Oris ProPilot X Year of the Snake

In the realm of independent Swiss watchmaking, Oris has long been a respected name, synonymous with quality, innovation, and a unique design language that sets it apart. Founded in 1904 in the picturesque town of Hölstein, Switzerland, Oris has carved a niche for itself by creating mechanical watches that are not only functional and reliable but also aesthetically pleasing and accessible. Over the decades, Oris has demonstrated a commitment to horological innovation, as evidenced by its development of in-house movements and distinctive designs. One such design that has garnered significant attention is the ProPilot X, a watch that embodies the brand's forward-thinking approach to watchmaking.



The ProPilot X collection, introduced as a modern interpretation of the classic pilot's watch, showcases Oris's ability to blend traditional watchmaking elements with contemporary design. The ProPilot X Calibre 115, in particular, stands out as a testament to this blend, featuring a skeletonized movement that reveals the intricate mechanics of the watch. This design choice not only highlights the technical prowess of Oris but also appeals to watch enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and engineering behind a mechanical timepiece. The ProPilot X is a symbol of Oris's dedication to pushing the boundaries of watch design and functionality.



Now, as Oris approaches its 120th anniversary, the brand is celebrating Chinese New Year with a special release that pays homage to the Year of the Snake. The ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition is an 88-piece version of the acclaimed ProPilot X Calibre 115, infused with elements inspired by the Chinese zodiac. In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, wealth, agility, and intelligence. The year's element, wood, represents growth and new beginnings, and is associated with the color cyan. This special edition watch incorporates these themes into its design, creating a timepiece that is both a celebration of the Chinese Zodiac and a showcase of Oris's watchmaking expertise.



The ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition features a 44.00 mm multi-piece titanium case, a material known for its lightweight strength and hypoallergenic properties. The case is brushed, giving it a muted, industrial look that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant cyan color of the skeletonized dial. The choice of titanium for the case and bracelet not only contributes to the watch's overall aesthetic but also ensures durability and comfort on the wrist. The multi-piece construction of the case adds to its visual complexity, with facets and angles that catch the light in interesting ways. The case is rated at 10 bar water resistance. The case is topped with a sapphire crystal that is domed on both sides and treated with a double-sided anti-reflective coating. This ensures optimal legibility of the dial while also providing a clear view of the intricate movement within. The screw-down case back, also made of titanium, features a sapphire glass window that allows the wearer to admire the Calibre 115 from the back. The case back is adorned with special engravings that signify the Year of the Snake. The case back has special engravings to showcase that it is a limited edition watch of 88 pieces and the Year of the Snake.



Visually, the ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition is striking. The first thing a watch collector would notice is the bold use of cyan on the skeletonized dial. The color is vibrant yet refined, and it evokes the sinewy, snake-like structure that the design intends to represent. The dial's skeletonization is not merely decorative; it is an integral part of the watch's design, revealing the inner workings of the Calibre 115 movement. The intricate network of bridges, gears, and levers is laid bare, inviting the wearer to explore the mechanical heart of the watch. The large, fluted crown, a signature element of the ProPilot X design, adds to the watch's industrial aesthetic. Its size and shape make it easy to grip and operate, a practical consideration for a watch that is meant to be hand-wound. The crown's design is a nod to the pilot's watches of the past, which often featured oversized crowns that could be manipulated while wearing gloves.



The heart of the ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition is the Calibre 115, a skeletonized movement designed and developed entirely in-house by Oris. This movement is a pure expression of the company's watchmaking philosophy, which emphasizes both form and function. The concept for the watch began with the movement, and the design of the ProPilot X Calibre 115 was built around it. The Calibre 115 is a hand-wound movement with a remarkable 10-day power reserve, a feature that sets it apart from many other mechanical watches on the market. This extended power reserve is achieved through a single, oversized mainspring barrel, which is visible at the 12 o'clock position on the dial. The mainspring itself is also visible through the skeletonized barrel, allowing the wearer to see it coil and uncoil as the watch is wound and the power reserve depletes.



