Oris continues it’s Change for the Better campaign with a brand new partnership with Botswana’s aeromedical rescue organisation, Okavango Air Rescue, and the release of the Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition. The design celebrates the 10th anniversary of the organisation’s incredible history while also tributing the grasslands and marshes of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the many areas the rescue service covers, with a unique textured green dial.
There are plenty of luxury watch brands out there that do their part for the world, but there is none quite as dedicated as Oris. Since 2010, Oris’ Change for the Better campaign has seen them work alongside an abundance of non-profit environmental organisations. There’s been the Aquis Hangang designed in collaboration with Seoul KFEM to highlight the plights of the Hangang River in South Korea, the Aquis Whale Shark raising money in support of our ocean’s gentle giant and the Oris Dat Watt designed to raise awareness on the Wadden Sea. These are just a few of some of the brand’s most recent releases, the list goes on and on. As you can see, most of Oris’ Change for the Better watches focus on their passions for the ocean and our need to protect and preserve the species that live within them as well as the bodies of water themselves. Nevertheless, the series has also supported several other causes like that of the Movember charity for men’s mental health and Australia’s Royal Flying Doctors service. Adding to the ever growing list of collaborators in the health and medical services is Okavango Air Rescue and with it comes the new Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition.
Founded by Swiss entrepreneur Christian Gross and German-born Dr Misha S. Kruck, the Okavango Air Rescue is dedicated to providing aeromedical rescue services to the country of Botswana. The couple had no shortage of experience between them to dominates a feat such as this. Christian was a conservationist as well as a businessman and had already formed several other environmental organisations such as Animal Management Consultancy and the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife. Meanwhile, Misha boasted extensive medical experience working around the world with the International Red Cross and Rega, the Swiss air rescue service. In 2011, they decided they would move to Botswana and set up O.A.R as a privately-owned and independently funded service that would bring quality medical care to locals and tourists by helicopter and fixed-wing aircrafts.
“In our neck of the woods, the prestige of a beautiful watch doesn’t mean much of course, but the association has been a real boost to our team. The watch will help raise awareness of what we do, which is hugely valuable to us as we look to build a sustainable model for the future. Our pilots love Oris pilot’s watches and it’s wonderful to see a piece with our logo on the case back!” – Christian Gross, Co-Founder of Okavango Air Rescue
In support of the O.A.R and in honour of their 10th anniversary, Oris have announced a new partnership with the organisation and the release of the Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition. The design is based on the familiar Big Crown ProPilot, an iconic model in Oris’ vast portfolio of aviation-inspired instruments, but for the first time delivers a stunning green dial inspired by the colours and textures of the Okavango Delta, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the 1,000th site to be inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. The dial’s unique texture beautifully brings to life the marshes and grasslands of the area and pairs perfectly with the matching green textile strap engineered exclusively for Oris by Erika’s Originals.
The case back of the Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue watch also tributes the rescue service with a special engraving depicting the organisation’s logo which sees one of the Okavango Air Rescue’s aircrafts flying over the Okavango Delta. The rest of the limited edition’s design follow suit to many of the other Big Crown Pro Pilot’s we have seen with a sophisticated multi-piece stainless steel case equipped with a coin-edged bezel, knurled screw in crown and domed sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating. The case sits neatly on the wrist at 41 millimetre in diameter and fastens with a choice of two straps, both delivered with every order, including the Erika’s Original green textile strap and a distressed brown calfskin leather strap.
Inside the Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition watch lies the Oris 751 automatic winding movement based on the trusty Sellita SW220-1. It’s intricate construction and famous red oscillating rotor is hidden behind the engraved case back and protected by a 100 metre water resistant rating and yet still showcase its technical excellence through a 38 hour power reserve and frequency of 28,800vph. The Swiss made movement also demonstrates the smooth running of the sword-shaped hour and minute hands coated in white Superluminova, the sleek black seconds hand and the box-shaped date window at 3 o’clock.
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue watch is limited to only 2,011 pieces in honour of the organisation’s founding date and can be ordered on the Jura Watches website here. For more information on the release, head over to the Jura Watches website here or get in touch with the team on 01335 453453.
Specifications: Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition (01 751 7761 4187-Set)
- Case Size: 41mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Closed with special engraving
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Oris 751
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Jewels: 26
- Frequency: 28,800bph
- Dial: Green with Superluminova markings
- Strap: Green textile made by Erika’s Originals and additional brown leather
- Buckle: Pin
- RRP: £1,950
- Limited Edition: 2,011 pieces
