
This aviation-focused timepiece incorporates sophisticated design elements through a distinctive turbine-styled bezel and purposeful dial architecture. The case surfaces feature precise texturing that reflects contemporary aircraft aesthetics, while maintaining clear visual links to traditional pilot watch design. Enhanced material selection and detailed finishing elevate the overall execution beyond entry-level offerings.
- Pre-Owned: ~$2,000–$2,500
- Retail: ~$2,800–$3,000
Oris Watches Priced from $3k to $4k
The upper mid-range category introduces significant technical advancements through innovative movements and specialized complications. The integration of the in-house Calibre 400 movement demonstrates a commitment to horological development, while specialized functions expand practical capabilities. These models represent a substantial step forward in both technical sophistication and material quality while maintaining competitive market positioning.
Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400
The integration of an advanced in-house movement establishes new performance benchmarks through an exceptional 5-day power reserve and enhanced magnetic resistance capabilities. The refined case architecture works in concert with premium finishing techniques while maintaining professional dive watch capabilities. The sophisticated movement technology combines with modern manufacturing processes to create a compelling technical achievement.
- Pre-Owned: ~$3,200–$3,800
- Retail: ~$3,500–$4,000
Oris Chronoris Chronograph
The advanced chronograph mechanism elevates the distinctive barrel case design through comprehensive timing capabilities and sophisticated dial architecture. Multiple subdials and a precision tachymeter scale demonstrate technical refinement while maintaining clear visual connections to 1970s motorsport heritage. The complex movement integration and enhanced finishing techniques establish strong value at this price point.
- Pre-Owned: ~$3,000–$3,800
- Retail: ~$4,000
Oris Aquis Depth Gauge
The innovative depth gauge mechanism demonstrates advanced engineering through a patented system integrated directly into the sapphire crystal. The sophisticated 46mm case construction incorporates professional-grade diving capabilities with 500-meter water resistance, while the precision depth measurement system creates real-world functionality for serious divers. The strategic implementation of premium materials and specialized engineering establishes this model as a significant technical achievement in dive watch design.
- Pre-Owned: ~$3,200–$4,000
- Retail: ~$4,500–$5,000
Oris Watches Priced Over $4k
Once you get above $4k you start to reach the most premium Oris watches from the brand’s entire catalog, with some even available with advanced in-house movements and solid 18k gold cases.
Oris Artelier 110-Years Limited Edition
The Oris Artelier series includes an impressive selection of movements, bracelet types, and metal options. Whether you’re in the market for a simple, three-hand dial with a simple date mechanism, or one with more impressive functions, such as a moonphase complication or even a second timezone, there is a watch in this sophisticated and varied selection of dress references to suit your wrist. Entry-level options are available at both retail and on the pre-owned market with prices starting out around $1k – $2k. From there, prices vary drastically depending on the feature set and movement with some solid gold models selling for more than five-figures.
- Retail Price: $1,850 – $15,500
- Pre-Owned Price: $1,095 – $12k
Oris Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 115
The skeleton dial architecture reveals intricate movement details through innovative design and advanced manufacturing techniques. The implementation of premium materials and complex movement technology demonstrates sophisticated watchmaking capabilities. The distinctive aesthetic approach and technical refinement establish this model as a significant achievement in contemporary watch design.
- Pre-Owned: ~$5,500–$6,800
- Retail: ~$6,000–$7,500
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter
These specialized variants enhance the altimeter functionality through premium materials and sophisticated finishing techniques. The limited production numbers and enhanced execution create distinctive timepieces for discerning collectors. Advanced manufacturing processes and complex movement integration demonstrate technical capabilities at the highest level of the ProPilot collection.
- Pre-Owned: ~$4,500–$5,500
- Retail: ~$5,000–$6,000
Final Thoughts on Oris Watch Prices
The comprehensive range of Oris timepieces demonstrates exceptional value across multiple price segments, from accessible entry-level models under $2,000 to sophisticated complications commanding over $4,000. The strategic positioning of collections like the Big Crown, Aquis, and Divers Sixty-Five provides clear paths for collectors to explore different aspects of mechanical watchmaking without excessive premiums.
The introduction of advanced technical features, such as the in-house Calibre 400 movement and specialized functions like the depth gauge and altimeter, showcases significant innovation while maintaining competitive pricing. These developments reflect a consistent philosophy of delivering genuine horological advancement without the substantial price increases often associated with such improvements in the luxury watch market.
For collectors seeking Oris watches for sale, the pre-owned market offers particularly compelling value, with platforms like Bob’s Watches providing authenticated timepieces at significant savings compared to retail prices. This approach to pricing, combined with robust build quality and timeless design, establishes Oris as a standout brand for both new collectors entering the mechanical watch market and experienced enthusiasts seeking exceptional value in Swiss watchmaking.
