This series explores worthy and reliable mid-priced mechanical watches for serious buyers prepared to invest somewhere between £800 to maximum £3,000. For precisely 109 years, Oris has been making watches based on the simple philosophy that all their products must be totally mechanical. The distinctive design of all their watches is marked by the red rotor, a symbol of all Oris mechanics. Since 1904 Oris craftsmen have been producing fine timepieces from their factory in Hölstein, allowing the brand to forge their own reputation at the heart of the Swiss watchmaking community.  Oris have created their own niche of affordable luxury watches that to this day are supported by celebrities from the world of sport, music, diving and aviation. Here’s a selection of some of their watches across various genres.

Oris Diver Aquis Date

This is a dependable diving instrument with an exceptionally clear display, this model features a black dial that matches the black ceramic top ring that protects the bezel. The dial is uncluttered with just a date window at the 6 o’clock position. Transparent mineral glass caseback showing the automatic movement, sapphire crystal on front. Water resistant to a depth of 300 metres. Fastened using a black rubber strap. £880.00

Oris BC3 Advanced Day Date

Here we have the latest edition to the Oris BC3 Collection. The BC3 Advanced Aviation watch has an automatic mechanical movement with a day-date function displayed at the 6 o’clock position. The 42mm stainless steel case is has a black DLC plated top ring and is covered by sapphire crystal glass on the front and transparent mineral glass on the caseback. The black dial contrasts beautifully with a steel bracelet, water resistant to 100 metres. £920.00

Oris Motor Sport TT1 Day Date

The Oris Motor Sport Collection is inspired by a partnership with the Williams Formula 1 team. The black rubber strap is directly attached to the 43mm case for an extremely comfortable fit. The black ceramic top ring matches the black dial. On this model the stainless steel case is black DLC plated. Emphasis is on readability with large 12, 6 & 9 numerals and a day-date display at the 3 o’clock position. Automatic movement visible through mineral glass caseback with sapphire crystal on the front. Water resistant to 100 metres. £1,080.00

Oris Artix Complication

This is a highly complicated watch that can perform a vast array of functions without losing any of the Artix traditional good looks. The 3-dimensional dial stands out placing emphasis on the day window situated at 11 hours and month window at 1, both neatly positioned inside an inner scale which displays the date with the help of a crescent shaped pointer. There is also a moonphase indicator at the 6 o’clock position on the dial. The automatic mechanical movement has a 45 hour power reserve. Silver dial with a black leather strap, water resistant to 100 metres. Excellent value for a lot of watch at £1,910.00

Oris Gents Tubbataha Limited Edition Regulator Dive Watch

This being a regulator watch, which is usually reserved for pilot’s watches, the emphasis is placed on the minutes. The large, central-set hand indicates the minutes; while the hours and minutes are clearly indicated on the sub dials.  The model name refers to the Tubbataha Reefs National Park in the Philippines home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and a percentage of every Oris Tubbataha Limited Edition model sold is donated towards the conservation of the reef and its astonishing diversity of marine life.  This 46mm watch is water resistant to 500 metres and is limited to 2000 pieces, but it may still be possible to pick it up for around £1,780.00 to £2,000.