Hölstein-based Oris has in recent times become best known for both its interesting neo-vintage pieces and its design-pushing dive watches. Not far behind, the brand has been drawn increasing attention for the constant stream of charitable efforts it backs, and at the end of last month, the Swiss manufacturer continued these efforts with its latest model in support of ocean conversation efforts. This new watch is the Carysfort Reef Gold Limited Edition, a special gold variation of its Aquis Date GMT watch.
This latest model was built to celebrate a significant milestone for the Coral Restoration Foundation — a leading global charity — which has just finished its largest planting of corals to date in the Carysfort Reef in Florida. In contrast to some previous Oris models, in which a certain percentage of their profits has gone to the beneficiary foundation, this one will instead include models from its 50-piece limited edition that are released directly to the Coral Restoration Foundation for auction. The pieces numbered 02/50, 03/50, and 04/50 will be auctioned off at a series of events in spring 2020.
As mentioned, the new special-edition Carysfort Reef Gold Limited Edition is a gold-cased variation of the Aquis Date GMT model. The watch features a 43.5-mm 18k gold case, with an integrated leather strap with a rubber coating, thick crown guards protecting a screw-down crown, and a bidirectional 24-hour outer bezel. The dial of the watch uses a sunray blue color, with applied gold hour markers accented with Super-LumiNova and subtle printed minute markers separating each. Deeper within the dial you’ll find an additional 24-hour ring, broken up at the 3 o’clock position by the addition of a small date window. Passing over the dial are two rounded hands for the hour a minute, a lollipop-tipped seconds counter, and a small arrow pointer for the GMT indication. Powering the new model is the automatic caliber Oris 798, which uses the SW 330-1 as its base and is capable of a 42-hour power reserve.
The Carysfort Reef Gold Limited Edition will be available at Oris retailers globally starting in April in a limited edition run of 50 editions, of which only 47 will be available for direct purchase. The watch will be marketed at 17,900 CHF, or about $18,250.
To read more about the Coral Restoration Foundation and their efforts to restore reefs worldwide, you can visit the organization’s website here.
Go ORIS! I’m afraid I could only collect the JAZZ watches as a hobby-watch(4), but I applaud all the efforts for the good causes.
It’s very nice.
Or is is doing some great things of late, this Carysfort Reef Homage available in 18K is a noble effort, well designed, functional and cosmetically attractive. That said @ $18,250 U.S. Suggested it can be “a reach”, hopefully given the synergy, not a ” bridge too far”! That said, the article indicates only 47 pieces will be available for U.S. Distribution ( #’s 2/50, 3/50 and 4/50 being available through Charity Auctions, but what of 1/50, otherwise we are at 46? Although the Brsnd had a Bronze Bezel Ring recently, the tonnage opportunity for business for the Brand would be in this piece being offered in a Bronze Case, aside from the Water Resistant Dive Features, the added 2nd Time Zone offers a great Feature for any and all travelers, whether business or pleasure, allowing for “the time where one is or where one’s heart is”. Could not pass up, with Oris, the absolutely stunning BigPilot X 115, Case Design, totally complimentary Bracelet Design, top and bottom, from Caseback to Dial a “head turner” and should help the Brand secure enhanced positioning and distribution going forward.