Unveiling the Intricacies of Oris through the Lenses of its CEO Rolf Studer: A Journey through Time and Innovation
In the picturesque backdrop of Hölstein, Switzerland, near Basel, lies the rose-coloured headquarters of Oris, brimming with the unique spirit of its time-transcending tale. Oris, one of the 50 largest Swiss brands by sales, is renowned for producing mechanical watches that embody the brand’s soul, echoing back to its inception in 1904. Through multiple eras including the boom of the 1960s, the brand has held on to its distinct identity, thanks to the spirited efforts of pioneering executives like Dr. Rolf Portmann. The testament to this saga is the Star Edition, an updated version of the first Oris watch to feature a Swiss lever escapement, introduced after the Swiss Watch Statute was overturned in 1966.
Studer extols that the satisfaction derived from a meticulously crafted Swiss made watch is unparalleled, symbolic of its deeply held values. At the heart of Oris’s continued success and timeless appeal lies a deep commitment to quality, craft, and vision – a commitment, Studer argues, that today seems more important than ever.
A debrief from the industry’s significant gathering, Watches and Wonders, sees Oris standing on par with giants like Chopard and Cartier, a testament to its unique standing in the industry. This overview reveals Oris as a brand committed not only to preserving its rich heritage but also to on-going innovation and adaptation, crucial in an evolving market. The brand’s trajectory and resilience in maintaining its independence validate that Oris is a stellar example of Swiss horology excellence.
- •The Business of Watches PodcastOris Chief Executive Officer Rolf Studer hodinkee.com06-05-2026