Oris has launched a re-edition of its Star watch from 1966, marking the brand's first use of a lever escapement. The new model closely mirrors the original design while incorporating modern components. It will be available starting May 2026 at a retail price of €1,800 or CHF 1,800.
The Oris Star re-edition pays tribute to the 1960s model that debuted the brand's 25-jewel 645 automatic caliber. That watch resulted from efforts by honorary chairman Dr. Rolf Portmann, who joined Oris in 1956 to challenge Swiss regulations limiting technological upgrades in movements. After a decade-long fight, the laws liberalized, enabling Oris to adopt lever escapements used by competitors. Oris replaced the original caliber with the modern Sellita-based 733 movement, featuring 26 jewels. The stainless steel case measures 35mm in diameter, with a sunray-brushed finish, polished bezel, and dimensions of 41.5mm lug-to-lug and 11.1mm thick. It includes a screw-down crown for 50m water resistance, an acrylic crystal, and a screw-in case back engraved with the Oris shield. The silver dial retains applied hour markers, the 'Star' designation below the brand name, and text reading 'Automatic' and '26 jewels'. A trapezoidal date window appears at 3 o'clock with Super-LumiNova on hands and indices. One change is the lug width, reduced to 17mm from the original 18mm. Oris designed the watch to evoke the feel of a new old stock piece from the 1960s, suitable for daily wear without the risks of vintage models.