Oris’s Change for the Better campaign aims to protect the endangered whale shark through an exclusive timepiece and event

Oris’ latest watch is created in partnership with their ambassador, the explorer and underwater photographer Gerardo del Villar. 

The “Change for the Better” watch is based upon the Aquis GMT model by Oris and features a black-and-blue ceramic day-night rotating bezel and a special shark skin-effect dial. This model will be limited to just 2,016 pieces to commemorate the year of the IUCN’s (International Union for Conservation of Nature) worrying announcement that the global population of whale sharks had halved over the previous 75 years.

This particular Aquis watch has a 43.50mm case size composed of stainless steel and comes with a matching metal strap. Its top glass is made of a scratch-proof sapphire with an anti-reflective coating within. Internally, the timepiece contains an Oris 798 “High Mech” automatic winding movement, with an impressive power reserve of 42 hours. Functional features include Superluminova indices and hands for lighting the watch in dark situations, while water resistance is set at 100 meters. The watch is presented in a special Oris box with a certificate to notify the limited nature and good cause the profits go toward.

In celebration of the watch’s launch, Oris is also hosting the Aquis Photo Competition. Simply send your best or favorite Aquis photo to brand@oris.ch by February 19th for a chance to win a surprise prize. Oris will then announce the winner in their February 25 newsletter.