11/08/2022

Oris’ Train-Honoring Limited Edition: All Aboard For Hölstein!

Today, watchmaker Oris releases a handsome ode to the days when railroads ruled. And it not only hearkens to the role of track travel on the concept of timing accuracy, but also the historic part rail travel played in the company’s past...and will play in its future.

By Mike Espindle

Executive Editor

Just as the birth and growth of the railroad globally played an irreplaceable role in precision time-keeping (it’s pretty much the reason why we have international time zones, for example), the historic Waldenburgerbahn (or, WB) played an essential role in bringing people and prosperity to Switzerland’s Waldenburger Valley, which has been the home of watchmaker Oris since 1904.

A steam locomotive brings goods and passengers into the Waldenburg Valley in 1949 © Archiv BLT

To honor the role that the only-13-kilometer rail route played in its own history, today Oris has released a 1,000-piece limited edition wristwatch that is custom-crafted for a conductor. And with enough authentic heritage accents to make it a stunning addition to a collector’s watch case.

“The Waldenburgerbahn linked Hölstein and Oris to the world,” says Andreas Büttiker, CEO of BLT Baselland Transport AG. “The WB was and is the lifeline of the valley. In the 19th century, it fueled industrial development and the founding of numerous, innovative companies, especially in the watchmaking and precision engineering industries. Oris, like the WB, stands for reliability, quality, and innovation.”

Oris Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition

Being On Time

Based on Oris’ signature Big Crown Pointer Date timepiece, the 40mm multi-piece steel Waldenburgerbahn Limited Editon sports the Oris 754 automatic movement that not only provides 38 hours of power reserve, but carries one of the central functions that makes the watch even more special and heritage-inspired: a red-tipped central date hand that rides along on outer-dial date ring. In a nod to modernity, hands, indices, and numerals are coated with Super-LumiNova, something 19th-century railroaders would have certainly appreciated on late-night runs. A single crown easily handles quick date adjustments for each month, as well.

Oris Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition

While a handsome black dial, large Arabic hour indices, a fluted steel bezel, elaborately engraved “steam engine” case back, and sustainable dark brown Cervo Volante deer leather strap (with additional quick-change strap options) all add to the vintage appeal of the Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition, there is at least one more important modern element this new timepieces addresses.

Oris Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition

Next month, the 13km rail network will re-open after an 18-month project to convert the “WB” to the latest low-carbon tramway technology. So, Oris staffers can once again make their way to work in the most low-impact way possible. A keystone initiative from one of the watch world’s most eco-responsible brands. Tickets, please!

The Waldenburgerbahn in front the post office and the Oris manufacture in Hölstein © Sammlung Lorenz Degen

Pricing & Availability

The Oris Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition is produced in just 1,000 examples and is available now for $2,300 USD. Visit the Oris website for more information.