Prepare to dive into a world of watchmaking excellence and environmental advocacy! The Oris Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition is more than just a timepiece; it's a powerful symbol of conservation and a testament to Oris' commitment to making a difference.
In 2011, the Oris Aquis Date collection made waves (pun intended!) by offering a modern take on dive watches. Designed with both professional divers and everyday adventurers in mind, the Aquis Date boasts an impressive blend of technical prowess and robust construction. It's a far cry from the vintage-inspired Divers Sixty-Five line, showcasing Oris' contemporary and technical side. Over the years, the Aquis Date has evolved, and its latest iteration partners with the Chinese Changjiang Conservation Foundation (CCF) to protect the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise.
But here's where it gets controversial... Oris isn't just talking the talk; they've walked the walk with their "Change for the Better" program. Through special Aquis editions, they've dedicated themselves to preserving marine life, restoring aquatic habitats, and tackling plastic pollution. From coral preservation to upcycling PET plastics, Oris has left no stone unturned in their environmental endeavors.
Now, let's dive deeper into the heart of this limited-edition watch. The Yangtze finless porpoise, or jiangtun in Mandarin, is uniquely adapted to the mighty Yangtze River, the longest in China and the third longest globally. Sadly, overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss have taken a toll, and a 2017 report estimated a mere 1,012 of these fascinating creatures remained. Known for their captivating smiles and intelligence, the Chinese porpoise faces a similar fate to the extinct Baiji dolphin, earning a "critically endangered" status from the WWF.
Enter the Changjiang Conservation Foundation. Working hand-in-hand with Oris, the CCF has helped boost the porpoise population to 1,249, partly by engaging fishermen in river patrols. As part of their partnership, Oris will donate eight watches to the CCF, which will auction them off on March 21st, using the proceeds to continue their vital work.
The chosen model for this collaboration is the 300m water-resistant Aquis Date 43.5mm, featuring special details that pay homage to the finless porpoise's habitat. The dial, crafted from mother-of-pearl, is a natural masterpiece with an iridescent sheen, capturing and reflecting light just like the Yangtze River's surface. Despite its delicate nature, Oris has printed a wave pattern on the dial, emulating the sound waves of the porpoise's ultrasonic clicks used for echolocation and social interactions.
On the back, an engraving of a Yangtze finless porpoise swimming in a wavy stream greets you, its enchanting smile a reminder of the species' plight. The number 1,249 holds significance, representing both the current porpoise population and the number of Aquis Date models produced in their honor. Recently updated with ergonomic lugs, a slimmer profile, and a redesigned steel bracelet, the Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun now sports a dark grey tungsten bezel insert, a departure from the ceramic insert of previous models.
In line with the latest design tweaks, the shield-shaped hour markers and Alpha hands have sharper outlines, and a new typeface graces the dial inscriptions. However, one detail remains unchanged: the white background of the date window, a subtle nod to tradition.
As a bona fide diving companion, the Aquis Date boasts a screw-down crown flanked by tapered guards and a screw-down caseback, protecting the automatic Oris calibre 733 movement. With its 4Hz frequency, 41-hour power reserve, and hacking seconds, this timepiece is a reliable partner for underwater adventures. Limited to just 1,249 pieces, the Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun retails for CHF 2,550, a small price to pay for a watch that does so much more than tell time.
So, what do you think? Is this limited-edition watch a stylish way to support conservation efforts, or is it just a clever marketing ploy? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
