Oris Continues its Noble Association with Rega

Generally speaking, Oris timepieces feel at home wherever they are, from the automotive world to diving culture, and even… aviation. These are truly functional pieces, consistent with an approach whose utility is matched only by a powerful sense of service. In itself, when it comes to aviation watches, this independent group having originated in the vicinity of Basel and boasting its own movement manufacture, enjoys historic legitimacy. Its very first breakthrough in the field was in the form of a timepiece first rolled out in 1917. Then, in 1938, it patented an oversized winding crown, which went on to become the brand's hallmark feature. This particularity enabled air pilots to make quick time adjustments without having to remove their gloves.
 

Oris has always broken new ground. Take, for example, its Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter, which, to this day, remains the first self-winding mechanical wristwatch with altimeter ever produced. A firm favorite with pilots, this 47 mm diameter tool watch is truly dependable. Because of its mechanical nature, It is able to survive any computer blackout occurring in mid-flight, acting like a mechanical locator that is reassuring to both professional airmen and intrepid weekend pilots alike. To be honest, this piece, incidentally water-resistant to 100 metres, also appeals unashamedly to confirmed landlubbers and urbanites chained, willingly or unwillingly, to their office desks. In a nutshell, these are watches that, despite their inherent functions, never look out of place on the terra firma of real city life.
 

Conjuring up images of intrepid pilots known for their skills in negotiating the icy hostile mountain environment in helicopter rescue missions that require keeping a close eye on altitude, the Oris Rega altimeter enables enthusiasts of functional utility watches to identify with the same lofty values. Meanwhile, the new Rega 2017 comes in a superb GMT version limited to just 2000 individually numbered pieces. The watch is capable of crossing various time zones in one day, just like the air ambulances themselves, always ready for take-off in Geneva or Zurich, and sometimes even Switzerland's military airports.
 

Reminiscent in design to the first Oris aviation watch rolled out 100 years ago, this marvel of watchmaking houses an Oris 748, a specific customisation of the base calibre Sellita SW-220-1. It features a black GMT pointer hand tipped with red to indicate a second time zone. The watchcase, also water-resistant to 100 metres, sports an alluring gunmetal grey PVD-coating. Its patented adjustment system, a stroke of genius so dear to Oris, is clearly inspired by an airplane's seatbelt buckle system. There's a splash of red at 3 o'clock, just where the Rega logo peaks through, which is echoed by the red flash on the reverse of the leather strap in an extra flourish of Swissness. A special presentation box lends extra emphasis to the ultimate functional utility watch. And the whole lot will set you back less than CHF 2,600.00.-.
 

Oris tool watches, especially those that celebrate the altruistic values of Rega, deserve to be declared instruments of public utility. The epitome of fine craftsmanship and affordability, it's no wonder that the brand is popularly viewed as the Swiss champion of perceived watchmaking value.