Oris Artelier Complication: A Modern Dress Watch Masterclass

Sometimes a brand just gets it. Oris has refreshed its classic Artelier Complication, and the result is a masterclass in modern dress watch design. Every element has been rethought. And so comes a stylish, beautifully restrained form that retells Oris’s enduring story of independence.

The old model was great, but this new version is exceptional. It sheds the slightly busy day and date subdials. In their place is a beautifully balanced layout with a moonphase at 12 and a second time zone at 6. Behind the taut lines of this urbane new watch lie two timeless mechanical complications. Together, they capture the poetry of a true Swiss Made watch.

This is a watch for someone who appreciates classical watchmaking but lives a modern life. It’s elegant, useful, and carries the independent spirit that makes Oris so compelling. For around $3,000, it's a ton of watch.

The Perfected Oris Case

Let’s talk numbers, because that’s where this story really begins. The new Artelier Complication comes in at exactly 39.50 mm in diameter. That’s a full millimeter smaller than its 40.5mm predecessor.

More importantly, the lug-to-lug distance is a compact 45.5mm. With a thickness of just 11.8mm, the proportions are perfect. These are classic dress watch dimensions that should wear beautifully on almost any wrist.

The multi-piece stainless steel case features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. It’s topped by a sapphire crystal, domed on both sides, with an anti-reflective coating on the inside. This is a smart choice that cuts glare without risking scratches on an outer coating.

A Dial That Breathes

The dial is where Oris’s redesign really shines. By removing the day and date, the new layout feels clean and focused. The featured reference has a stunning white dial with a subtle grained texture in the center.

A smooth outer ring houses applied, tapered indices that add a welcome touch of depth. The new square-tipped hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova. This is a practical touch not always seen on watches this dressy.

At 12 o'clock, you get a poetic moonphase window. Directly opposite at 6 o'clock is the 24-hour second time zone subdial. The symmetry is perfect, creating a calm, legible, and deeply satisfying dial.

The Oris Caliber 782 Workhorse

Powering the watch is the Oris Caliber 782. This is an automatic winding movement based on the robust Sellita SW200 architecture. Oris has modified it with their own module to add the moonphase and GMT complications.

It operates with vibrations of 28’800 A/h (4 Hz) and provides a 41-hour power reserve. While not a week-long runner, it’s more than enough for daily wear. The movement features a fine timing device and a stop-second function for precise time-setting.

Flipping the watch over reveals a screwed stainless steel caseback with a see-through mineral glass window. It’s not sapphire, but it’s a reasonable cost-saving measure that still allows a view of the signature Oris red rotor. It’s a reminder of the mechanical heart beating inside.

Practical Considerations

The water resistance is rated at 3 bar, or 30 meters. Let’s be clear: this is not a dive watch. It’s enough to withstand splashes and rain, but you won't be taking it for a swim.

The second time zone is set via pushers on the case side. This makes it a "caller" style GMT. It's perfect for knowing the time in another part of the world from your desk.

The watch comes on either a multi-link stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap, both with a butterfly folding clasp. The 20 mm interhorn width also means that finding aftermarket straps will be incredibly easy.

The New Oris Artelier Complication Family

The new Artelier Complication launches with a tight collection of dial colors and strap options. Each one shares the same perfectly proportioned 39.50 mm case and mechanical heart. Here’s a closer look at the key references.

White Dial on Steel Bracelet

Ref. 01 782 7811 4051-07 8 20 20

This is the flagship of the new collection. The crisp white dial provides a classic and highly legible backdrop for the complications. Paired with the multi-piece stainless steel bracelet, it's a versatile choice that can easily be dressed up or down.

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Midnight Blue Dial on Leather Strap

Ref. 01 782 7811 4055-07 6 20 17FC

The midnight blue dial version offers a deep, rich alternative to the classic white. This color has been a fan favorite across many Oris collections. On a brown leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp, it has a sophisticated, slightly warmer presence.

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White Dial on Leather Strap

Ref. 01 782 7811 4051-07 6 20 17FC

For those who prefer a strap, the white dial is also available on rich brown leather. This combination leans more into the traditional dress watch aesthetic. It's a slightly more formal look that highlights the elegant lines of the Artelier case.

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Midnight Blue Dial on Steel Bracelet

Ref. 01 782 7811 4055-07 8 20 20

The midnight blue dial matched with the stainless steel bracelet creates a cool, monochrome look. This is arguably the most modern and sporty configuration in the lineup. It’s a great all-rounder that combines the dial's depth with the bracelet's robustness.

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Chestnut Dial on Leather Strap

Ref. 01 782 7811 4056-07 6 20 17FC

A rich chestnut brown dial brings a completely different character to the Artelier. It’s warm, inviting, and has an almost vintage feel. Paired with a matching brown leather strap, this version feels like a watch discovered in a forgotten drawer, yet with modern specs.

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Chestnut Dial on Steel Bracelet

Ref. 01 782 7811 4056-07 8 20 20

Finally, the unique chestnut dial is also available on the steel bracelet. This combination is perhaps the boldest of the bunch. It pairs the warmth of the dial with the cool industrial feel of the steel, creating a compelling and unique look.

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Reference	01 782 7811 4051-07 8 20 20
Case	39.50 mm, Multi-piece stainless steel case
Lug-to-Lug	45.5 mm
Thickness	11.8 mm
Interhorn Width	20 mm
Movement	Oris Caliber 782 (Sellita SW200 base), automatic winding
Power Reserve	41 hours
Vibrations	28’800 A/h, 4 Hz
Complications	Moonphase, second time zone (24h), fine timing device, and stop-second
Crystal	Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Caseback	Stainless steel, screwed, see-through mineral glass
Water Resistance	3 bar
Bracelet	Stainless steel
Warranty	2 years
Price	$3,150 USD