Ginza×CSR・CSV Vol.39 Oris Japan

Saving mechanical watches from crisis

• ─ That was big decision to make. The company must have faced many challenges continuing to make only mechanical watches in a changing market.
• The company had already sold its six factories, so it had to outsource the manufacturing of parts. At the same time movement makers and subcontractors were challenged with the question of whether or not to continue their business. Oris built business partnerships with these companies and manufacturers saying that it could not offer financial support but could promise to purchase from them.
  
  Some of the movement makers and subcontractors that became partners remain global leaders today. Oris’ spin-off helped sector peers and consequently saved the mechanical watch industry.

■ Philanthropy instead of commercial promotion

• ─ Oris has been actively engaged in social action, including donation-with-purchase products and the Clean Project. Please tell us about your sustainability-related efforts.
• Oris does not hire celebrity brand ambassadors as do many brand companies, but instead donates its public promotion budget to NPOs whose cause it supports. Since a part of its sales is donated, customers can be a part of its philanthropical activities when they purchase the watch of their choice.
  
  In 2017, Oris launched the MOVEMBER EDITION, a part of the sales of which is donated to the Movember Foundation, a leading charity aimed at raising awareness of health issues unique to men, who tend to miss the opportunity to consult with their doctors or friends and family about their health concerns, given the social context of increasing cases of prostate cancer and testicular cancer, and consequently, men’s suicide.
  
  The ROBERTO CLEMENTE LIMITED EDITION launched in September 2020 supports the Roberto Clemente Foundation, which promotes education and sports for children, in accordance with the will of the Puerto Rican major leaguer who died during a humanitarian trip.
  
  In addition, Oris values getting directly taking social action. For example, they have campaigned against using marketed water in countries like Switzerland and Japan, where tap water is drinkable. This is because water sold on the market creates environmental load through pumping groundwater, bottling and transportation. Therefore, the Ginza Boutique uses charcoal to dechlorinate tap water.
  
  The store also runs on renewable electricity. As a reminder that Oris was named after a local stream, it uses hydropower produced at Takato Dam in Nagano Prefecture.

Inviting customer to join its Ginza Clean-up project

• ─ I have been told that you have been engaged in local clean-up activities since opening Ginza Boutique.
• Since Oris Headquarters joined World Clean-up Day in 2018, it has promoted a Clean Project in Japan as well. From July 2019, it has actively hosted a monthly clean-up effort in Ginza, as well as beach clean-ups. Not only our employees but customers and others are welcome to join us.
  
  Oris has focused not only on collecting plastic waste but also on raising public awareness of recycling and waste issues. In 2018, it launched a special model featuring a recycled plastic belt.

• ─ Before we close, could you please share your feelings for Ginza?
• Ginza is a special town that I personally love. With a long history, it is home to companies established more than a century ago. It has a shopping street with stores that have been in business across generations, so there are many opportunities to learn about its history.
  
  I respect the strong will of the people of Ginza to preserve and pass on traditions, including its townscape.