ORIS Watches - Opinions?
Discussion
I've done a bit of digging, but with mixed results trying to find a decent review on ORIS watches. Are they any good? The price would suggest they are, but I have to confess it's a brand I haven't really heard of.
I'm a long way from a watch fanatic, but as it's the only piece of jewellery I wear I always feel I can justify spending a resonable amount on a watch. I like quite big watches, not because it's bling but because I've got fat wrists and otherwise it looks like I'm wearing a kiddies watch! However, looking in the shop window they appear to be rather on the mahoosive scale compared to something like a Seamaster (my other thought). I've linked to a couple of ones that I like the look of, but what worries me is it a bit cheeky to use a jeweller to try on and get a better look at the watch then buy it online, or should I be asking the shop if they can match (or at least get close to) the online price? After seeing them I wouldn't want to buy it online without physically trying it on, but not sure the best way to go about it.
http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/ORIS-Gents-Regulateur...
http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/ORIS-Gents-Titan-Dive...
http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/-ORIS-Gents-ProDiver-...
One thing that appealed to me was the fact you get a rubber strap and a metal one as well. I wear my watch all the time (currently a Tissot Touch which hasn't been off my wrist in 6 months), so something robust and reliable is what I'm looking for.
Any opinions or suggestions welcome
I'm a long way from a watch fanatic, but as it's the only piece of jewellery I wear I always feel I can justify spending a resonable amount on a watch. I like quite big watches, not because it's bling but because I've got fat wrists and otherwise it looks like I'm wearing a kiddies watch! However, looking in the shop window they appear to be rather on the mahoosive scale compared to something like a Seamaster (my other thought). I've linked to a couple of ones that I like the look of, but what worries me is it a bit cheeky to use a jeweller to try on and get a better look at the watch then buy it online, or should I be asking the shop if they can match (or at least get close to) the online price? After seeing them I wouldn't want to buy it online without physically trying it on, but not sure the best way to go about it.
http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/ORIS-Gents-Regulateur...
http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/ORIS-Gents-Titan-Dive...
http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/-ORIS-Gents-ProDiver-...
One thing that appealed to me was the fact you get a rubber strap and a metal one as well. I wear my watch all the time (currently a Tissot Touch which hasn't been off my wrist in 6 months), so something robust and reliable is what I'm looking for.
Any opinions or suggestions welcome
D_T_W said:
I've linked to a couple of ones that I like the look of, but what worries me is it a bit cheeky to use a jeweller to try on and get a better look at the watch then buy it online, or should I be asking the shop if they can match (or at least get close to) the online price? After seeing them I wouldn't want to buy it online without physically trying it on, but not sure the best way to go about it.
I know what you mean; I always feel guilty when trying on a selection of watches, as if I'm wasting the time of the sales representative! However if you have a variety of different models and manufacturers that you'd like to try before committing, then you'll most likely have to visit several different jewellers ... So not cheeky in the least! If you're about to drop £1-2K+ on a watch, you need to know you've made the right decision before committing to the one piece ... Obviously you may find in the future that one watch is not enough, which is when the habit takes hold! 
When trying on a selection of watches, it's not just a case of whether it fits your wrist in terms of diameter, but does it feel special? If you slide it onto your wrist and find that it doesn't excite you, then look elsewhere.
The 3 Oris watches that you've mentioned are big watches ... 47mm-51mm ... It's also worth noting that the Pro Diver Chrono is 19.5mm in height, so it'll sit proud on your wrist. On the other hand, the Pro Diver is made of titanium and is lighter than you'd expect. Definitely try them on first though before committing
D_T_W said:
However, looking in the shop window they appear to be rather on the mahoosive scale compared to something like a Seamaster (my other thought).
Try the Seamaster on too. If you can compare it side by side with one or several of the Oris watches, then do so. See what you think
Personally, half the fun of buying watches is the research, choosing and buying/waiting process!As for more information, www.friendsoforis.com and the associated forum is pretty useful for reviews, comments and pictures. Just in case you haven't seen these ...
Pro Diver Chrono review: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f74/oris-pro-diver-ch...
Titan C Diver review: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f22/oris-titan-diver-...
Oris Regulateur review: http://www.ablogtoread.com/oris-regulateur-der-mei...
HTH
They are good watches, good value, well made and IIRC have only ever made mechanical watches - probably the only long standing Swiss maker able to claim that.
I have had two and still have one of them.
