This week, WatchAdvice was honoured to attend an exclusive event with Oris and Wallace Bishop. We enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and the unveiling of a new Limited Edition Aquis!
Founded in 1904, Oris has always strived to create a legacy of its own in watchmaking. Its ability to maintain a respectable watchmaking standard while ‘going its own way’ is unparalleled, and freedom from outside influence has allowed its passion to stretch further than just watchmaking.
Of course, I am talking about their fascination with environmental sustainability, particularly the conservation of marine life. In this spirit, Oris, alongside authorised retailer Wallace Bishop, hosted an event to commemorate their dedication to environmental conservation at the Rydges Hotel rooftop in Brisbane.
From there, VIPs, collectors, and enthusiasts of Oris (and members of the WatchAdvice team!) were treated to an enjoyable night among peers, professionals, and even the Oris Bear – alongside hors d’oeurves, drinks and blue margaritas!
All guests were welcome to examine, photograph, and even try on the Limited Edition Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV. Although two of these incredible timepieces were present, Oris and Wallace Bishop had also procured the other three Great Barrier Reef Limited Editions! The presence of I (2009), II (2016), and III (2019) alongside their newest sibling only served to further demonstrate Oris’ dedication to the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef – a cause they have been supporting since the release of Great Barrier Reef I.
Since 2019, Oris has partnered with the Reef Restoration Foundation to further support this noble endeavour. Guests would be treated to a speech by Michael Meier, Regional Director of Oris Asia Pacific, who made it clear that the event’s purpose was not only to celebrate the release of the new timepiece but also to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining one of the natural wonders of the world.
Afterwards, they would also hear from the CEO of the Reef Restoration Foundation, Ryan Donnelly, who educated guests about the foundation’s work in the inter-facilitation of rebuilding and reinforcing reef ecosystems. It’s a fascinating process that I would be remiss to try to explain myself, but you are welcome to check out their work here or watch the demonstration shown below.
At the end of his speech, Meier would also surprise Donnelly with a present: His own Limited Edition Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef IV, a symbol of the partnership between the two organisations and the passion they share towards a common cause.
However, after several hours of drinking margaritas, examining watches and shaking hands with all the wonderful people involved, WatchAdvice would say farewell to Oris and Wallace Bishop. As we ventured off, we would take with us the satisfaction of a night as entertaining as it was informative, as well as gift bags containing the Oris Bear keychain and a small vial of Reef Distillers’ Great Barrier Dry Gin!
