Oris has unveiled a modern reinterpretation of its Artelier Complication timepiece, streamlining its design to appeal to contemporary watch enthusiasts. This updated model, conceptualized by the brand's young Product Design Engineer, Lena Huwiler, embraces a minimalist approach, prominently featuring a moon phase display and practical complications. The watch, with its refined aesthetic and accessible pricing, is set to become a notable offering in the Swiss watch market.
The Artelier series has consistently been a cornerstone of the Oris brand, balancing its rugged pilot and dive watches with a touch of classic elegance. The latest iteration of the Artelier Complication marks a significant shift towards a more simplified and cleaner design. The most striking change is the reduction from four subdials to just two, a deliberate choice by Huwiler to enhance readability and draw attention to the captivating moon phase display. This elegant solution ensures a contemporary feel while retaining the watch's sophisticated charm.
Measuring 39mm in diameter, the stainless steel case of the Artelier Complication frames a multi-textured dial. The center features a finely grained finish, transitioning to a smooth exterior, creating a visual depth that belies its moderate size. Customers can choose from three distinct dial colors: a deep 'midnight blue,' a classic 'ivory,' and a warm 'chestnut.' The subdials on the chestnut version are rendered in a darker shade of brown, while on the blue and ivory models, they seamlessly match the main dial color. This thoughtful color coordination contributes to the overall harmonious and uncluttered aesthetic.
Beyond its striking visual appeal, the redesigned Artelier Complication is equipped with practical functionalities. It includes a useful 24-hour hand and a second-time zone counter, strategically placed within the lower subdial. The moon phase indicator itself has been meticulously re-engineered, presenting a full, rounded view of the moon's celestial journey through an arched aperture. This design, complemented by a star-filled background, evokes a sense of cosmic grandeur, emphasizing the romantic nature of this classic complication. For enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, the hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova.
Powering the new Artelier Complication is the automatic Oris Calibre 782, a movement derived from the familiar Sellita base. This caliber retains the robust performance of its predecessor while being specifically adapted for the updated two-complication layout. All adjustments, including winding, time-setting, and the configuration of the moon phase and 24-hour hand, are conveniently managed via the crown and a single pusher on the right side of the case. The watch is water-resistant up to 3 bar (30 meters) and offers a power reserve of 41 hours.
The Oris Artelier Complication is available on either a matching stainless steel bracelet or a dark brown leather strap, both secured with a steel butterfly clasp. Priced at CHF 2,500 for the bracelet version and CHF 2,300 for the strap, it represents an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality Swiss-made timepiece with elegant complications without exceeding a 3,000 CHF budget. This refreshed model was officially introduced at Watches and Wonders and is scheduled for release in May, promising to captivate a younger, design-conscious demographic with its blend of modern minimalism and traditional watchmaking artistry.
