Oris might not be the first name that springs to mind when one thinks of Swiss watch brands, but as far as “affordable luxury” goes, there are few better doing it. For proof, look no further than the new, highly-limited, version of its classic Big Crown Pointer Date model.
Taking its name from the town in which Oris was founded, the Oris Hölstein Edition 2021 is the first to feature the company’s brand new in-house Oris Caliber 403, an automatic with an incredible five-day power reserve, highly anti-magnetic resistance, and a 10-year warranty. It’s perfect for weekday wear in that sense. You could switch it up for something else on Friday and it’ll still be running by the time you go back to work on Monday.
Oris Big Crown’s are known for having a vintage feel, but the Holstein Edition feels distinctly modern, even sporty. Rather than a fluted bezel like the production model, it features a flat bezel with a grey dial, a new set of Arabic numerals, and a streamlined case. On the caseback, the brand’s beloved teddy bear has been engraved, along with the limited edition number. Looking at the strap and face, it would compliment a grey suit extremely nicely.
June of 2021 marks 117 years since Oris first opened its doors in the town of Hölstein in 1904, and the independent Swiss brand is celebrating its birthday the only way it knows how: by releasing a spectacular watch.

The Oris Big Crown Hölstein Edition 2021 is no mere special edition of the brand’s signature pilot’s watch; it’s a complete reinvention of said timepiece. First and foremost is the movement, as the watch is the first to feature the new Calibre 403. The latest evolution in Oris’ dynamite line of 400 series in-house calibers, the 403 adds pointer date and small-second complications to the robust automatic movement with its five-day power reserve and a 10-year warranty. The case is also new and is inspired by pre-war iterations of the watch. Gone are the dressy fluted bezel and retro domed crystal, as they’ve been replaced here by a flat bezel and sharp, crisp lines. There’s also a new blockier font for the indices, simple pencil hands instead of elaborate cathedral-style ones, and a dramatic broad arrow date-pointer. Overall, it’s a very clean-looking piece that shows Oris hasn’t lost a step in over a century of watchmaking. Priced at $3,900, the 38mm Oris Big Crown Hölstein Edition 2021 is limited to 250 pieces.