Watches

At 8,000 Feet, Oris Takes a Dive

WatchesJan 16, 2019

At 8,000 Feet, Oris Takes a Dive

In a pre-Basel preview held in Vail earlier this month, the Swiss watch brand introduced the latest addition to its ProDiver line.

20190116_Oris_ProDiver_header.jpg
The Oris Dive Control Limited Edition is a 51 mm dive watch with a lightweight titanium case coated in black DLC (diamond-like carbon). The watch is water resistant to 1,000 meters and is part of the brand’s ProDiver line.

Vail, Colorado—Oris went up to 8,022 feet to present a watch that works at 3,280 feet down.

Earlier this month, Oris presented the new Dive Control Limited Edition, along with a handful of other still-under-wraps watches, to journalists in Vail, Colorado.

The pre-Basel release of the new dive watch follows the November unveiling of the special bronze 80th anniversary version of the Big Crown Pointer Date.


Released in November, the special bronze 80th anniversary version of the Big Crown Pointer Date has a 40 mm case and is powered by the Oris 754 movement with a 38-hour power reserve.

It’s also part of the Holstein, Switzerland-based watch brand’s new strategy: put less emphasis on Baselworld, push out more newness throughout the year and tell the stories behind the products while letting the now-numerous watch blogs, websites and Instagram accounts do the rest.

“Basel has lost its importance,” Oris co-CEO Rolf Studer said before presenting the watches over lunch at Swiss restaurant Almresi Vail. “You can launch a watch in August and through social media, through events, through all these multipliers, it will be as effective, or even more effective, than doing it in Basel.”

Released globally Jan. 7, the Dive Control Limited Edition is big and bold—51 mm with an optional bright-yellow rubber strap and matching yellow detailing on the dial.

The timepiece is part of Oris’ ProDiver line, which, as the name indicates, is designed for professional divers (though likely worn in equal measure by watch collectors and enthusiasts).

It features the company’s patented Rotation Safety System (RSS), developed in partnership with ballet dancer-turned-commercial offshore diver Roman Frischknecht, who joined the watch presentation in Vail via video conference from Switzerland to talk about his path from stage to sea and the importance of safety when diving.

“Life has its funny ways sometimes. You start off on one leg and you finish on another, no?” he said when asked how he got into commercial diving. “Like other kids would play tennis or football, I chose ballet for myself.

“I pursued it to a professional level but, pretty soon, I realized it was not going to stay with me for much longer and that I needed to do something else.”


A side view of the Dive Control Limited Edition on the black strap


After ballet, Frischknecht made a career out of another passion, diving, and discovered the two were quite similar,

noting that in both lines of work, “you … have to put on a costume and enter a different world, and everybody’s going to watch you while you work.”

The RSS he worked with Oris to develop locks the unidirectional rotating bezel in place during a dive; the diver must pull it up to turn it, ensuring it cannot accidentally move if wearer hits his or her wrist against something while diving.

Frischknecht said safety is “paramount” in diving and, in fact, the name of the watch, Dive Control, references the central command unit present at each dive, the “conductors of the orchestra” who are responsible for the safety of the entire operation.

Water resistant to 1,000 meters, the Dive Control Limited Edition has a 60-minute chronograph counter at 12 o’clock with key detailing in yellow and is powered by the Oris Cal. 774 (Sellita SW 500) movement
with a 48-hour power reserve.

Oris is making 500 Dive Control Limited Edition watches.

The watch comes in a box with two straps—bright yellow and black rubber—and retails for CHF 4,850 (about $5,000).
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Stock image of crime scene tape
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab

Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

reDollar-fine-jewelry-department.jpg
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment Program

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Plah Black Swan Earrings
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From Vicenzaoro

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Gavel near stacks of books
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store Scam

Two men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell John Hardy Lovestruck Collection
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John Hardy

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

Spinelli Kilcollin Market Highland Park
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in Dallas

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

Nina Pugliese Henne Jewelers
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Kwait White and Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear Focus

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

Mark Henry Leandra Medine Cohen
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in Canada

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

Overnight volume 7 bridal catalog
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal Catalog

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard Says

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

Austin Shines Jewelry Award
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced

Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.

Kwit Square Signet Pinky Ring in Red and Azure
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky Ring

The red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.

Jewelers of America Fly In
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-In

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

Entrance to Jwaneng diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers

Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.

Kira Jewels Growing Rowing Machines
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond Production

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy