A Mirrored Dial, A Rainbow Bear And Calibre 401: Inside The Oris Hölstein Edition 2026

Every year on 1 June, Oris celebrates its birthday in the most fitting way possible: by creating a watch that tells its story. The result is the annual Hölstein Edition, a limited-production timepiece named after the Swiss village that has been home to the brand since 1904. For 2026, that tradition continues with a special edition based on the newly redesigned Artelier collection, limited to just 250 pieces worldwide.

For Oris, Hölstein is far more than a dot on the map. Nestled in the forested foothills of Switzerland's Waldenburg Valley, around 35 kilometres from Basel, the village has shaped the company’s identity for more than a century. It was here, on 1 June 1904, that two ambitious watchmakers left Le Locle, the heartland of Swiss watchmaking, and established a company with a vision of producing high-quality Swiss-made watches for a growing international audience.

The choice of location proved inspired. Hölstein offered not only the right environment for manufacturing but also vital transport links. A railway station directly opposite the factory connected the village to the rest of Switzerland and beyond, helping Oris watches find their way onto wrists around the world. Over the decades, the village, its people and its resilient spirit became inseparable from the company's success. Since then, Hölstein has witnessed the creation of countless watch designs and more than 280 mechanical calibres, including milestones such as the Calibre 100 and Calibre 400 Series. Today, it stands as a symbol of Oris's fiercely independent spirit and its commitment to creating mechanical watches designed to bring joy.

The Hölstein Edition 2026 continues that story. Based on the Artelier redesign unveiled earlier this year at Watches and Wonders, the watch takes the time-only Artelier Small Seconds as its foundation. It features a 39.5 mm stainless steel case measuring 11.10 mm thick and is paired with a grey suede leather strap secured by a butterfly clasp. The new Artelier's refined design language is fully present. Straight-sided hour and minute hands complement applied hour markers inspired by vintage Oris designs from the 1960s, creating the clean, urban elegance that defines the collection's latest chapter.

But as with every Hölstein Edition, the real charm lies in the details. At first glance, the soft grey dial appears understated. Look closer, however, and the small seconds display reveals a mirrored backdrop, creating a striking visual contrast with its vivid red seconds hand. It is a subtle touch that invites the wearer to pause and reflect, both literally and figuratively. Turn the watch over and the theme continues. The caseback features the beloved Oris Bear, alongside the engraving "Hölstein Edition 2026" framed by two concentric rings. To create this effect, Oris collaborated with innovation partner Inspire, a company connected to the prestigious ETH Zurich. Using a specialised laser treatment, the surface takes on an iridescent mirror finish that shimmers through the colours of the rainbow as it catches the light.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Hölstein Edition 2026 also marks an important technical milestone. It becomes the first watch in the new-generation Artelier collection to be powered by an Oris Calibre 400 Series movement. Specifically, it houses Calibre 401, an automatic movement offering anti-magnetic properties, a five-day power reserve and accuracy levels that exceed chronometer standards. The result is a watch that balances heritage, innovation and emotion in equal measure. It is a celebration of 122 years of independent watchmaking and a tribute to the global community that has supported Oris along the way.

Speaking about the annual editions, Oris CEO Rolf Studer describes them as a heartfelt thank-you to the people who love the brand. Travelling around the world and meeting collectors, enthusiasts and members of the Oris community has become a constant source of inspiration for him. The Hölstein Editions, he explains, are designed to put a smile on their faces while also giving the company a creative outlet for ideas that may not fit within the core collection.

"It’s a birthday present for the Oris family and also for us," he says. Now in its seventh year, the Hölstein Edition series has developed a loyal following, with some enthusiasts collecting every release. For Studer, these encounters are among the most rewarding moments of his role. The series also serves as an expression of Oris's independence. While independence often refers to the brand's status outside a large luxury group, Studer sees it as something much deeper. It is a mindset, a responsibility and a commitment to remaining true to the company’s values and customers.

"It means we're only ever working in service of our clients," he explains. "With Oris, people get an honest watch and an honest message."The choice of the Artelier as the foundation for this year's edition was a natural one. Revived at Watches and Wonders 2026, the collection has already resonated with a new generation seeking a versatile Swiss-made mechanical watch with timeless appeal. The Hölstein Edition adds a layer of personality through details that reveal themselves gradually rather than immediately. That approach extends to the playful appearance of the Oris Bear. Hidden on the caseback and transformed through its colourful mirrored finish, the mascot becomes both a symbol of warmth and a reminder to appreciate life's joyful moments.

Interestingly, the concept for the watch came from one of Oris's youngest designers, Lena Huwiler, who at just 24 years old played a key role in shaping the Artelier redesign. According to Studer, her fresh perspective and creative confidence have brought new energy to the collection while ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the brand's future.

Ultimately, the Hölstein Edition 2026 is much more than another limited edition. It is a reflection on home, heritage and the values that have guided Oris for 122 years. Limited to 250 pieces, it captures the spirit of a small Swiss village whose influence continues to resonate across the world of mechanical watchmaking.