In the world of fine watchmaking, few names embody purpose with such quiet conviction as ORIS. While many brands speak of sustainability, ORIS builds it—within its workshops, materials, and timepieces themselves.
At Little Treasury Jewelers in Gambrills, Maryland, we’ve seen how ORIS redefines what it means to craft mechanical watches for the modern era: beautiful, enduring, and deeply responsible.
A Legacy of Independent Thinking
ORIS has long stood apart for its independence. Since 1904, the brand’s philosophy has remained remarkably consistent: to create purely mechanical watches, made to last generations.
That independence gives ORIS the freedom to innovate—not only in engineering, but in conscience.
Every decision, from design to distribution, reflects a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while celebrating traditional watchmaking.
This philosophy forms the foundation of what ORIS calls its “Change for the Better” mission—a movement that extends beyond horology into ocean restoration, carbon neutrality, and sustainable community partnerships.
Beyond Carbon Neutral: Purpose in Motion
In 2021, ORIS became a climate-neutral company, verified by independent sustainability experts. But the brand didn’t stop there—it began investing in meaningful carbon-reduction initiatives and long-term environmental projects.
Among them:
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The Billion Oyster Project, working to restore New York Harbor’s ecosystem.
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Coral Restoration Foundation, supporting reef renewal and marine biodiversity.
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Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, protecting Europe’s fragile tidal wetlands.
These efforts echo the same meticulous care found in every ORIS movement—measured, precise, and enduring.
Design Insight: Sustainability, for ORIS, is not a concept—it’s a practice. Each model becomes a reminder that luxury and responsibility can share the same dial.
Sustainable Materials, Lasting Craftsmanship
Horological beauty often lies in the details—and in ORIS watches, those details tell a story of progress.
Through innovative materials, ORIS achieves both durability and ecological balance:
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Recycled PET Plastic Dials: Found in the Aquis Date Upcycle, each dial has a unique, marbled pattern formed from recycled ocean plastic—no two watches are ever alike.
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Eco-Leather Straps: Made from sustainably tanned leather with reduced water and chemical use.
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Recycled Stainless Steel Cases: Maintaining the brand’s robust quality while reducing raw extraction.
These innovations combine artistry with accountability, showing that refinement and environmental mindfulness can exist in perfect symmetry.
From the Jeweler´s Bench: The team at Little Treasury often describes ORIS watches as “engineered poetry”—functional beauty shaped by human hands and a sense of duty to the world that inspires them.
Iconic Models That Embody ORIS’s Vision
Aquis Date Upcycle
An emblem of ocean restoration, this model transforms discarded plastic into art. Its swirling dial patterns evoke the movement of water, a reminder of both fragility and resilience. It’s sporty yet elegant — ideal for those who appreciate design with depth.
Big Crown Pointer Date
A timeless favorite that bridges heritage and innovation. Its clean lines, domed crystal, and warm palette recall aviation’s golden age, while sustainable materials and modern assembly techniques keep it grounded in today’s values.
Divers Sixty-Five
Vintage soul, contemporary spirit. Its bronze or steel cases are polished by hand to perfection, blending nostalgic design with ORIS’s forward-thinking approach to responsible production.
The Craftsmanship of Longevity
Inside ORIS’s workshop in Hölstein, craftsmanship remains profoundly human. Each case is polished by hand to achieve perfect symmetry. Every movement is assembled with attention that favors permanence over production speed.
This approach defines the brand’s quiet authority in modern horology. Every surface gleams not just because of polish, but because of patience — a quality ORIS believes is integral to both sustainability and artistry.
From the Watchmaker’s Bench:
The soul of an ORIS watch is found not in machinery, but in the hands that shape it.
Sustainability and Style: How to Wear ORIS
An ORIS watch isn’t merely worn—it’s lived with.
From professional divers to design enthusiasts, each wearer participates in a cycle of mindful appreciation.
For everyday style:
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Pair an Aquis Date Upcycle with neutral tones—its iridescent dial becomes the centerpiece.
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For formal occasions, the Big Crown Pointer Date merges vintage charm with modern sustainability, ideal under a cuff.
Travelers may find elegance in ORIS’s limited collaborations—each one reflecting global conservation causes through subtle design cues.
The Future of Responsible Watchmaking
ORIS’s journey continues to set a benchmark for sustainable horology. As materials evolve and global priorities shift, the brand remains grounded in its founding principle: to create real watches for real people—built to last and designed with purpose.
At Little Treasury Jewelers, we proudly showcase ORIS’s collections as a testament to what modern watchmaking can be: precise, enduring, and ethically inspired.
Explore ORIS at Little Treasury Jewelers
Visit us in Gambrills, Maryland, to experience the craftsmanship of ORIS firsthand.
Our team would be delighted to show you how the brand’s eco-friendly innovations translate into tangible beauty and mechanical mastery.
Little Treasury Jewelers
2506 New Market Ln, Gambrills, MD 21054
(410) 721-7100
Mon–Fri: 10am–6pm | Sat: 10am–5pm