Oris | Waldenburgerbahn

Oris introduces a limited edition celebrating the historic railway that brought people and prosperity to the Waldenburg Valley, the Swiss watch company’s home. Its story began in 1904 with two watchmakers, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian. The pair were based in the watchmaking heartland of Le Locle, but rather than found their company there, they ventured west towards Basel. They settled in Hölstein, an unassuming village nestled in the beautiful Waldenburg Valley. But why?

Their decision owed a great deal to the Waldenburgerbahn (WB), an efficient, low-cost rail network opened in 1880 that ran through the valley. It covered just 13km, but passed right by what would become the Oris factory. In December this year, the 13km network will be reopened after an 18-month project to upgrade it to the latest tramway technology. Once again, Oris employees will be able to make their way to work using this alternative, low-carbon means of transport, helping to deliver on the Oris Emissions Reduction Programme, unveiled earlier this year.

Marking the WB’s recent upgrade, the brand has introduced the Waldenburgerbahn Limited Edition, a 1,000-piece watch based on our signature Big Crown Pointer Date.

This timepiece has a 40mm stainless steel case and fluted bezel, along with a domed sapphire crystal topping a black dial adorned with large, lumed Arabic numerals and a railway-track minute scale. It is powered by Oris Calibre 754, which fuels the signature Pointer Date function, whereby a central, red-tipped hand points to a date scale running around the rim of the dial. The model is paired with dark brown strap made of sustainable deer leather supplied by partner brand, Cervo Volante. The finishing touch? An engraved caseback featuring the old Waldenburgerbahn steam locomotive and the limited-edition number.