Horologii

Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition Watch Review

As we’ve come to expect from Swiss watch manufacturer Oris, their Change for the Better campaign remains the centre of their limited edition line as they seek to conserve and improve the planet we reside on. Following on from the several other conversation-inspired limited editions, Oris have launched their latest, the Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition designed in support of Wadden Sea, the world’s largest tidal system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Since 2010, when the Oris’ Change for the Better campaign first began, the brand have worked with several non-profit environmental organisations and clean up movements all over the world. With it, there have been a vast selection of limited edition watches designed in commemoration of these causes and to raise funds to support the campaigns. From the brand’s first ever Change for the Better limited edition the Oris Great Barrier Reef watch, to the more recent Oris Carysfort Reef and the Oris Whale Shark Limited Edition, almost all of these releases have been part of the Oris Aquis collection, a range of sophisticated divers instruments absolutely worthy of highlighting the importance of ocean conservation. The new Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition is no exception, but this time signals the beginning of a new project for Oris and the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS).

The Wadden Sea

At eye level, the splendour of the Wadden Sea is difficult to appreciate, but from the sky, it’s complexity and natural beauty is a spectacular sight. However even then, much of its value remains hidden. As the largest unbroken tidal flat and barrier-island depositional system in the world, it covers 11,500km2 of the North Sea and is home to a large amount of biodiversity including over 6 million birds, 2,300 species of flora and fauna and a further 2,700 species found in the marine and brackish areas. It is these rare and magnificent properties that make it one of the most important areas on our planet with experts having calculated that the Wadden Sea is responsible for biodiversity on a worldwide scale.

Sadly, however, like many marine environments, Wadden Sea is under constant threat from the likes of over-fishing, harbour development, oil and gas rigs, wind farms, maritime traffic, residential and tourism development, and the impact of climate change. This is where the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat comes in, a tri-lateral organisation covering Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands that works to maintain and protect the Wadden Sea. For the first time, the organisation is working with a luxury watch brand to help maintain their incredible efforts and ensure the UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a place for global diversity. Alongside the CWSS, Oris have launched the Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition named after the low German translation for The Wadden Sea, “Dat Watt”.

When we heard about the scale and value of the work done by the CWSS, we felt compelled to offer our support,” says Oris Co-CEO Rolf Studer. “As well as raising awareness, we will also been supporting the organisation’s conservation efforts with funds raised from sales of the Dat Watt Limited Edition. Why? It’s the right thing to do.”

The Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition

Like the many Change for the Better limited editions before it, much of the Oris Dat Watt Limited Edition follows the format of the brand’s iconic Aquis model. It’s dial, however, is entirely unique and displays the lunar cycle and tidal range in the Northern Hemisphere, a decision that wonderfully tributes the Wadden Sea and its location in the North Sea. The complication is powered by the Oris 761 automatic winding movement which uses a central white pointer hand that once aligned with the correct day in the 29.5-day lunar cycle, will show the corresponding tidal range on the white outline on the dial. The same hand also indicates the waxing and waning of the moon.

Powering the Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition is the Oris 761 automatic winding movement which alongside its moonphase hand brings central hands for hours, minutes and seconds, a date window at 6 o’clock and a power reserve of 38 hours. White Superluminova accents highlight these functions for readability at night and are presented on a stunning gradient blue and grey, two colours chosen to reflect the colours of the Wadden Sea. The faded grey element on the southern part of the dial pairs perfectly with the brushed grey unidirectional bezel.

Following in the footsteps of its Aquis predecessors, the Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition watch measures to a neat 43.5mm in size and comes fully prepped for diving with a screw down case back and screw in crown boasting a water resistant rating of 300 metres. The unidirectional bezel is similarly prepared with white 60 minute scale around its edge and nearby domed sapphire crystal glass treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Turn the Oris Aquis Dat Watt watch over and you are greeted to a stunning Wadden Sea-inspired engraving and am Oris-engraved folding buckle equipped onto the classic stainless steel bracelet.

Expected to be released in May and retailing at £1,950, the Oris Aquis Dat Watt watch will be limited to only 2,009 pieces to mark the year the Wadden Sea was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. For more information on the model and to pre-order your own, head over to the Jura Watches website here or get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.

Specifications: Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition Watch (01 761 7765 4185-SET)

  • Case Size: 43.5mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Bezel: Unidirectional
  • Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  • Crown: Screw in
  • Case Back: Screw down with special engraving
  • Water Resistance: 300 metres
  • Movement: Oris 761 automatic
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, centre hand moonphase, date
  • Power Reserve: 38 hours
  • Jewels: 26
  • Frequency: 28,800vph
  • Dial: Gradient blue/grey with Superluminova hands and indices
  • Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
  • Buckle: Folding
  • RRP: £1,950
  • Limited Edition: 2,009 pieces
  • Release Date: May 2021