Get ready to dust off your tuxedos—the watch world is officially going formal, and Oris is leading the charge with a stunning revival of a century-old style. But here’s where it gets controversial: is the tuxedo dial a timeless classic or just a fleeting trend? Let’s dive in.
The year 2026 is barely underway, and already the watch industry has crowned its first major trend: the tuxedo dial. This monochrome masterpiece, characterized by concentric black and white circles, has been making waves since late 2025. Now, Oris is cementing its return by resurrecting its iconic “Bullseye” design—a style that hasn’t seen the light of day since 1998. And this is the part most people miss: the “Bullseye” isn’t just any tuxedo dial; it’s a three-circle pattern inspired by a dartboard, adding a unique twist to this vintage look.
For the uninitiated, a tuxedo dial is more than just a color scheme. It’s a nod to the elegance of dress watches, often executed with precious metals or tonal contrasts rather than pigments. Think of the Universal Genève Polerouter—the epitome of tuxedo dial perfection. Oris, with its rich archive dating back to the 1920s, has reimagined this style for the modern era, blending heritage with innovation.
In a recent press release, Oris Chairman Ulrich W. Herzog, a veteran of the company since 1978, shared his personal connection to the “Bullseye” dial. He recalled its popularity from the 1940s to the 1970s and how, after orchestrating Oris’s independence in 1982, he dreamed of bringing it back. Fast forward to today, and the timing couldn’t be better. The tuxedo dial is back in vogue, and the “Bullseye” is its crown jewel.
Now, let’s talk details. The “Bullseye” dial graces Oris’s flagship watch, the Big Crown Pointer Date, and it’s a sight to behold. The outer rim is a chalky white, paired with a red 31-day track and a red-tipped date pointer hand that resembles a shuffleboard scorer. Moving inward, you’ll find a black-on-white railroad minutes track, evoking the Double Points Ring of a dartboard. A broad black ring with white numeral hour markers follows, leading to a center dial in the same off-white shade as the outer rim. Here, the Oris logo sits at 12:00, with “Big Crown/Automatic” at 6:00. The bullseye itself? It’s subtly marked by the base of the cathedral hands.
But here’s the bold question: Can a watch be both sporty and formal? Oris says yes. The Big Crown Pointer Date is renowned for its versatility, and this tuxedo dial version is no exception. Coated with green-glowing Super-LumiNova, the hands and markers ensure readability in any setting. The dial is protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal, adding a touch of luxury.
Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case, the watch features the signature coin-edge fixed bezel and satin brushing. The oversized crown, signed with the Oris logo, is both functional and stylish. Powering this beauty is the Oris Caliber 754-1 automatic movement, offering a 41-hour power reserve and visible through a mineral crystal exhibition caseback.
And let’s not forget the strap—a black deer leather pin buckle sourced from Cervo Volante, a Swiss organization that sustainably collects deer hides from Alpine culling efforts. It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s an eco-conscious choice.
Priced at $2,350, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date “Bullseye” is now available as a regular production model. It’s a watch that seamlessly blends history, craftsmanship, and modern trends. But we want to hear from you: Is the tuxedo dial here to stay, or is it just a passing fad? Let us know in the comments below!
