Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition
The Oris ProPilot X Kermit makes its debut at Watches & Wonders 2023. While watchmaking is a serious business, the brand from Hölstein shows it likes to have fun and spread a bit of joy. US-based Meehna Goldsmith discusses the merits of this highly original timepiece and why every day should be ‘Kermit Day’.
Oris, Hölstein
It’s the throes of winter. Snow blizzards outside, blanketing the forests of Hölstein in Switzerland. In the distance, through the icy veil, a light glows from a large window of a house. Come closer and you’ll see a man with a loupe to his eye. He’s hunched over a bench in intense concentration. With a steady hand and a sober demeanour, he delicately places parts, millimetres in diameter, on the baseplate of a watch. The Swiss take their horlogerie very seriously, and the watches reflect that attitude. That’s what we expect, that’s what we’re used to, and that’s because watchmakers cultivate this image of their timepieces.
Ken Laurent, Oris
But, is this rather staid environment necessary to construct a serious watch? Oris doesn’t think so. Going further, the brand sees its mission, first and foremost, to bring joy and elicit a smile. “If an Oris watch can make someone’s day better, we’ve done our job,” says Ken Laurent, Oris’s creative director. In other words, watchmaking can be seriously fun.
Sesame Street
Laurent takes his position as chief smile maker (my moniker for him), well… very seriously. He said that Oris has been trying to find the ultimate horological expression of pure joy, and then it discovered it. Remember that crooning green Muppet from Sesame Street, the shy, kind-hearted amphibian? I bet a smile is already creeping up your lips as you picture Kermit the Frog. Could a collaboration be possible?
Kermit Day
The answer was yes! Oris has just released the special edition ProPilot X Calibre 400 Kermit edition. The first thing that hits the eye is the burst of green colour, a cheerful focal point that straight away lifts the mood. However, there’s more amusement than just the verdant hue of the dial. The date window at 6 o’clock holds a surprise. On the first of every month, a smiling Kermit the Frog emoji appears to mark “Kermit Day”, a day for having some fun and not taking life too seriously. It’s a delightful, subtle nod that the shy and self-effacing Kermit appreciates.
Gotta Make Time for Me
When Laurent went to Hollywood, Kermit was very gracious and welcoming, as you might expect. He and Laurent made a short film together. Kermit went above and beyond, pulling out all the stops when he composed and sang an original tune for Oris called “Gotta Make Time for Me”.
Oris ProPilot X – titanium case
Since the Oris ProPilot X Kermit edition has the ProPilot X as its canvas, it features a 39mm multi-piece titanium case with satin and sandblasted finishes and a screw-down crown. It secures to the wrist with a titanium folding clasp with Oris’s patented ‘LIFT’ system. To help in low light conditions, the baton indices are filled with Super-LumiNova®, as are the hour and minute hands.
Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition – calibre 400
More than just a charming dial, the ProPilot X Kermit Edition features an impressive engine, another aspect that’s sure to curve those lips even further. In 2021, Oris released a new in-house movement called the Calibre 400. This twin-barrel, automatic workhorse boasts a five-day power reserve and only requires servicing every ten years. You read that correctly. Kermit and all Pro Pilot X timepieces are warranted for ten years. Oh, and its accuracy also falls within COSC standards of -3 /+5 seconds per day, with a stop-second setting device. Anti-magnetic resistance also comes standard.
Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition – closing thoughts
Oris set out to create a watch that evokes pure joy. Not only is the dial a true stunner, but the movement also has serious credentials: mission accomplished. However, more than just fun and a smile, Oris has also stirred up some deep envy. I seriously want one!
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition
- Reference: 400 7778 7157 07 20 01 TLC
- Case: titanium, diameter 39 mm, water resistance 10ATM (100 metres), sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, date, stop seconds
- Movement: Oris Calibre 400, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 21 jewels, power reserve 120 hours
- Strap: titanium bracelet with folding clasp with Oris-patented ‘LIFT’ system
- Price: CHF 4,400 (RRP as of 27.3.2023)