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Oris has unveiled their latest release in their ongoing “Change for the Better” campaign, a limited edition Aquis with a unique gradient dial. The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV continues a tradition of partnership with the Reef Restoration Foundation, an Australian non-profit whose mission is to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef. Watches in this series frequently feature evocative, nature inspired dial designs, and the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV is no exception. It also marks the first of these watches to be built on the new Aquis platform that was unveiled at Watches & Wonders earlier this year.
The most prominent design detail here is certainly the dial, rendered in a gradient blue that is meant to mimic the turquoise and blue water of the Great Barrier Reef as seen from the air. The gradient effect also captures the natural refraction of the sun’s rays through water, as you’d see if you were diving. This phenomenon is unique in nature and something that only a handful of divers get to see at depth. Oris points out that the vertical gradient seen in this dial design is rare for the brand, as typically their gradient dials emanate from the center. But the verticality here reinforces the idea of a diver descending, and fits the watch thematically.
Regular readers will remember that when Oris introduced a revamped Aquis earlier this year, they did so in a multitude of sizes and configurations. This particular limited edition is built on the flagship, 43.5mm case size. While this is the largest of the new Aquis divers, these integrated bracelet divers have always worn a little smaller than their dimensions would suggest thanks to the short, integrated lugs. The new cases are even more streamlined, a bit thinner and more ergonomic than their predecessors, so prospective owners should not necessarily let the large size scare them away.
The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV is powered by the Oris Calibre 400, their manufacture movement with a full five days of power reserve that is accurate to -3/+5 seconds per day. It’s also highly resistant to magnetic forces, and comes with a ten year warranty and ten year recommended service intervals. The watch is mounted to an integrated bracelet with Oris-patented Quick Strap Change System, allowing for easy changes with Oris rubber straps designed to fit the new Aquis. The case is water resistant to 300 meters.
The new Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV will be made in a run of 2,000 pieces. The retail price is $4,500. Oris
