INTRODUCING: Oris takes us on a trip to the past with the Hölstein Edition 2022

In the town of Hölstein, 118 years ago, Oris was founded. Since then, the brand has been a darling of collectors, championing the idea of making watches for people of every persuasion. With mantras such as robustness, dependability and affordability, it’s no wonder the brand continues to see success. As a celebration of how far the brand has come and to show love for their hometown, the brand has released their third in a series of Limited Edition watches. Say hello to the Oris Hölstein Edition 2022.

The Hölstein Edition 2022 is a watch with it’s roots firmly planted in the ’90s and Oris’ Full Steel family of watches. In particular the Full Steel Worldtimer of 1998. It features a 36.5mm case that is predominantly polished with some brushing on the topside of the lugs. Thickness comes in at a very welcomed 11.7mm with a lug to lug that is only 47mm.

At this point, I know you’re probably saying to yourself the overall design looks familiar and it should. The watch, in its pursuit of staying true to the piece that inspired it, also shows it was clearly a predecessor to the Aquis models we would eventually get in 2011.

Yet one is also instantly reminded that this watch is indeed aviation-themed as it is water resistant to only 50 metres. Though its screw-in crown should alleviate some of your fears.

As you make your way in from the case, you’re met with a blue dial that has multiple design elements. There is a minute track which slopes downward to its centre which has a matte blue finish surrounded by hour markings on a circular pattern. That pattern continues on two subdials; one located at 9 o’clock, displaying running seconds. While the other, located at three gives us your minute and hour times at home.

With so much going on, this dial easily could have come off as too busy. Yet it all manages to work, with all parts related to timetelling remaining quite legible. The light coloured numerals on top of the dark blue background aid tremendously with this.

Powering this blast from the past is the Oris Calibre 690. It’s an ETA 2836-2 based movement that the brand has been using for decades in its worldtimer watches. It beats at 28,800 bph and has a 38 hour power reserve.

In terms of features, the wearer can set a home time on the subdial at 3 o’clock. There is also a small cutout in that subdial which can also show whether it is AM or PM at home. To address local time and any difference between that and home time, you must use two pushers. They are located near 4 and 8, and manipulate the main hour hand forwards or backwards in hour increments. The two red triangles on the dial quickly inform you as to which does what.

And seeing as the date function is coupled with the main hands, quickly adjusting your local time using these buttons is an easy task.

Keeping this all secured to your wrist is a three-link bracelet. It continues the mix of brushed and polish we saw at the lugs. And If you look closely, you’ll also realise that the bracelet isn’t fully integrated into the case. Instead the case lugs simply shroud a standard 20mm lug width. So finding a 20mm rubber or leather strap to go with that dial shouldn’t be a problem.

Overall, the Hölstein Edition 2022 is a good watch with an interesting application of the worldtimer complication. I was and still am surprised though that Oris chose this watch platform. It’s the last watch I would have expected them to use for this year’s celebration. However, with the changing opinions on watch sizes and so many brands focused on reissuing something from their archives, it’s nice to see an independent brand join in on the fun.

The Oris Hölstein Edition 2022 pricing and availability:

The Oris Hölstein Edition 2022 will only be available of the Oris e-shop. This will be a numbered Limited Edition with only 250 examples to be made. The watch will retail for $4,300 USD.