Oris x RedBar Limited Edition II

Collaborations within the watch industry have become a familiar sight, but few resonate with the authenticity and grassroots enthusiasm of a partnership between a respected independent brand and a global community of collectors. The connection between Oris and RedBar is one such example, a relationship built not on a marketing plan, but on a shared philosophy of inclusivity and a genuine passion for mechanical timepieces. This long-standing friendship has now yielded its second creation, the Oris x RedBar Limited Edition II, a watch that encapsulates the spirit of both organizations in a compelling and thoughtfully designed package. It’s a timepiece that builds on a successful previous venture, demonstrating the strength and endurance of their mutual respect and shared values.

The story of Oris is one of staunch independence and a commitment to sensible, real-world watchmaking. Founded in 1904 in the Swiss town of Hölstein, the company has carved a unique path for itself, steadfastly refusing to be absorbed by larger luxury conglomerates. This independence is not just a corporate structure; it's the brand's guiding principle, allowing it to create watches for people who appreciate mechanical integrity and functional design without the pretense often associated with high-end horology. For over a century, Oris has produced reliable timepieces for pilots, drivers, and divers, always prioritizing utility and value.



This philosophy was most profoundly tested during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 80s, a period that saw many historic Swiss brands either fold or abandon their mechanical roots in favor of cheaper, more accurate battery-powered technology. Oris, however, made a pivotal decision to remain exclusively mechanical. This commitment is famously symbolized by their signature Red Rotor, a visible mark of the automatic movements that power their watches and a constant reminder of the brand's dedication to the craft and tradition of Swiss watchmaking. It was a bold move that has since defined their identity and endeared them to a generation of enthusiasts who seek authenticity in a digital world.

In the modern era, Oris continues to champion its "Go Your Own Way" ethos. This is reflected not only in their accessible pricing and robust designs but also in their significant strides towards in-house movement development, such as the impressive Calibre 400 series with its extended power reserve and warranty. Furthermore, their "Change for the Better" campaigns, which support various environmental and conservation initiatives, demonstrate a corporate conscience that aligns perfectly with the values of a modern, informed consumer base. This combination of independent spirit, mechanical purity, and social responsibility makes Oris a natural partner for a community-driven organization like RedBar.

On the other side of this collaboration is RedBar, an organization that has fundamentally changed the landscape of watch collecting. What began in 2007 as a casual meeting between founders Adam Craniotes and Dr. Jeffrey Jacques in a New York City bar has since exploded into a global phenomenon. RedBar’s success can be attributed to its simple yet powerful core principle: inclusivity. It is a space where a collector with a vintage Seiko can share a table with someone wearing a Patek Philippe, and the conversation will be about the shared passion for watches, not the price tags on their wrists.



This "no-BS" attitude has dismantled the stuffiness and elitism that once characterized the hobby, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers and seasoned collectors alike. Under the leadership of CEO Kathleen McGivney, RedBar has expanded to include chapters in cities all over the world, connecting thousands of enthusiasts through local meetups and global events. The organization has become an influential voice within the industry, offering brands a direct and unfiltered connection to their most dedicated customers. For brands like Oris, RedBar isn't just a market; it's a community of peers.

The first collaboration between Oris and RedBar in 2018 was a celebration of this very relationship, launched to commemorate the inaugural RedBar Global Meetup. It is therefore fitting that for the 2025 meetup, returning to the group's home city of New York, the partnership is renewed with a second limited edition. This new timepiece, the Oris x RedBar Limited Edition II, is based on the brand's popular retro-inspired Divers line, a collection that already enjoys a strong following for its vintage charm and modern specifications. The watch serves as a tribute to the enduring friendship between the brand and the community.

The foundation of the watch is its multi-piece stainless steel case, which measures 39.00 mm in diameter. This sizing is a deliberate choice, hitting a contemporary sweet spot that appeals to a broad audience. It is substantial enough to have a clear presence on the wrist yet restrained enough to avoid being cumbersome, making it wearable for a wide variety of wrist sizes and in diverse settings. The case architecture is robust and utilitarian, with brushed surfaces on the top of the lugs and case sides, accented by a subtle polished chamfer that adds a touch of refinement and helps break up the visual mass of the steel.

A key functional element of any true dive watch is its bezel, and the Oris x RedBar edition delivers with a uni-directional rotating bezel. This safety feature, which only rotates counter-clockwise, allows a diver to track elapsed time without the risk of accidentally extending it. The bezel insert is crafted from black ceramic, a material favored in modern watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance and immunity to fading from UV light. The minute scale is engraved into the ceramic and filled with a crisp white paint, offering high-contrast legibility against the deep black background. The edge of the bezel is finely knurled, providing excellent grip for operation even with wet hands or gloves.



