Oris Year of the Horse Limited Edition

The onset of 2026 marks a significant shift in the lunisolar calendar, bringing with it the Year of the Fire Horse. This specific Zodiac sign is often associated with high energy, unbridled enthusiasm, and a confident drive that distinguishes it from other years in the twelve-year cycle. Oris has chosen to meet this occasion not with a simple dial repaint of a standard diver, but with a highly complicated, mechanically impressive variation of their Artelier line. The Oris Year of the Horse Limited Edition serves as a mechanical tribute to these traits, utilizing the brand's in-house Calibre 113 to display a wealth of calendar information alongside a massive ten-day power reserve. It is a release that combines serious horological engineering with a distinct cultural aesthetic, resulting in a timepiece that feels substantial both in capability and visual presence.

Oris functions as an independent entity in the Swiss watchmaking landscape, a status that has allowed them to pursue proprietary movement development with a degree of freedom often lost in larger conglomerates. The Artelier collection has traditionally been the vessel for their more classical, dress-oriented complications, and it serves as the foundation for this limited release. While many brands might approach a zodiac-themed watch with overt illustrations or dragon engravings, Oris has taken a slightly more abstract approach here, relying on color psychology and subtle mechanical easter eggs to convey the theme. The chosen palette is a deep, blazing crimson that dominates the visual field, immediately separating this reference from the more conservative silver and black dials typically found in the Artelier range.



The dial itself is a study in functional complexity, rendered in a gradient of red that darkens perceptibly as it reaches the periphery. This "vignette" effect adds a sense of curvature and depth to the face, preventing the large surface area from looking flat. Set against this fiery background are applied indices and hands finished in a warm gold tone. The contrast between the dark red and the metallic gold offers a high degree of legibility while reinforcing the prosperous connotations often associated with the Lunar New Year. The layout is busy, but purposeful, utilizing every quadrant of the dial to relay specific chunks of data without completely overwhelming the wearer. It is a "business calendar" in the truest sense, designed to track the passage of time across multiple scales—days, weeks, and months—simultaneously.

Central to the functionality of this watch is the pointer calendar system. While standard watches rely on a window to show the month, this model utilizes a dedicated central hand, tipped in red, which points to a scale running along the outer edge of the dial. This scale is dual-purpose, indicating both the current month and the specific week of the year. The weeks are numbered up to 52, a feature that is particularly useful in European business contexts where project timelines are often measured in week numbers rather than specific dates. Watching the red tip of the pointer hand slowly traverse the circumference of the dial over the course of a year provides a tangible, analog representation of the year passing, a perspective often lost when relying solely on digital calendars.

The subsidiary dials at the three and nine o'clock positions cut into the main dial surface, adding texture and dimensionality. The subdial at nine o'clock houses the running small seconds as well as a rectangular date window. The integration of the date here is interesting; rather than a simple cutout, it is embedded within the subdial, keeping the main central axis of the watch free for the calendar pointer. Directly opposite, at the three o'clock position, lies the massive power reserve indicator. This is not a standard linear gauge. The display is non-linear, meaning the spacing of the markers changes to provide more granular reading as the reserve winds down. It serves as a dashboard fuel gauge for the massive mainspring housing, letting the wearer know exactly how much of the ten-day autonomy remains.



Within this power reserve subdial lies one of the few direct graphic nods to the zodiac theme. The indicator features small, stylized horse motifs that correspond to the state of the wind. When the watch is fully wound and the hand is high on the scale, it aligns with a galloping horse, symbolizing the full energy and "full pelt" drive of the Fire Horse. Conversely, as the power drains and the hand drops to the bottom of the scale, it points to a resting horse. It is a clever, functional integration of the theme that avoids being gaudy. The imagery is small enough that it doesn't distract from the general time-telling duties, but it provides a nice bit of interaction for the owner during the winding process.

