I’ve long believed that every serious collector remembers their entry point into mechanical watches. That first moment when a piece speaks to you not just because of how it looks, but because of what it stands for. For many, that watch is an Oris. At Noah’s Fine Watches & Jewelry, we’re proud to carry Oris, not just because they make exceptional timepieces, but because they represent something deeper: the idea that mechanical watchmaking should be accessible, innovative, and unpretentious. Oris has carved a unique niche for itself in the Swiss watchmaking landscape, consistently delivering value, design, and independent spirit at a level few brands can match. Let’s take a closer look at why Oris deserves your attention, especially if you’re just starting your collecting journey or looking to add something refreshingly honest to your watch box.
Why Oris?
Oris isn’t owned by a luxury group. That alone puts them in rare company. They’ve remained fiercely independent since 1904, quietly innovating in their factory in Hölstein, Switzerland. While other brands are chasing celebrity ambassadors and NFT hype, Oris has doubled down on real horology, developing their own calibers, partnering with meaningful conservation efforts, and creating watches that are made to be worn, not just posted. But what really draws me to Oris is how human their watches feel. They’re mechanically impressive, sure, but they’re also deeply personal. Whether it’s the oversized crown, the domed sapphire, or the signature red rotor visible through the caseback, each Oris watch tells a story that feels grounded and genuine.
Big Crown Pointer Date: The Gentleman’s Daily Driver
Let’s start with what might be Oris’ most iconic piece: the Big Crown Pointer Date. The version we currently have in stock, reference 01 754 7749 4065-07 8 17 22, is pure charm. With its warm-toned dial and cathedral hands, it channels early 20th-century aviation watches but does so with a kind of modern restraint. The 40mm case wears comfortably on a variety of wrists, and the pointer date complication, where a central hand arcs around the dial to indicate the day, feels both nostalgic and practical. This isn’t a watch you need to baby. It’s robust, legible, and has just the right amount of eccentricity to make it a conversation starter. Whether you’re in a sport coat or a henley and jeans, the Big Crown fits right in. For collectors who appreciate the idea of everyday elegance, something you can wear to a meeting or a dinner party without changing your watch, this model checks every box.
Divers Sixty-Five: Vintage Aesthetics Without the Headaches
Vintage dive watches are beautiful, but owning them can be, well, stressful. That’s why the Oris Divers Sixty-Five collection has been such a hit. It captures the mid-century skin diver aesthetic like domed crystals, retro fonts, slim cases, but does so with modern materials and reliability. The Divers Sixty-Five Cotton Candy series, for example, is one of the most playful takes we’ve seen in recent years. The bronze case paired with pastel dials (we’re partial to the sky blue) is unlike anything else in the sub-$3,000 range. It’s not trying to be a “tool watch” in the traditional sense. Instead, it leans into personality, reminding us that watches can and should be fun. For those who lean more classic, the black dial version with gilt accents and a rubber strap is the perfect beach-to-boardroom piece. Water resistance? Check. Lume? Glows like a torch. Charm? In spades. Oris managed to create a dive watch that feels like a vintage grail without requiring a safe deposit box.
The Aquis: Tool Watch Performance, Oris Personality
Then there’s the Aquis, a modern dive watch through and through. What separates the Aquis from other contemporary divers is its balance. Yes, it’s rugged. Yes, it can handle serious depths. But it also manages to look refined on the wrist. The integrated bracelet, the polished and brushed surfaces, and the ceramic bezel all contribute to a watch that feels far more expensive than it is. We currently have the Oris Aquis Date 01 733 7730 4157-07 8 24 05PEB in stock, featuring a deep green dial that shifts beautifully in different light. It’s powered by the Oris Caliber 733, a modified Sellita movement that’s been a workhorse for the brand. Easy to service, easy to love. If you’re looking for a reliable dive watch that stands apart from the usual suspects, the Aquis is worth your attention. Especially for new collectors, it offers an incredible platform to learn and grow.
Oris Caliber 400: A New Chapter
In recent years, Oris made waves by launching their own in-house movement, the Caliber 400. It boasts a 5-day power reserve, anti-magnetic properties, and a 10-year recommended service interval. That’s not just marketing fluff, that’s real-world functionality. For a brand that’s long relied on ETA and Sellita-based movements, this was a bold move. And it paid off. The Oris Aquis Caliber 400 models bring this new tech to the wrist without abandoning the brand’s core values. You still get the great design, the fair pricing, and the independence. But now, you’re getting a movement that genuinely competes with some of the best in the business. For collectors who care about what's ticking inside the case just as much as the outside, Caliber 400 is the start of something special.
Why Oris Makes Sense for the Dallas Collector
If you’re based in Dallas or the surrounding suburbs like Plano, Frisco, or McKinney, you already know we get the full spectrum here. Suit-and-tie energy during the week, lake life and barbecue on the weekends. Oris fits that lifestyle better than most. You want something that can handle heat, humidity, and activity, but still look great over a plate of brisket at Pecan Lodge. These watches are built for it. At Noah’s, we see more and more local collectors reaching for Oris not just as a starter watch, but as a mainstay in their rotation. That says something. When a watch grows with you, not just your budget, it becomes part of your story.
Thoughtful Craftsmanship, Fair Pricing
One of the most compelling things about Oris is their price-to-quality ratio. These are watches with real finishing, real complications, and real soul. Not a slapped-on logo or a hyped-up Instagram campaign. The average Oris piece we carry sits between $2,000 and $3,500. That’s a range that allows for experimentation without the anxiety. You can wear it daily, knock it around, and still feel like you’re investing in something with horological merit. If you’re just getting into mechanical watches, that matters. The learning curve can be steep, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chase for the next big flex. Oris cuts through that. It lets you fall in love with watchmaking for the right reasons.
A Personal Appreciation
I’ve admired Oris since the earliest days of Noah’s. Back then, it was rare to find a brand that felt so unfiltered in its approach. No ego, no smoke and mirrors, just really well-made watches at honest prices. Now, years later, to be able to offer them in our store is something I’m genuinely proud of. I get excited when someone walks through our doors and discovers the brand for the first time. There’s usually a moment when they try one on, or flip it over to see the rotor, that it clicks. That’s when I know they’re hooked. We see young professionals picking up a Big Crown as their first “real” watch. We see seasoned collectors grabbing a Caliber 400 model because they want something they can trust and wear. The range of Oris fans is wide, but the appreciation is the same.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Oris has quietly built one of the most loyal followings in the watch world. They’ve never chased trends. They’ve stayed true to the craft. And in doing so, they’ve created something more meaningful than just another timepiece. At Noah’s Fine Watches & Jewelry, we’re proud to represent that ethos. If you’re just getting started on your watch journey or looking for a piece that brings it all back to why you fell in love with horology in the first place, Oris is worth a closer look. Feel free to explore our Oris collection or stop by the store. You might just find your next everyday favorite.
