A NEW DAY IS DAWNING
A new piece joins the very famous collection of the Hölstein brand, with similar features to the original 1938 model and equipped with a recent automatic movement
The historical dimension is of great importance in watchmaking. Indeed, most of the industry’s key players have solid roots in a past that is often rich in innovation, whether mechanical or aesthetic, and that represents an almost inexhaustible source of ideas. However, few brands have an icon that stands the test of time and embodies a spirit, an attitude, a heritage. Oris, founded in 1904, is one of these companies, notably thanks to the Big Crown, a watch designed in 1938 for aviators. Now a collection, it welcomes a new piece, itself equipped with a brand new engine: Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403.
Some aesthetic codes specific to this product family have been replaced to get closer to the original piece, such as the diameter of the case, which has been reduced from 40 to 38mm, and the bezel, which is now polished instead of fluted. On the midnight blue dial, the bâton-shaped hour and minute hands have replaced the skeletonized pear style and the hour numerals have been redesigned. Even the famous central Pointer Date marker has changed its crescent moon shape for a red arrow. A small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, close to the white minute train, completes the time data.
At the heart of the steel case beats the Oris Calibre 403 automatic, the latest addition to the 400 series that made its debut a year ago with the Hölstein Edition 2021 limited to 250 pieces. As required by this new range of movements, it is anti-magnetic, provides a power reserve of 5 days (120 hours) and has a 10-year warranty.
Price: 3,100 CHF
By Sharmila Bertin