Oris Honors Baseball Icon Lou Gehrig – "The Iron Horse"
Oris honors the life and legacy of a timeless baseball icon and is raising funds for “The Lou and Eleanor Gehrig Family Foundation” with a “Lou Gehrig Limited Edition” watch, limited to 2,130 pieces.
When Lou Gehrig spoke at a sold-out Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939, he brought a record-breaking baseball career to a close. At the same time, he opened a new chapter in a legacy that continues to touch countless people to this day. Oris commemorates this moment and the athlete’s legacy with the “Lou Gehrig Limited Edition.”
A Farewell Speech for the Ages
In a speech often referred to as the “Gettysburg Address of baseball,” Gehrig spoke candidly about what he himself described simply as a “tough break”: his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease. In the United States, ALS is still commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”
Despite this shocking diagnosis, Gehrig described himself that day as the “happiest man on earth.” His dignity and inner strength were impressively evident in that moment and sparked a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. Gehrig died on June 2, 1941, at the age of just 37. In his honor, Major League Baseball observes “Lou Gehrig Day” every year on June 2.
Before his illness, Gehrig was considered virtually indestructible. With 2,130 consecutive games played, he set a record that stood for decades and earned him the nickname “The Iron Horse.”
Over the following decades, his family, the New York Yankees, and Major League Baseball raised millions for ALS research.
The number 4 as a central design element
Oris honors the legacy of Lou Gehrig with the “Lou Gehrig Limited Edition”—a watch created to support “The Lou and Eleanor Gehrig Family Foundation” and raise awareness of ALS.
The watch is based on the “Big Crown Pointer Date.” One of its most striking features is the number 4 on the date ring, highlighted in blue. On the day of his farewell speech, the Yankees retired Gehrig’s No. 4 jersey. It was the first jersey number ever officially retired in Major League Baseball history. No Yankees player has been allowed to wear it since.
An Oris Big Crown Pointer Date in Yankees style
The Yankees’ colors—blue and white—define the watch’s entire design. A blue minute track and blue outlines around the hour markers create a harmonious contrast with the luminous white elements.
The silver-colored dial with a vertical finish is reminiscent of Gehrig’s famous nickname, “The Iron Horse.” At the same time, the watch draws on the aesthetics of the 1920s and 1930s, the era in which Gehrig celebrated his greatest successes.
This is evident, among other things, in the subtle redesign of the two-tone dial. Instead of the twelve numerals found on the standard models, this special edition combines Arabic numerals with hour markers. The minute track is also inspired by historic Oris designs, as are the white date numerals on a black background.
The brown leather strap is double-stitched, much like a baseball glove. Alternatively, a NATO strap is included that matches the Yankees’ colors.
The story continues on the case back, which features engravings depicting Gehrig during his farewell speech, as well as the individual limited-edition number.
A limitation with symbolic significance
The print run of 2,130 copies refers to the legendary number of consecutive games Gehrig played for the Yankees.
“This beautiful Oris watch embodies the same quiet strength, understated excellence, and perseverance that defined Lou Gehrig,” says John Howell, president of the foundation. “In a world of excess, it is a remarkably well-executed and tasteful tribute to Lou. We are delighted to be collaborating with Oris. Their support means the world to families affected by ALS and other health challenges.”
Case: Stainless steel, 40 x 12.2 mm Water resistance: 5 bar Movement: Caliber 754, automatic winding Power reserve: 41 hours Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date Dial: Silver-colored Strap: Leather strap + NATO strap Special feature: Limited to 2,130 pieces MSRP: €2,400
