Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition Watch Review
Tuesday - 16 February 2021
Continuing with their important “Change for the Better” campaign, a campaign dedicated to restoring and protecting the world’s delicate ecosystem, Oris have introduced the brand new Oris Whale Shark watch. The limited edition of 2,016 pieces is based on their iconic Aquis GMT diver’s model and has been designed in support of our ocean’s gentle giant, the magnificent whale shark.
Over the last few years, many luxury watch brands have launched special and limited edition timepieces in support of charitable causes, but one brand that has done it longer than any other is Oris. Oris’ “Change for the Better” campaign began back in 2010 and instead of becoming a one-off marketing ploy, Oris’ mission has truly made a significant impact in making our world a more sustainable and cleaner place to live. Whether it’s raising money for particular causes or hosting events like their World Clean Up Day, Oris have a genuine desire to make change. Their efforts are showcased once again with the release of the new Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition watch.
Ocean conservation has become one of Oris’ most dedicated pursuits. Despite our oceans being a source of life for us and other species, we are responsible for allowing pollution levels to reach critical and ocean temperatures to come to a record high. This leads to events such as coral bleaching, an issue highlighted in Oris’ previous release the Oris Carysfort Reef, and the endangerment of as many as 2,270 species. One of these endangered creatures is the whale shark, our ocean’s largest fish. In 2016, the IUCN made the stark announcement that the global population of whale sharks had halved over the previous 75 years and so with this in mind, Oris have designed the Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition watch to bring awareness and support to a vital cause. The diver’s model has also been released in collaboration with Oris ambassador Gerardo del Villar, an experienced explorer and photographer, who began photographing whale sharks more than 15 years ago.
“We’re not going to stop drawing attention to the issues facing the world’s water,” says Rolf Studer, Oris co-CEO. “We’re proud to work with Gerardo and support his work, but this is a drop in the ocean. To bring Change for the Better, everyone needs to play their part.”
The design of the Oris Aquis Whale Shark watch has been carefully chosen to reflect the magnificent beauty of the endangered species it honours. At its centre, a blue textured dial is inspired by whale shark skin and adorned with Superluminova hands and indexes. The effect of the dial is mesmerising and truly brings to life the glorious character of the whale shark. Likewise, on the case back, a stunning decoration features an image of the whale shark beside its limited edition status of 2,016 pieces and the words “Whale Shark Limited Edition”. The number of pieces designed has been specifically chosen to mark the year of the IUCN’s landmark whale shark announcement.
“They help to eliminate the weak and sick and to maintain balance with competitors, thus guaranteeing species diversity. Without whale sharks, ecosystems will collapse in the future,” says Gerardo del Valliar
Dressed in handsome stainless steel, the case measures to 43.5mm in diameter and is fitted with a bi-directional rotating ceramic bezel. The multipurpose bezel is adorned with a 24 hour scale which when used in conjunction with the orange arrow-shaped GMT hand can be used to tell a second time zone. It is also decorated in black and blue for use as a day and night indicator. To ensure a water resistant rating of 300 metres, the Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition is equipped with a screw down case back, screw-in security crown and domed sapphire crystal glass treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inside. The piece is also presented on a matching stainless steel bracelet with stainless steel security folding clasp with divers extension.
Housed within the Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition is the Oris 798 automatic winding movement, a Swiss made calibre equipped with central hands for hours, minutes, seconds and 24 hours, an instantaneous date window at 3 o’clock and a power reserve of 42 hours. The 25 jewelled movement also boasts a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Retailing at £2,250, the Oris Aquis Whale Shark is available to order now on the Jura Watches website with interest free finance and free delivery. As an Oris limited edition, the Aquis Whale Shark watch will be presented in a special limited edition box embossed with an image of the whale shark on its interior. Contact the team today to enquire about all the latest Oris watch releases and the new Oris Whale Shark on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: Oris Aquis GMT Whale Shark Limited Edition Watch (01 798 7754 4175-Set MB)
- Case Size: 43.5mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Unidirectional, ceramic with 24 hour scale and night/day indicator
- Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw-in security
- Case Back: Screw down, special limited edition engraving
- Water Resistance: 300 metres
- Movement: Oris 798 automatic winding
- COSC: No
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Jewels: 25
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Blue with special engraved pattern inspired by whale shark skin, Superluminova hands and indexes
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
- Buckle: Folding with divers extension
- RRP: £2,250
- Limited Edition: 2,016
- Release Date: Available now
