Oris are experts at creating limited editions that tribute different charities, organisations and world heritage sights all around the world. For their latest release however, the Swiss watch manufacturer brings the festivities closer to home, honouring a small local railway that runs just 13 kilometres in northwestern Switzerland past the Oris headquarters in Hölstein. The Waldenburgerbahn railroad has connected Oris and its team of talented employees to their homes throughout the entirety of the brand’s 118-year history and now in honour of the railway’s recent upgrade, we’re welcomed to the new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition watch.
According to Oris, when founders Paul Cattin and Georges Christian were deciding on where to hang their hats – or watches, the Waldenburgerbahn railway played a significant role in them choosing the Swiss town of Hölstein. The low-cost railway, which opened in 1880, connected this secluded corner of Switzerland to the outside world, linking the towns of Liestal in the north and Waldenburg in the south. Despite only covering 13 kilometres, the railway passed right by the Oris factory and as such proved essential for Oris’ employees commuting to work which in turn fuelled the brand’s own growth. Originally ornamented with steam locomotives, the Waldenburgerbahn railway has been upgraded several times in its 140 year long history and for 2022, the line sees its biggest improvement yet. In December of this year, a high-tech tramway will open giving the valley and Oris’ employees a low-carbon means of transportation. In celebration of this, and to honour the Waldenburgerbahn’s important role in Oris’ history, the luxury watch brand have launched 1,000 piece limited edition model based on their Big Crown Pointer Date watch.
For the case, the new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition shares its overall design and proportions with several other Big Crown Pointer Date watches in the collection. The 40mm wide stainless steel case features elegant tapering lugs, an oversized pillbox screw in crown and the iconic coin edge bezel finished with bright polishing. A key difference is the case back, which comes decorated with an ornate engraving of the original Waldenburgerbahn steam engine on the railroad. An inscription reading “Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition” and its status out of 1,000 pieces is also included on the back. Other features of the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Waldenburgerbahn watch’s case include a 50 metre water resistant rating and domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment on the inside.
The dial of the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition beautifully tributes old-school railway pocket watches with a simple, classic and highly legible layout. The backdrop is finished in matte black which contrasts harshly to the bright white of the vintage-style printed Arabic numerals, elegant cathedral hands and suitably-named railroad minutes track. The indices, numbers and hands provide even more legibility with the inclusion of Superluminova inserts. The dial also welcomes a bold accent of red on the central pointer date hand while the Oris logo sits loud and proud at its usual 12 o’clock position.
Driving the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Waldenburgerbahn watch is the Oris 754 automatic winding movement which takes its base from the well-known Sellita SW200 calibre. The Oris 754 movement has been a staple for the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date watch for many years now, offering a stable 38 hour power reserve, frequency of 28,800vph and 26 jewels. Although there’s nothing wrong with this movement, we can’t help but feel a little let down that Oris aren’t utilising their in-house Calibre 400 movement series into more of their releases – but then again, it does help keep the price point down.
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Waldenburgerbahn watch is completed by a supple mahogany brown deer leather strap which has been created by Cervo Volante. We’ve seen Oris partner with Cervo Volante before on a pair of Oris Wings of Hope watches and before that, a trio of Oris Big Crown Pointer Date watches. The sustainable deer leather manufacturer creates all their straps in one of the last two remaining tanneries in the whole of Switzerland, practising 100% vegetable tanning processes. The leather strap of the Oris Waldenburgerbahn is fitted with a stainless steel buckle and a quick change strap system.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Waldenburgerbahn watch and secure one of the 1,000 limited edition pieces for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Domed sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screw down with special engraving
- Water Resistance: 50 metres
- Movement: Oris 754 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, central date hand
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Jewels: 26
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Matte black with Superluminova hands, indices and numerals. Red tipped pointer date
- Strap: Dark brown Cervo Volante deer leather
- RRP: £1,750
- Limited Edition: 1,000 pieces
- Release Date: November 2022
