Oris Returns to the Water with the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV

Oris returns to the water with a 2,000-piece limited-edition created in support of the Australian non-profit Reef Restoration Foundation and our mission to bring Change for the Better

Nature’s call

Major coral bleaching events have left the world’s reefs in great peril. Oris is partnering with the pioneering non-profit Reef Restoration Foundation to conserve and protect these life-giving natural bodies.

Climate change is having a devastating impact on the world’s coral reefs. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, aerial surveys of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park show 73 percent of surveyed reefs have what they call “prevalent bleaching.”

In March, the Great Barrier Reef suffered a fifth mass bleaching event, whereby elevated water temperatures distress coral so that it expels tiny algae from its tissues, turning it white. If conditions are prolonged, it will die.

Why does this matter? According to the US-based National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, reefs occur in less than 1 percent of the ocean yet are home to nearly a quarter of all ocean species. These species sustain our oceans’ health, producing 70 percent of the world’s oxygen. Reefs also contribute trillions of dollars annually to the global economy. Our planet depends on their survival.

In 2016, Reef Restoration Foundation was set up to combat the effects of coral bleaching. The Australian non-profit specializes in ocean-based coral nurseries, growing coral to conserve these biodiverse ecosystems and vital life sources.

Oris partnered with Reef Restoration Foundation in 2018 on our mission to bring Change for the Better. “Oris is climate neutral and committed to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” says Co-CEO Rolf Studer. “Supporting the Reef Restoration Foundation is a joy and we’re delighted to shine a light on their work to counter the effects of climate change on the world’s reefs.”

Now, we’re introducing the 2,000-piece Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV, a version of the new Aquis Date Calibre 400 to support the foundation’s mission.

Diving deep

The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV features a stunning gradient dial and houses our Calibre 400 five-day automatic

We’re delighted to present the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV, a watch created to celebrate and support the mission of our Australian non-profit partner Reef Restoration Foundation.

It’s based on the next-generation Aquis Date Calibre 400, released at Watches and Wonders Geneva earlier this year, but with a few extra details designed to capture the foundation’s story.

These start with the vivid gradient blue dial, which captures the Great Barrier Reef’s turquoise and blue waters from the air and the refraction of the sun’s rays through the water. This is one of the few times we’ve made a watch with a dial gradient that falls vertically from 12 o’clock, rather than emanating from the center position. The watch also has a grey tungsten bezel insert and features a case back with special engravings, including the limited-edition number. The watch is limited to 2,000 pieces.

Below the surface, you’ll find the game-changing Calibre 400, the in-house five-day automatic that delivers elevated everyday anti-magnetism, 10-year recommended service intervals and a 10-year warranty (with sign up to MyOris).

The base is the Aquis Date 43.50 mm, our refined modern versatile toolwatch with 30 bar (300 metres) of water resistance. Its stainless steel case, screw-in crown, crown protection, uni-directional 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.

The new watch will directly support our ongoing financial commitment to the foundation’s coral-tree-planting mission.