Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV

In the heart of Hölstein, Switzerland, a quiet village nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant pastures, a legacy of watchmaking excellence has been quietly unfolding since 1904. Oris, a name synonymous with independent watchmaking and a commitment to sustainability, has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation while championing causes close to its heart. The latest testament to this unwavering dedication is the Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV, a timepiece that not only embodies the brand's technical prowess but also its deep-rooted passion for preserving the world's natural wonders.

The story of Oris is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding commitment to its core values. Founded over a century ago by Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, the company quickly established itself as a purveyor of high-quality timepieces that combined precision engineering with timeless aesthetics. Throughout the decades, Oris has weathered economic storms, technological shifts, and industry upheavals, emerging stronger and more determined with each challenge. In an era dominated by conglomerates and mass production, Oris stands as a beacon of independent watchmaking, fiercely guarding its autonomy and creative freedom.



The Aquis collection, launched in 2001, is a testament to Oris's unwavering commitment to producing robust, reliable, and stylish dive watches that can withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. Inspired by the brand's rich heritage of crafting timepieces for professional divers, the Aquis line quickly gained recognition for its exceptional performance, innovative features, and distinctive design language. From the iconic unidirectional rotating bezel to the Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indices, every element of the Aquis watch is meticulously engineered to ensure optimal legibility and functionality in even the most challenging underwater environments.

The Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV, the latest iteration in a series of limited-edition timepieces dedicated to the preservation of the world's largest coral reef system, is a fitting tribute to Oris's longstanding commitment to environmental conservation. The watch's striking gradient blue dial, as depicted in the accompanying image, evokes the vibrant hues of the reef's crystal-clear waters, while the stainless steel case and bracelet exude a sense of understated elegance and rugged durability.

The Aquis Date's robust 43.5 mm stainless steel case, a hallmark of the Aquis collection, is engineered to withstand the pressures of the deep. Its solid construction, screw-down crown, and unidirectional rotating bezel with a tungsten inlay ensure that the watch remains water-resistant up to 30 bar (300 meters). The bezel's 60-minute scale and luminous markings provide divers with essential information at a glance, while the domed sapphire crystal, with its anti-reflective coating, guarantees optimal clarity even in low-light conditions.



The dial of the Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV is a masterpiece of both artistry and functionality. The vertical gradient blue dial, transitioning from a deep turquoise at the top to a rich azure at the bottom, mimics the sun's rays filtering through the water column, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that captures the essence of the underwater world. The applied indices, filled with Super-LumiNova, and the bold hour and minute hands ensure exceptional legibility, while the date window at 6 o'clock adds a practical touch to the watch's overall design.

Beneath the dial's captivating facade lies the beating heart of the Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV: the Oris Calibre 400, an in-house automatic movement that represents a significant milestone in the brand's history. Developed entirely by Oris, this high-performance movement boasts a remarkable five-day power reserve, exceptional accuracy, and enhanced resistance to magnetism. The Calibre 400's innovative features, including a twin-barrel system and a redesigned rotor with a low-friction slide bearing, not only contribute to its impressive performance but also to its longevity and reliability.

The Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV is not just a symbol of Oris' commitment to conservation, but a powerful tool for underwater exploration. As you delve deeper into its features, the meticulous craftsmanship and technical prowess that define this timepiece become evident.

The 43.5 mm stainless steel case, a commanding presence on the wrist, is more than just a protective shell for the intricate movement within. It's a testament to Oris's dedication to creating watches that can withstand the rigors of the underwater world. The multi-piece construction, a hallmark of Oris's engineering, not only enhances the watch's structural integrity but also adds a subtle visual complexity that catches the eye. The screwed-down case back, adorned with special engravings commemorating the Great Barrier Reef, is a reminder of the watch's purpose and the cause it supports.



The unidirectional rotating bezel, an indispensable tool for divers, is a masterpiece of precision engineering. Its tungsten inlay, a material known for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, ensures that the bezel will maintain its pristine appearance even after countless dives. The 60-minute scale, with its crisp markings and luminous accents, allows divers to accurately track their dive time, a crucial factor in ensuring their safety underwater.

Beyond its functional attributes, the bezel also contributes to the watch's aesthetic appeal. Its polished surface, contrasting with the brushed finish of the case, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that enhances the watch's overall visual appeal. The bezel's tactile feedback, with its satisfying clicks as it rotates, adds a layer of sensory engagement that further elevates the ownership experience.

The bracelet of the Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV is not merely a means to an end; it is an integral part of the watch's design language. The three-link stainless steel bracelet, with its alternating brushed and polished finishes, complements the case's aesthetic while providing a secure and comfortable fit. The folding clasp, with its Oris-patented quick-adjust system, allows for effortless adjustments on the fly, ensuring that the watch remains snug on the wrist even during the most strenuous activities.

Beneath the sapphire crystal, the dial of the Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV comes alive with a mesmerizing display of color and light. The vertical gradient blue dial, a tribute to the vibrant hues of the Great Barrier Reef, is a feast for the eyes. The applied indices, with their faceted surfaces and luminous filling, stand out against the dial's shimmering backdrop, ensuring exceptional legibility even in low-light conditions. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands, also filled with Super-LumiNova, further enhance the watch's legibility, while the lollipop seconds hand adds a playful touch to the overall design.



The date window at 6 o'clock, with its crisp white numerals against a dark blue background, provides a practical function without disrupting the dial's overall harmony. The date disc's instantaneous change mechanism ensures that the date switches precisely at midnight, a testament to Oris's commitment to precision engineering.

At the heart of the Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV beats the Oris Calibre 400, a movement that embodies the brand's dedication to innovation and performance. This in-house automatic movement, developed entirely by Oris, boasts a remarkable five-day power reserve, ensuring that the watch will keep ticking even after several days of inactivity. The Calibre 400's impressive power reserve is made possible by its twin-barrel system, which stores enough energy to keep the watch running for 120 hours.

The movement's accuracy is equally impressive, with a deviation of -3/+5 seconds per day, exceeding the standards set by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), the official Swiss chronometer testing institute. This level of accuracy is a testament to Oris's meticulous attention to detail and its commitment to producing timepieces that meet the highest standards of precision.

The Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV, priced at USD 4,500.00, is more than just a watch; it is a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a symbol of the wearer's passion for both horology and environmental conservation. Whether you're an avid diver, a watch enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and meaningful design, the Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV is sure to captivate your imagination and leave a lasting impression.



With its striking aesthetics, exceptional performance, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, the Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV is a timepiece that transcends its utilitarian function and becomes a symbol of hope for the future of our planet's most precious ecosystems. As you wear this watch on your wrist, you become part of a global community of individuals who share a passion for preserving the wonders of the natural world for generations to come.

The Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV is a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story. It is a story of innovation, passion, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact on the world.