Renowned independent Swiss watchmaker, Oris (Instagram), is making a splash at this year’s Dubai Watch Week with its latest horological marvels. The brand is known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and independent spirit, which is once again on full display with its new releases: the ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser and the Divers Sixty-Five Date, Cotton Candy Sepia.
The ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser is a canvas of technological artistry. This piece features a remarkable dial, the first of its kind, created using a cutting-edge lasering technique developed in partnership with a research lab affiliated with ETH Zürich. The result is a dial with a unique colour that shifts from blue to green, achieved without using a single drop of pigment. This innovative approach to colouration, inspired by biomimicry and optical interference, allows for a spectacular display of shifting hues reminiscent of beetle wings.
When asked what he was most excited for at Dubai Watch Week, co-CEO of Oris, Rolf Studer told YUNG, “I hate to be biased, but I think our ProPilot x Calibre 400 Laser; we are having its exclusive launch here at Dubai Watch Week, a very important show for us. It’s created using an innovative lasering technique never seen before in watchmaking. Treated with two different laser treatments, the red light waves are destroyed, while blue and green waves are reflected, giving the watch its iridescent style. It has to be seen to be appreciated, but the shimmering dial is a thing of beauty.”
The watch, encased in a 39mm multi-piece titanium case and topped with dome-shaped sapphire crystals on the front and back, is not just about aesthetics. The Oris Calibre 400 powering it ensures exceptional performance with a five-day power reserve, superb anti-magnetism, and a host of other features that underscore its technical prowess. Additionally, the watch’s logo, indexes, and other elements are crafted using a unique laser process that creates a three-dimensional effect, enhancing its visual appeal.
In contrast to the high-tech allure of the ProPilot X, Oris also presents the Divers Sixty-Five Date, Cotton Candy Sepia. This timepiece takes a different route, embracing a more traditional aesthetic with its black dial and bronze case. It’s a nod to the classic diver’s watch design, offering a timeless look that appeals to those with an affinity for timeless style and elegance.
These two contrasting timepieces from Oris highlight the brand’s ability to innovate and honour tradition simultaneously. At the heart of Oris’s philosophy is an independent streak that allows the brand to make bold decisions and explore new avenues in watchmaking.
Oris’s showcase at Dubai Watch Week is a celebration of the brand’s unique identity, blending cutting-edge technology with classic design elements. Whether it’s the shimmering, colour-changing dial of the ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser or the nostalgic elegance of the Divers Sixty-Five Date, Cotton Candy Sepia, Oris continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in watchmaking while remaining true to its core values. According to Studer, the company’s independence gives them a rare position in the industry, “[it] means we’re free to make our own choices and pursue ideas that make sense to us and to our customers. It’s what drives our initiatives in sustainability, it’s led us to new collaborations. Often with partners in conservation or community action. Other times, it’s behind-the-scenes. We’re proud to work with some of the most pioneering labs and engineering firms to push high-quality mechanical watches that make sense.”
Studer leaves us with one last comment about the GCC market, “The GCC is an incredibly important market for Oris, the region has a number of Oris fans that have been very suppor1ve to us over the years. Dubai Watch Week is a particular favourite of mine in the watch calendar, its relaxed, it has the right amount of people here. It’s has a fantastic energy.”
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