Oris Star Edition: The (Re)birth of an icon that changed history
April 14, 2026, marks the return of a legend. Presented at Watches and Wonders 2026 in Geneva, the new Oris Star Edition is not just a watch, but a symbol of the freedom regained by Oris and the entire Swiss watchmaking industry.
A hero of his time: Dr. Portmann's Battle
For over thirty years, Oris's innovation was hampered by the Swiss Watch Statute, a 1934 law that forced the company to use pin-lever escapements, which were less precise than lever escapements. The turning point came thanks to the tenacity of Dr. Rolf Portmann, a young lawyer hired in 1956 with the goal of repealing this protectionist regulation.
After a decade of legal battles, the Statute was finally abolished in 1966. Oris was finally free to innovate, presenting the original Oris Star that same year—its first watch with an in-house lever escapement.
Modernist design: timeless elegance
The Oris Star Edition is a faithful reissue that captures the avant-garde spirit of the 1960s. Here are the details that make it unique:
- Tonneau Case: A refined 35.00 mm barrel shape in stainless steel, ideal for those who love classic proportions.
- Minimalist Dial: Silver finish with applied double baton indices and square-tipped hands.
- Vintage Details: Plexiglas crystal and an asymmetric date window positioned at 3 o'clock.
- Readability: Hands and indices are equipped with Super-LumiNova® inserts.
Swiss Mechanics and an independent heart
Beating beneath the dial is the Oris Calibre 733, a Swiss Made automatic movement offering a 41-hour power reserve. The screw-down case back celebrates the brand's roots with an engraving of the historic 1960s Oris shield.
Unlike many modern reissues, the Oris Star Edition is not a limited edition. It will be available starting in May 2026 at a price of CHF 1,800.
Why choose it?
As noted by watch historian Gisbert L. Brunner, this model represents "retro-flavored perfection". It is the ideal choice for the collector seeking not just a stylish accessory, but a piece of mechanical history that celebrates independence and entrepreneurial courage.
