Watch

Oris Star Edition: A Modern Reinterpretation of a Vintage Icon

Apr 14, 2026, 8:35 AM
Oris, a brand celebrated for its authentic and innovative timepieces, introduces the Star Edition, a watch that not only pays homage to a significant chapter in its heritage but also stands as a testament to enduring design and technical prowess. This release is a thoughtful revisit to a landmark model, demonstrating how historical depth can beautifully inform contemporary watchmaking.

Experience the Timeless Appeal of the Oris Star Edition: Where History Meets Horological Excellence

The Genesis of a Star: A Journey Through Oris's Historic Endeavor

At Watches and Wonders 2026, Oris proudly presented a new interpretation of a classic from its archives. While the brand is known for its forward-thinking approach, it occasionally draws inspiration from its storied past, as seen with its Hölstein Editions. This latest creation, the Oris Star Edition, echoes the spirit of the iconic Chronoris, transporting enthusiasts back to the distinctive aesthetic of the 1960s.

Overcoming Adversity: The Story Behind the Original Oris Star's Innovation

The narrative underpinning this release is rooted in a fascinating piece of Swiss watchmaking history. During the Great Depression, the Swiss Watch Statute was enacted to regulate competition, inadvertently stifling innovation by mandating the use of less accurate pin-lever escapements. Oris, committed to precision, embarked on a nine-year legal battle, finally succeeding in 1965. This victory paved the way for the 1966 release of the original Oris Star, the brand's first watch featuring an in-house lever escapement. The new Oris Star Edition commemorates this 60-year milestone.

Faithful Design Elements: The Case and Crystal That Echo the Past

The Oris Star Edition meticulously preserves the essence of its predecessor. The stainless steel case retains the original's 35mm diameter, though its 11.1mm thickness might be a slight contemporary adjustment. The 41.5mm lug-to-lug measurement ensures a balanced fit, and the tonneau case promises comfortable wear, even if its size might be considered modest by some modern standards. The case boasts a refined finish, combining sunray brushing on its top surface with polished broad chamfers, case sides, and a slender ring around the crystal. Remarkably, the watch features a plexiglass crystal, a charming and historically accurate detail. With 50 meters of water resistance and a solid caseback adorned with a vintage Oris Shield engraving, it faithfully mirrors the 1966 model.

Dialing Into Detail: A Modern Movement Powers a Vintage Aesthetic

The dial design continues the theme of authentic replication. It showcases applied double indices for most hours, with the cardinal hours marked by wider single batons featuring black stripes. The hands are polished and similarly striped, with Super-LumiNova accents, also found as small pips at each hour marker. The dial maintains its reticle, trapezoidal date window, and original text layout, with "automatic" now positioned on the lower half and "26 jewels" added. The most significant modern update is the movement: a Swiss automatic Oris Calibre 733, built upon the Sellita SW200-1, offering a 41-hour power reserve and operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour.

A Resounding Success: Celebrating Heritage with Contemporary Craftsmanship

This timepiece is an undeniable triumph, a highly precise recreation of a watch with genuine historical significance for Oris. Few brands possess such a rich legacy that allows for the revival of models with true meaning. Capitalizing on the current trend towards smaller watches, Oris seized the opportunity and executed it flawlessly. The Oris Star Edition is available for $2,300 USD, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of horological history reimagined for today.

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