Attention to detail continues with the operating hardware. A screw-down security crown, signed with the Oris wordmark, ensures the watch's water resistance rating of 20 bar, equivalent to 200 meters or 660 feet. This level of protection makes it more than capable of handling recreational diving and any water-based activities. The case back is solid stainless steel and screwed into place, providing a secure seal. It features special engravings commemorating the collaboration, including the "Oris x RedBar" insignia and the individual limited edition number out of 250, a private reminder for the owner of the piece's exclusivity.

While the case provides a superb frame, the undeniable centerpiece of this limited edition is its dial. The watch features a stunning red fume, or gradient, dial that immediately captures attention. The color is at its deepest and most saturated at the dial's periphery, presenting as a dark, rich oxblood or burgundy. This intense hue gradually brightens as it moves toward the center, transitioning into a vibrant, almost luminous crimson. This effect creates a remarkable sense of depth and dynamism, as the dial's appearance shifts and plays with the light depending on the viewing angle.

To ensure legibility, a paramount concern for a diver's tool, the dial is appointed with applied indices filled with a generous amount of Super-LumiNova. A combination of circular and rectangular markers provides clear orientation, with a distinct triangular marker at the 12 o'clock position. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands are similarly filled with luminescent material, offering a bright and lasting glow in low-light conditions. A simple lollipop seconds hand provides a constant visual confirmation that the watch is running. Notably, the dial is free of a date window, a choice that enhances its clean, symmetrical aesthetic and will be celebrated by many watch purists.

Protecting this striking dial is a sapphire crystal, domed on both sides. This doming contributes significantly to the watch's retro character, evoking the look of the acrylic crystals used on vintage dive watches from the mid-20th century. The curvature of the crystal creates pleasing visual distortions when viewed from an angle, adding to its charm. Unlike its vintage counterparts, however, this sapphire crystal offers superior scratch resistance. An anti-reflective coating applied to the inside of the crystal minimizes glare, ensuring that the beautiful red dial remains clear and legible under bright light.



Powering the Oris x RedBar Limited Edition II is the Oris Caliber 733. This movement is a reliable and robust Swiss-made automatic caliber, known throughout the industry as a true workhorse. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, which translates to a smooth and steady sweep of the seconds hand across the dial. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 41 hours when fully wound, meaning it can be taken off for a day and a half without needing to be reset.

The Caliber 733 also features a stop-second, or hacking, function. This allows the seconds hand to be stopped completely when the crown is pulled out to the time-setting position, enabling the wearer to synchronize the watch precisely to a reference time. The choice of the 733 movement is a reflection of Oris's core philosophy: it provides excellent performance, proven reliability, and is easily serviceable, all of which contribute to the watch's overall value proposition. It’s an engine perfectly suited for a watch designed for everyday wear and enjoyment.

Recognizing that versatility is key for a modern timepiece, Oris is offering this limited edition as a comprehensive set. The watch comes with two distinct options for securing it to the wrist: a multi-piece stainless steel bracelet and a black rubber strap. This inclusion effectively provides the owner with two watches in one, easily adaptable to different occasions and activities. The 19 mm lug width gives the watch a slightly more vintage proportion and feel.

The steel bracelet features a classic three-link design that tapers gently towards the clasp, ensuring a comfortable fit. Its brushed finish complements the tool-watch aesthetic of the case, creating a cohesive and durable look suitable for both the office and the outdoors. For more casual or aquatic use, the included black rubber strap offers a sporty and comfortable alternative. Its textured surface adds visual interest, and its material is completely waterproof and resilient, making it the ideal choice for any adventure.



The Oris x RedBar Limited Edition II is strictly limited to 250 numbered pieces, a small production run that underscores its exclusivity and its focus on the dedicated members of the collector community. The watch is scheduled for release on Friday, October 17th, 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of RedBar's Global Meetup. This special edition will be available for purchase exclusively through the official Oris website, Oris.ch.

For those attending the Windup Watch Fair in New York City from October 17th to 19th, there will be an opportunity to see and purchase the watch in person. Priced at $2,950 USD, the Oris x RedBar Limited Edition II offers a compelling package, combining a robust and well-proportioned dive watch platform, a unique and visually stunning dial, and the provenance of a genuine collaboration rooted in a shared passion for horology. It stands as a wearable symbol of community and the independent spirit that continues to thrive in the world of watchmaking.

Case: Multi-piece stainless steel case with a ceramic minutes scale top ring. 39.00 mm diameter, 19 mm interhorn width. Sapphire crystal, domed on both sides with anti-reflective coating. Screwed stainless steel case back with special engravings. Water resistance of 20 bar (200m).

Movement: Oris 733-1 (no date), automatic winding. 41-hour power reserve, 4 Hz (28’800 A/h) frequency. Features a fine timing device and stop-second.

Dial: Red gradient dial. Applied indices and hands filled with Super-LumiNova®.

Strap: Comes as a set with a black rubber strap and an additional multi-piece stainless steel bracelet.

Price: $2,950 USD

Reference Number: 01 733 7795 4018-Set

Notes: A limited edition of 250 numbered pieces created in collaboration with the RedBar watch community. Release date is October 17, 2025, and it is sold exclusively on Oris.ch.