Swiss watch brand Oris announces a new limited edition timepiece inspired by Tycho Brahe, the 16th-century Danish nobleman and astronomer.
Brahe’s accurate astronomical and planetary observations were formalised in the Tychonic system, which theorised that the Sun and Moon orbited the Earth, while the other planets orbited the Sun. The watch bearing his name features a Pointer Moon function, a complication developed in-house by Oris engineers.
From the age of 12, Brahe was educated in Denmark at the University of Copenhagen, where he discovered a flair and passion for astronomy. He later continued his studies in Germany and Switzerland.
Brahe was enormously protective of his celestial measurements, and it was only after his death in 1601 that his work was published by the German astrologer and astronomer Johannes Kepler, one of the leaders of the 17th century scientific revolution.
The Tychonic system of geoheliocentrism would influence many of the physicists that followed, including Sir Isaac Newton, who used Brahe’s observations in formulating his theory of gravity.
The 42mm stainless steel Oris Tycho Brahe watch originates from the Oris Artix family and its case back is engraved with a drawing of the Tychonic system. It features a rare complication – the Oris-developed Pointer Moon.
This indicates the phases of the moon over the 29.5-day lunar cycle via a central hand that points to a gauge running around the outside of the dark blue dial. It jumps forward every half day, showing the phases of the moon more accurately than a traditional moon phase display.
Behind this landmark innovation is the automatic Calibre 761, based on Sellita SW220. Oris’s engineers rethought and restructured the base movement to incorporate the Pointer Moon complication.
The Oris Tycho Brahe watch is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces. It will be presented in a beautifully crafted wooden box.
Technical details
Model: Oris Tycho Brahe Limited Edition, Reference 01 761 7691 4085
Movement
Automatic movement Oris Calibre 761, based on SW220, with Pointer Moon function and date at 6 o’clock
Dimensions: Ø 25.60 mm, 11 1/2’’’
Centre hands for hours, minutes and seconds, moon phase by centre hand, date window, instantaneous date, date corrector, fine timing device and stop-second
Power-reserve: 38 hrs
Vibrations: 28’800 A/h, 4 Hz
Jewels: 26
Case
Multi-piece stainless steel case and stainless steel crown
Diameter: 42.00mm
Lug width: 21mm
Water resistant to 10 bar/100m
Sapphire crystal domed on both sides and with anti-reflective coating inside
Special engraved case back and engraved limited number (stainless steel, screw-in type)
Dial
Dark blue dial with applied indices and Nickel hands, both with SuperLumiNova® C1 inlays
Strap
Dark blue calf skin leather strap with croco pattern and stainless steel folding clasp
Also available with a metal bracelet
Edition
Limited to 500 pieces
Price
Swiss Retail Price: CHF 2,200.00