One of the most distinctive features of the Calibre 115 is its patented non-linear power reserve indicator, located at the 3 o'clock position on the dial. This indicator, shaped like a snake's tongue and rendered in a golden hue, shows the remaining winding time with increasing accuracy as the power reserve depletes. This innovative design not only adds a unique visual element to the dial but also provides a practical function, allowing the wearer to monitor the watch's power reserve in a more precise manner. The non-linear power reserve indicator is a hallmark of Oris's recent calibers, symbolizing the brand's status as a movement creator.



The Calibre 115 operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and features center hands for hours and minutes, a subsidiary second at 7:30, and the aforementioned non-linear power reserve indication at 3 o'clock. The movement also includes a fine timing device and a stop-second mechanism, allowing for precise time setting. The skeletonization of the movement is not just for show; it is a carefully considered design choice that reveals the architectural form of the Calibre 115. The components are hollowed out, creating a sense of depth and complexity that is both beautiful and mysterious. The movement invites the wearer to understand its inner workings, making it a perfect choice for watch enthusiasts who appreciate the technical aspects of mechanical timepieces.



The dial of the ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition is a masterpiece of skeletonization and color. The cyan hue, chosen to represent the wood element of this year's Chinese zodiac, gives the watch an elegant energy that complements the muted tones of the brushed titanium case and bracelet. The skeletonized structure of the dial is reminiscent of a snake's sinewy body, adding to the thematic coherence of the design. The hands and hour markers are treated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions. The golden hand of the non-linear power reserve indicator, shaped like a snake's tongue, adds a touch of warmth and contrast to the dial.



The ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition is presented on a multi-piece titanium bracelet that matches the case in both material and finish. The bracelet features a folding clasp with a patented "LIFT" system, a design inspired by aircraft seatbelt buckles. This system allows for quick and easy adjustment of the bracelet, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The use of titanium for the bracelet not only enhances the watch's overall aesthetic but also contributes to its lightweight feel on the wrist. The titanium bracelet has a width of 22 mm at the lugs.



The watch comes in a special box, befitting its limited-edition status. Only 88 pieces of the ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition will be produced, making it a highly collectible item. Each watch is accompanied by a warranty certificate, and owners who join MyOris can extend their warranty for free to five years, a testament to Oris's confidence in the quality and durability of its timepieces.



The ProPilot X Year of the Snake Limited Edition is priced at USD 9,100.00. This price reflects the watch's limited-edition status, the complexity of the Calibre 115 movement, and the high-quality materials used in its construction. While it represents a significant investment, the watch offers a unique combination of design, functionality, and craftsmanship that makes it a compelling choice for discerning collectors.



Case: Constructed from multi-piece titanium, measuring 44.00 mm in diameter. Features a sapphire crystal domed on both sides with a double-sided anti-reflective coating. The case back is also titanium, screwed, with a see-through sapphire glass and special engravings. Water-resistant up to 10 bar, with an interhorn width of 22 mm.



Movement: Oris Calibre 115, a hand-winding movement with a diameter of Ø 34.00 mm, 15'''. Functions include center hands for hours and minutes, subsidiary second at 7:30, a non-linear power reserve indication at 3 o'clock, fine timing device, and stop-second. Vibrates at 21,600 A/h, 3 Hz, and boasts a 240-hour (10-day) power reserve.



Dial: Finished in a vibrant green, representing the wood element of the Chinese zodiac. The dial is skeletonized, revealing the intricate mechanics of the Calibre 115. Features a golden hand shaped like a snake's tongue for the non-linear power reserve indicator.



Strap: Constructed from titanium, matching the case material. Equipped with a titanium folding clasp featuring Oris's patented "LIFT" system for easy adjustment.



Price: USD 9,100.00



Notes: Limited to only 88 pieces, celebrating the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Snake. Features a unique cyan-colored skeletonized dial and a golden snake tongue-shaped power reserve hand. The watch is a celebration of Oris's 120th anniversary.