The Swiss watch brand Oris is well-known for the use of a red winding rotor, which became a trademark of the brand in 2002. It’s a symbol, the brand says, of the passion with which it manufactures mechanical wristwatches. At the same time, it’s a good way to catch the attention of the beholder and a good conversation starter. What else can you tell your watch friends" Discover these 25 milestone moments in the history of Oris watches, from its founding in 1904 to the present day, and you’ll have plenty to discuss.
1904 Oris is founded in Hölstein,  Switzerland, by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, both from Le Locle. They name the company after a nearby brook.
Oris founders Paul Cattin (above) and Georges Christian (below)
1906 to 1925 The company opens five additional factories in Switzerland.
1910 Oris, with 300 workers, is the largest employer in Hölstein.
A painting from 1929 shows Oris factories in six Swiss towns.
1927 When Georges Christian dies, Oris is bought by a group of his family?s friends. The watchmaker Jacques-David LeCoultre, grandson of the famed Antoine LeCoultre, becomes president. He is also managing director of LeCoultre and, after that company merges with Edmond Jaeger in 1937, of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
1928 Oscar Herzog, brother-in-law of Georges Christian (and not related to Oris?s current executive chairman, Ulrich Herzog) becomes managing director.
1939 to 1945 During World War II, Oris is better known for its alarm clocks t...