Oris
Oris is a Swiss watch manufacturer established in Hölstein in 1904 by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian. Its history includes different timepiece and movement types. Identify an older Oris by its own reference and construction, not by the properties of current models.
Big Crown and pointer date
In 1938, Oris introduced a pilot's watch with a large crown and a separate hand indicating the date. The oversized crown gave Big Crown its name. This is model history, not evidence that every large-crowned watch is an Oris or a particular Big Crown variant.
What should be recorded?
Note all dial wording, case markings and the calibre. On a pointer-date watch, check whether the date hand and scale belong to the stated model. Compare hands, crystal, crown and case shape with relevant documentation too. Follow the correct instructions when setting the date.
Condition and later intervention
Describe documented service and visible replacements. A movement part from another watch can function without being original to the example. Historical accuracy claims cannot replace an actual running test either. Give observations and test duration, and treat water resistance as a separate check.
Browse watches and pocket watches.
