Oris Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition: A Dive Watch for Conservation

The Oris Aquis Date collection, introduced in 2011, has established itself as a robust and contemporary line of dive watches, appealing to both professional divers and enthusiasts seeking a durable sports timepiece. Known for its competent diving credentials and solid architecture, the Aquis Date represents Oris's more technical side compared to the vintage-inspired Divers Sixty-Five line. Over the years, the collection has undergone thoughtful redesigns, and the latest iteration partners with the Chinese Changjiang Conservation Foundation (CCF) to support the conservation of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise.

A Commitment to Conservation

Oris has long been dedicated to environmental causes through its 'Change for the Better' programme, with a particular focus on aquatic and marine conservation. Previous special editions have supported coral reef preservation, harbor restoration, river and lake cleanups, and the removal of plastic from oceans, often using sustainable materials like upcycled PET plastics. This new limited edition continues that tradition by aiding the CCF in its efforts to protect the Yangtze finless porpoise, a species uniquely adapted to the Yangtze River system, the longest river in China and the third longest in the world.

The Yangtze finless porpoise, known as 'jiangtun' in Mandarin, is characterized by its intriguing smile and high intelligence. Following the extinction of the Baiji dolphin due to overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, and shipping noise, a 2017 report estimated that only 1,012 individuals remained. Listed as 'critically endangered' by the WWF, the porpoise's population has since increased to 1,249, thanks in part to the CCF's efforts, which include involving local fishermen in river patrols. To further support this cause, Oris will donate eight watches to the CCF, which will auction them on March 21, with proceeds going toward continued protection of the species.

Design Inspired by the Yangtze

The watch chosen for this partnership is the 300-meter water-resistant Aquis Date in the 43.5mm reference, featuring special details that evoke the porpoise's habitat. The dial is crafted from mother-of-pearl, a natural material with an iridescent sheen that forms inside certain mollusk shells. Tinted in a blue-green hue, the mother-of-pearl captures and reflects light like the surface of the Yangtze River. Despite the delicate and brittle nature of mother-of-pearl, Oris has successfully printed a wave pattern on the dial, emulating the sound waves of the finless porpoise's high-frequency ultrasonic clicks used for echolocation and social interaction.

On the caseback, an engraving of a Yangtze finless porpoise swimming in a wavy stream greets the wearer with its enchanting smile. The number 1,249 is symbolic, representing both the current porpoise population and the number of limited edition pieces produced.

Updated Design and Specifications

The Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun incorporates recent design updates applied to the 43.5mm, 41.5mm, and 36.5mm references. These include shorter, more ergonomic lugs, a slimmer case profile (13.1mm), and a redesigned tapering steel bracelet. The unidirectional rotating bezel is slightly thinner and now features a dark grey tungsten insert instead of ceramic. The shield-shaped lume-filled hour markers and Alpha hour and minute hands have sharper outlines, and a new typeface is used for dial inscriptions. One detail that deviates from the recent upgrade is the white background of the date window at 6 o'clock.

As a bona fide dive watch, the screw-down crown is flanked by tapered guards, and the screw-down caseback protects the automatic Oris calibre 733 (based on the Sellita SW200-1). This movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), offers a 41-hour power reserve, and includes hacking seconds for precise time setting.

Technical Specifications

• Case: 43.5mm diameter x 13.1mm height x 51mm lug-to-lug - stainless steel, brushed and polished - unidirectional rotating bezel with tungsten insert - screw-down crown with guards - double-domed sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating - sealed caseback with relief engraving of a Yangtze finless porpoise and limited edition number - 300m water-resistance
• Dial: Blue-green mother-of-pearl with echo sound waves - applied shield-shaped indices with Super-LumiNova - hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova inserts - lollipop seconds hand with SLN - date window with white background at 6 o'clock
• Movement: Oris calibre 733 (based on Sellita SW200-1) - automatic - 26 jewels - 28,800vph (4Hz) - 41-hour power reserve - central hours, minutes, hacking seconds, and date
• Bracelet: Stainless steel, brushed and polished - steel folding clasp
• Reference: 733 7789 4197
• Availability: Limited edition of 1,249 pieces
• Price: CHF 2,550

The Oris Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition is more than just a timepiece; it is a symbol of hope for a species on the brink of extinction. By combining exquisite craftsmanship with a meaningful cause, Oris continues to demonstrate that luxury watches can be a force for positive change. Collectors and conservationists alike will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind this special edition, which not only celebrates the beauty of the Yangtze River but also contributes to the preservation of its unique inhabitants.