Oris has built a reputation for delivering unexpected delights with its annual Hölstein Edition releases, and the 2025 iteration continues this tradition with a masterclass in restraint that hides a delightfully whimsical secret.
After years of bold dial colors and audacious revivals, this year’s birthday celebration takes a decidedly monochromatic approach—but don’t let the black-and-white aesthetic fool you into thinking Oris has gone conservative.
Playful Innovation
Limited to just 250 pieces and priced at CHF 4,150, the Hölstein Edition 2025 represents Oris at its most playful yet sophisticated. Built on the proven ProPilot platform, this special edition transforms a utilitarian pilot’s watch into something that’s equal parts stealth bomber and hidden treasure.
The 41mm steel case, coated entirely in black DLC, creates an almost tactical appearance that’s perfectly balanced by the striking white Super-LumiNova dial—a combination that immediately sets this watch apart from anything else in the current market.
What makes this release truly special isn’t just its bold aesthetic choices, but the surprise that awaits in darkness. While the monochromatic design speaks to collectors who appreciate understated elegance, the hidden Oris Bear silhouette that appears between three and four o’clock when the lights go out adds a layer of personality that’s pure genius.
Technical Excellence
Beneath the stealthy exterior beats Oris’s impressive Calibre 400, the brand’s in-house automatic movement that delivers an outstanding 120-hour power reserve. This five-day power reserve isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s practical freedom for watch enthusiasts who rotate their collections or travel frequently.
The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 21 jewels, ensuring reliable timekeeping whether you’re navigating cockpit instruments or boardroom presentations.
The attention to detail extends beyond the movement to every component. The white Super-LumiNova dial features matte black applied numerals that create textural contrast against the luminous background, while black printing maintains the watch’s stark two-tone aesthetic. Even the handset receives the matte black treatment, ensuring visual cohesion that’s rare to find at this price point.
Oris hasn’t forgotten about the finishing touches that separate limited editions from regular production pieces. The sapphire caseback reveals the Calibre 400’s decorated rotor, but it’s enhanced with a Super-LumiNova ring marking the collection name and year—another subtle nod to the watch’s luminous theme. Each piece is individually numbered 001/250 on the outer caseback ring, confirming its limited status.
The textile strap with leather lining provides comfortable daily wear while maintaining the watch’s tactical aesthetic, complete with Oris’s “LIFT” clasp coated in matching black DLC. At 11.9mm thick with 100-meter water resistance, the Hölstein Edition 2025 strikes an ideal balance between wearability and capability.
Available now through Oris boutiques, their eShop, and select retailers, this release proves that anniversary editions don’t need to rely on precious metals or complications to capture attention. Sometimes the most memorable watches are those that surprise you with hidden details that reveal themselves over time—exactly what Oris has achieved with their bear-y clever 2025 celebration.