At the twelve o'clock position, a day aperture displays the day of the week in a clear, sans-serif font. This completes the calendar data: day, date, week, and month are all visible at a glance. Despite the amount of text and information presented, the use of gold-toned fonts for the branding and the Artelier designation helps everything blend into the warm color scheme. The printing is crisp, and the "Swiss Made" declaration at the bottom is flanked by the month and week tracks, tucking neatly out of the way. The overall impression is one of an instrument that manages to be decorative without sacrificing its identity as a tool for measuring time.

The case encasing this complex display is crafted from multi-piece stainless steel, sized at 43.00 mm. This is a substantial diameter for a dressier piece, but it is necessitated by the size of the Calibre 113 movement and the need to keep the calendar scales legible. A smaller case would have compressed the text to the point of unreadability. The case shape is characteristic of the Artelier line, featuring fluid, curved lugs that help the watch hug the wrist, mitigating some of the bulk. The polished finish on the case surfaces works well with the dressy nature of the dial, catching the light and framing the dark red face effectively. The bezel is thin, maximizing the dial opening and making the watch wear perhaps even larger than its dimensions suggest.

Water resistance is rated at 5 bar, or approximately 50 meters. While this is not a dive watch, this rating is sufficient for daily wear, capable of withstanding rain, splashes, or the occasional accidental dunking. It is a sensible rating for a watch on a leather strap that is intended for the boardroom or formal gatherings rather than the beach. The crown is substantial, a necessary feature for a manual-wind watch with such a long power reserve. Winding a watch to build up ten days of energy takes a significant number of turns, and a small or slippery crown would quickly become frustrating. The grip on this crown appears aggressive enough to make that daily or weekly ritual comfortable.



The strap chosen for this limited edition is made from Shell Cordovan, a specific type of leather derived from horse hide. This is a material choice that works on two levels. Practically, Shell Cordovan is renowned for its durability, smooth finish, and resistance to creasing. Thematically, it is a literal connection to the Year of the Horse. The color is a rich, dark brown that complements the crimson dial without clashing. It is attached to the case with a lug width of 22 mm, a standard size that balances the large 43 mm case head. The lack of heavy stitching or padding on the strap gives it a sleek, refined look that suits the Artelier aesthetic.

Turning the watch over reveals the engine behind the complications: the Calibre 113. Visible through a screwed, see-through sapphire caseback, the movement is a massive expanse of industrial-finished metal. The most dominant feature is the enormous barrel that stores the energy for the 240-hour power reserve. Unlike highly decorated movements from high-horology trinity brands that feature intricate engraving or Geneva stripes, the Oris Calibre 113 has a clean, matte industrial aesthetic. The bridges are large and sturdy, reflecting the robust engineering philosophy of the brand. The balance wheel beats at a frequency of 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour. This slower beat rate, compared to the more common 4 Hz, is often used in watches with long power reserves to reduce energy consumption and extend the running time.

The Calibre 113 is a hand-wound movement, a deliberate choice that connects the wearer to the machine. With an automatic watch, the rotor often obscures half the movement and keeps the watch topped up without interaction. With a ten-day manual wind, the user must engage with the mechanics, feeling the increasing tension of the mainspring. The rim of the caseback features special engravings denoting the specific nature of this release, including the "Year of the Horse" designation and the limited edition numbering. With only 88 pieces being produced, each watch is individually numbered, adding a layer of exclusivity for collectors who value rarity.

The number 88 was not chosen at random. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is associated with luck and prosperity. Doubling it to 88 signifies "double luck," reinforcing the auspicious nature of the release. This kind of numerological attention to detail is critical when producing a watch aimed at the Lunar New Year market, as these symbols carry genuine weight for many collectors. The watch comes in a special presentation box, further distinguishing it from the standard production models. The packaging likely echoes the red and gold themes of the watch, creating a cohesive unboxing experience that matches the premium price point.



While the technical specifications are impressive, the "business calendar" functionality deserves a deeper look regarding its practical application. In a modern era dominated by digital notifications and smartphone calendars, there is something satisfying about seeing the structure of the year laid out physically. The week number indication, in particular, is a complication that is rarely seen on mechanical watches. It transforms the watch from a simple time-teller into a planning instrument. For someone who organizes their professional life around fiscal weeks or production schedules, a glance at the wrist provides immediate orientation within the year.

The "Fire Horse" personality—enthusiastic, confident, and driven—is an abstract concept, but Oris has attempted to translate it into physical form through the bold use of color. A standard white or blue dial would have felt too safe, too passive. The crimson red used here is aggressive and unapologetic. It demands attention. It is a color that signifies energy. When the light hits the domed sapphire crystal, the anti-reflective coating on the inside ensures that the gradient of the dial remains visible without being washed out by glare. The dome of the crystal also adds a vintage touch, distorting the numerals slightly at extreme angles and adding warmth to the overall look.

The integration of the subsidiary second hand at nine o'clock balances the dial. Often, watches with central pointer dates or weeks can look cluttered if all hands are mounted centrally. By moving the seconds to a subdial, Oris reduces the visual stack in the center of the watch. This allows the eye to easily distinguish between the hour and minute hands and the red-tipped calendar pointer. The hands themselves are tapered and filled with a small amount of luminescent material, ensuring that the primary time is readable in low light, although the calendar functions would likely require ambient light to read clearly.

Mechanically, the 10-day power reserve is achieved through a single, oversized mainspring barrel. Most watches with this level of autonomy use multiple barrels coupled together. Oris's approach with a single barrel simplifies the gear train but requires a very long mainspring—nearly 1.8 meters in length. This presents challenges in torque management; a fully wound spring delivers much more torque than one near the end of its reserve. This is where the non-linear power reserve indicator becomes technically interesting. It doesn't just track hours; it tracks the useful range of the spring's torque curve, showing the wearer when the device is operating within its optimal parameters.



The decision to limit this release to such a small number makes it a strictly niche offering. While the standard Artelier Calibre 113 is a readily available model, this specific combination of the red dial, gold accents, and horse motifs will likely sell out quickly to a specific subset of collectors. It targets those who appreciate the technical merit of the in-house movement but want something more expressive than the grey and anthracite tones usually found in the Oris catalog. It is a collector's piece, certainly, but built with specs that allow it to be worn daily without worry.

Pricing for the Oris Year of the Horse Limited Edition is set at USD 8,000.00. This places it significantly above the entry-level Oris models, reflecting the cost of the proprietary Calibre 113 manufacturing and the limited nature of the production run. At this price point, it competes with manufacture movements from larger luxury houses, yet it offers a combination of complications—specifically the 10-day reserve and week indication—that is difficult to find elsewhere for under five figures. The watch also includes a standard 2-year warranty, which can be extended to 5 years if the owner joins the MyOris program, a value-add that provides peace of mind regarding the serviceability of the complex movement.

Case: Multi-piece stainless steel case, 43.00 mm diameter, 22 mm interhorn width. Sapphire crystal, domed on both sides with anti-reflective coating inside. Stainless steel screwed case back with see-through sapphire glass and special engravings. Water resistance 5 bar.

Movement: Oris Calibre 113 hand-wound movement, 34.00 mm diameter, operating at 21,600 A/h (3 Hz). 240-hour (10-day) power reserve. Features centre hands for hours, minutes, week, and month; subsidiary seconds at 9 o'clock; non-linear power reserve indication at 3 o'clock; date window at 9 o'clock; day window at 12 o'clock. Includes date, day, and week corrector, fine timing device, and stop-second.

Dial: Red dial with gradient crimson hues. Features non-linear power reserve indicator showing a galloping horse at full charge and a resting horse when empty.

Strap: Brown Cordovan (horse hide) leather strap.

Price: USD 8,000.00

Reference Number: 01 113 7806 4088-Set

Notes: Limited to 88 pieces to signify "double luck" for the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse (2026). Features a "business calendar" complication indicating day, date, week, and month. Warranty covers 2 years, extendable to 5 years with MyOris registration.