The Best Swiss Watches
for Your Money

There's a reason why a Swiss-made watch is a mark of achievement for most men. The timepiece instantly conveys things about the wearer—from success and taste to intellect. And that's because these watches are more than mere time-telling tools. They are intricately machined instruments that take both precision and skill to produce. And let's face it, those don't come cheap. Which is why there's no shortage of brands that will charge you more than a paycheck (or two or three) for the privilege of owning one of their Swiss-made watches. That's where Oris is different. One of the most reliable and well-respected watch brands for those in the know, they've been producing high caliber timepieces in Switzerland for over a century. And they've always put a premium on value, making them a favorite for first-time watch buyers and serious collectors alike.

Founded in 1904 by pioneering watchmakers Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, the Oris brand was born in the foothills of Switzerland's Jura Mountains. Cattin and Christian's plan was to make high-quality mechanical watches using efficient industrial methods, which would allow for more reasonable prices. They quickly set about building a skilled workforce of craftsmen and state-of-the-art factories that would enable them to deliver these unique and in-demand watches.

Two decades later, the company had factories on six sites, including a sophisticated electroplating facility establishing Oris as one of the world's most forward-thinking watch manufacturers. By the mid-1950s, Oris was one of the most advanced watchmakers in the Swiss time industry. Apart from a few hands, hairsprings and jewels, the company produced every watch component in-house. As time went on, more innovations followed—from the Worldtimer (which allowed adjustment of local time forwards or backwards in one-hour jumps) and its pioneering Quick Lock Crown system to solving the challenge of getting a depth gauge into a mechanical diving watch.

What truly sets Oris apart from other watchmakers is that these high caliber watches aren't precious heirlooms meant to be stored away and brought out on special occasions. These are heard-wearing watches—refined but rugged—that are built for real men, inspired by the worlds of aviation, culture, diving and motorsports. They're expertly crafted to be worn everyday, in all sorts of situations.

Take the Calibre 111, for example. The 43 mm stainless steel case is water-resistant to 30 meters and below the durable sapphire crystal glass, there's an in-house built hand-wound movement with an impressive 10-day power reserve. The watch's power is stored in a mainspring, which measures nearly two meters when stretched out. The calibre has been engineered so the power is released evenly over a 10-day period. It's one of the most handsome and innovative designs in Oris's fabled history, and is an indicator of the brand's commitment to both the latest advances in technology as well as traditional craftsmanship.

Learn more about Oris timepieces »