As others have said the newer ones are getting a bit big and frankly blingy - getting away from their traditional styles which have always been rather classic, and to my mind nicer. They are also getting expensive, but then so are all the Swiss makers, I guess partly because of the strength of the CHF.
If it matters to you, they use entirely bought in movements, either ETA or Sellita.
I have had two and still have one of them.
As others have said the newer ones are getting a bit big and frankly blingy - getting away from their traditional styles which have always been rather classic, and to my mind nicer. They are also getting expensive, but then so are all the Swiss makers, I guess partly because of the strength of the CHF.
If it matters to you, they use entirely bought in movements, either ETA or Sellita.
I have a 49mm Oris Regulateur “Der Meistertaucher”, which is one of the watches in your links. I've worn it every day on the titanium strap for a year with no issues and there's not a mark on it. The rubber strap is still in the box and I don't think I'll ever put that one on. The titanium has a lovely colour to it and it feels warm too.
The titanium case and strap means the watch is lighter than it looks. Also, the cases on the Oris divers watches are wider at the bottom than at the top, so they wear smaller than you might think. The 49mm case has a 46mm face for example and the 47mm watches wear more like a 44mm.
I definitely think you should see the watches first. I tried on a Pro Diver but when it was in my hand I didn't like the black rubber band running around the case.
I didn't pay the sticker price for mine either. The Jewelers selling expensive watches are open and used to haggling. I think you should see the watches you like and make an offer a bit under the on-line price. I expect they will end up matching the on-line price or get close enough that its worth buying from the shop for the extra peace of mind you get, and the fact that they'll size the metal strap for you too.
I first heard of Oris roughly 10 years ago when two of my friends bought the Williams F1 Ralph Schumacher watch. They've both worn them constantly and neither has had any issues apart from replacing a worn out rubber strap.
In the links you've supplied, they don't show the real boxes you get. Some of the Divers watches come in a box shaped like Divers helmet, whilst the Pro Diver and Regulatuer come in waterproof plastic boxes that fit into a nice box with bottom drawers for the papers etc. They contain the tools you need to swap the straps too.
I really like Oris, obviously, but I think it's honest to say that the quality is excellent for the price.
The titanium case and strap means the watch is lighter than it looks. Also, the cases on the Oris divers watches are wider at the bottom than at the top, so they wear smaller than you might think. The 49mm case has a 46mm face for example and the 47mm watches wear more like a 44mm.
I definitely think you should see the watches first. I tried on a Pro Diver but when it was in my hand I didn't like the black rubber band running around the case.
I didn't pay the sticker price for mine either. The Jewelers selling expensive watches are open and used to haggling. I think you should see the watches you like and make an offer a bit under the on-line price. I expect they will end up matching the on-line price or get close enough that its worth buying from the shop for the extra peace of mind you get, and the fact that they'll size the metal strap for you too.
I first heard of Oris roughly 10 years ago when two of my friends bought the Williams F1 Ralph Schumacher watch. They've both worn them constantly and neither has had any issues apart from replacing a worn out rubber strap.
In the links you've supplied, they don't show the real boxes you get. Some of the Divers watches come in a box shaped like Divers helmet, whilst the Pro Diver and Regulatuer come in waterproof plastic boxes that fit into a nice box with bottom drawers for the papers etc. They contain the tools you need to swap the straps too.
I really like Oris, obviously, but I think it's honest to say that the quality is excellent for the price.
Thanks for the advice, will be investigating things a bit further, and also brushing up on my negotiating skills!!!
The Regulateur is my current favourite as I like the design of the face, but as suggested will visit a few jewellers and try them on before making a commitment!
Will report back once taken the plunge!!
The Regulateur is my current favourite as I like the design of the face, but as suggested will visit a few jewellers and try them on before making a commitment!
Will report back once taken the plunge!!
Just adding my support for ORIS to the thread - have had one of the Williams F1 half skeleton watches for about 5 years now - and I'm planning on buying something new this year - it's going to be another ORIS, the fun is which one ;-)
There just something "right" about the designs and very well priced too.
SWMBO is quite tempted by one too - and she's very hard to please with regards to fashion and style - could be getting expensive ;-(
There just something "right" about the designs and very well priced too.
SWMBO is quite tempted by one too - and she's very hard to please with regards to fashion and style - could be getting expensive ;-(
eccles said:
tertius said:
They are good watches, good value, well made and IIRC have only ever made mechanical watches - probably the only long standing Swiss maker able to claim that.
They did make Quartz watches for a very short while.Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff