With this new limited edition automatic chronograph, Swiss watch manufacturer Oris pays tribute to Oskar Bider, a genuine aviation pioneer.
In July 1913, aged just 22, Bider became the first flyer to cross the Alps. At the same time, he set a new altitude record, piloting his Bleriot XI monoplane up to 3,600 metres in the thin mountain air to conquer the Jungfraujoch ridge.
Born in Langenbruck, close to Oris’ headquarters, Oskar’s life was an extraordinary adventure. He worked in Argentina as a gaucho before returning to Europe to train with Bleriot, who called him “an outstanding talent.”
Bider went on to establish a series of remarkable aviation milestones. The first flyer to cross the Pyrenees from Pau to Madrid and then the Alps from Bern to Milan, his other achievements included the first non-stop flight from Paris to Berne and, in 1919, becoming the first pilot to circle Switzerland, achieved in 7.5 hours.
Now, in 2013, the Oris Oskar Bider Limited Edition celebrates the Centenary of his courageous Alpine crossing. The watch features Oris’ distinctive Big Crown casing, with signature details including a coin edge top ring and Big Crown numerals.
Vintage styling shines through in the domed plexi glass, the guilloche finished dial, the hands with Super-LumiNova® and the dark brown leather strap with a brush-finished pin buckle. The case back features a beautifully engraved tribute to Oskar Bider and limited edition numbering.
Limited to just 300 pieces and presented in a wooden box, the Oris Oskar Bider Limited Edition epitomises this extraordinary moment in Aviation history.
Technical details
Model: Oris Oskar Bider Limited Edition, Reference 774 7567 4084
Movement
Oris Calibre 774, base SW 500
Automatic winding chronograph movement, red rotor
Dimensions: Ø 30.00 mm, 13 1/4’’’
Centre hands for hours, minutes and chronograph 1/4 seconds, 3 subsidiary dials for continuous seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours counter, date window, date corrector, fine timing device and stop-second
Vibrations: 28’800 A/h, 4 Hz
Jewels: 25
Power-reserve: 48 hours
Case
Multi-piece stainless steel case with stainless steel screen-in crown and pushers
Vintage-style domed plexi glass
Specially engraved case back
Water resistant to 3 bar/ 30 meters
Dial
Black guilloche dial with indices and hands filled with Super-LumiNova
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Dark brown leather strap with stainless steel brush-finished pin buckle
Box
Wooden box
Edition
Limited to 300 pieces
Swiss Retail Price
CHF 2,500.00
