The new Oris x Bracenet watch

The Oris x Bracenet watch is based on the trusty Aquis Date model but features an upcycled dial created from ghost fishing net material that gives the watch a unique appearance when it catches the light.

Imagine that a fishing net lost at sea or thrown into the ocean will continue trapping fish and ocean life for the next 400-600 years. Consider that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch that sits between Hawaii and California is actually four and a half times larger than Germany. How about the realisation that up to a million tonnes of fishing nets enter the ocean every year? All these facts are true. All these facts are disturbing. To help reduce these statistics, Oris is continuing its Change For the Better campaign with another collaboration – this time with Bracenet.

The social enterprise works to upcycle ghost fishing nets lost at sea and create accessories from them. The process required to create a dial from fishing net material is a complex one but one that achieves a stunning finish, as we’ll get to see in the release of the new Oris x Bracenet watch, available in two sizes; a 43.5mm and a 36.5mm.

Sustainable timekeeping

For quite some years, Oris has not only been considering how it can make changes to its business to work more sustainably, but also how its timepieces are manufactured. In addition to this, it looks to its immediate surroundings to apply positive change. It has been doing all this under its “Change For The Better” campaign. Just two years ago, the luxury watch manufacturer was awarded climate neutral status and has been working with some of the world’s most proactive non-profit businesses to achieve its goal to become more sustainable. Many conservationists and humanitarians including the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (more on the most recent release in collaboration with that organisation here) have been able to witness first hand the innovative work that Oris continues to achieve. Other collaborative work includes the Billion Oyster Project, Cervo Volante and Wings of Hope.

Bracenet was set up in 2015 and was conceptualised after its founders Benjamin Wenke and Madeleine von Hohenthal visited the coast of Tanzania on a diving trip in Zanzibar. They were overwhelmed by the sheer amount of abandoned fishing nets everywhere. Having researched the negative impact of ghost fishing nets and the devastating results the nets can have on the ocean, the two decided to create Bracenet, giving people a chance to play a role in positively helping their environment whilst enjoying the beauty of the company’s innovative bracelets.

The nets sourced by organisations such as Healthy Seas, Nofir and Ghost Diving are first pressure washed then machine washed before micro plastics are filtered out. Colour and size-sorting then takes place before new products are made from the material. Bracenet now offers a range of items crafted from ocean net material including bracelets, earrings, keychains, bags, and has now ventured into the realm of watch dials. For this process, the offcuts are first warmed to melt them into a raw material. This materials then hardens before being planed and sanded by experts. A stunning swirly sheet of coloured material is the result, measuring a thickness of just 0.3mm, which can then be cut into dial size. With no added fillers, glues or additives, the new Oris x Bracenet watch is sure to appeal to a wide audience with its sustainable and eco-friendly design.

The new Oris x Bracenet watch – what you need to know

The new Oris x Bracenet watch comes in two sizes; a 43.5mm and a 36.5mm. Both models feature the multi-piece stainless steel case that recalls the brand’s popular Aquis Date watch, but features a stunning upcycled dial made from blue white and green-coloured ghost fishing nets. As a result of the unique manufacturing process required to achieve these dials, no two watches are the same. Upon the swirling dial in tones of green, Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indexes lead the way to perfect timekeeping at night. As mentioned, the dial follows in the footsteps of the faithful Aquis Date watch, featuring baton hour markers and slightly tapering central hour and minute hands, alongside a fine seconds hand. A date window dressed against a bright white date wheel is positioned at 3 o’clock.

The upcycle fishing net dial of the new Oris x Bracenet watch is protected by a strong piece of domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. The material has received layers of anti-reflective treatment to its surface. Deflecting any undesirable glare, the watch promises a clear view into the display at any given moment of the day, whether caught under natural or artificial lighting. In addition to this strong glass front, the watch is equipped with an Oris-engraved screw-down crown at 3 o’clock to assist with the case’s impressive 300-meter water resistant capability. Turn the watch over and you get chance to observe the mechanical performance of the watch’s automatic movement through a mineral glass caseback. The chosen movement is that of the Oris 733, which produces a useful 38-hour power reserve and beats at a rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

To finish the look of the Oris x Bracenet watch, experts at the Holstein-based manufacturing facilities have chosen to equip the watch with a multi-piece stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet secures to the wrist with a security folding clasp, with the addition of an extension feature on the 43.5mm model only.

If you would like more information on the new Oris x Bracenet watches, you can check them out here, or call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453.