Another Watch Wednesday, another exciting new release! Yesterday, Oris unveiled the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV, created in support of the Australian non-profit, Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF). With only 2,000 pieces available worldwide, each watch sold directly contributes to RRF’s efforts to expand coral nurseries.
The Urgency of Conservation
RRF and Oris’ shared mission is to combat the devastating effects of climate change on one of the world’s most precious ecosystems, The Great Barrier Reef. In recent years, this natural wonder has been severely devastated by coral bleaching events due to rising ocean temperatures. In warmer waters, corals expel algae from their tissues, causing them to lose their main food source and turn completely white. This “bleaching” leads to widespread coral death and ecosystem devastation, affecting both wildlife and human populations that rely on healthy reefs.
Since 2016, The Reef Restoration Foundation has been at the forefront of efforts to restore and conserve coral reefs, particularly through innovative coral nurseries located across various parts of the reef. Partnering with RRF since 2018, Oris’ new limited edition release will raise funds that are crucial for marine “tree-planting”.
The Design
The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV is a version of Oris’ latest Aquis Date Caibre 400, released earlier this year. The striking gradient blue dial is reminiscent of the reef's vibrant waters, featuring a rare design choice, with the gradient extending vertically from 12 o’clock rather than from the center of the dial. Paired with a grey tungsten bezel insert and a specially engraved screwed case back featuring limited-edition numbering and imagery of coral and a starfish, this timepiece falls short of no detail.
The Movement
Designed for both everyday wear and underwater exploration, the Calibre 400 lies at the heart of the watch. With a 10-year warranty, 120-hour power reserve and high anti-magnetic capabilities, this movement ensures reliability even in the most challenging environments.
The base is the Aquis Date 43.50 mm with 30 bar (300 meters) of water resistance. Its stainless steel case, screw-in crown, crown protection, unidirectional rotating bezel and three-link bracelet have all been redesigned for improved ergonomics and performance. As with all Aquis Date Calibre 400 models, it also features the Oris-patented strap change and quick adjustment systems, both designed for ease-of-use and versatility.
Specifications
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Movement: Automatic winding date Oris Calibre 400
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Functions: Center hands for hours, minutes and seconds, date window, instantaneous date, date corrector, fine timing device and stop-second
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Power Reserve: 120 hrs
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Case: Multi-piece stainless steel case, minutes scale top ring
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Size: 43.50 mm
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Dial: Blue & teal gradient dial, indices and hands Superluminova BG W9
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Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
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Case Back: Stainless steel, screwed, coral reef engravings
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Water Resistance: 30 bar (300 meters)
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Straps: Multi-piece stainless steel metal bracelet, security folding clasp with dive extension, integrated Oris quick-change strap system
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Limited Edition: 2,000 pieces
As rising temperatures continue to threaten our oceans, initiatives like Oris's partnership with the Reef Restoration Foundation become increasingly vital. By raising awareness and funds through projects like the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV, Oris sets a precedent for the watchmaking industry's role in environmental conservation. We can't wait to showcase this new limited edition timepiece at Korman. Shop Oris online now and book your appointment to explore the entire collection first-hand. For more information on how you can support RRF’s efforts, visit https://rrf.org.au/.