Oris’s latest mission on bringing Change for the Better now focuses on the Earth’s delicate ecosystem, in particular the threat that faces the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark.
This latest timepiece released by Oris, the Whale Shark Limited Edition, has been created as part of the brand’s mission to clean, restore and protect the world’s water. In this specific case, however, the Whale Shark Limited Edition was made in support of Oris’s ambassador Gerardo del Villar, who is an avid explorer and photographer of whale sharks for more than 15 years.
In regards to Gerardo del Villar’s partnership with Oris and the latest timepiece, he states that “I liked Oris’s passion for taking action to protect marine ecosystems, and it’s dedication to communicating it to people. Our partnership has helped me spread the word, make documentaries, host exhibitions and conserve endangered marine creatures, such as the whale shark.
The watch is an inspiration, showing us that even in difficult times we have to keep pressing ahead. I’m so excited that the whale shark has its own watch, with a special shark skin effect dial. It’s like a message to this beautiful animal to always go your own way.”
Initial Thoughts:
The Oris Whale Shark Limited Edition is based on the brand’s own Aquis GMT diver’s watch. The Whale Shark is limited to a number of 2016 pieces, as 2016 marks the year of IUCN’s landmark whale shark announcement. The Oris Whale Shark Limited Edition comes in a 43.5mm multi-piece stainless steel case and a bi-directional rotating blue and black ceramic bezel with a GMT scale. The blue and black on the bezel are supposed to act as a day/night indicator.
The dial sure is quite special on this timepiece. From afar it seems like a plain blue dial, however, upon closer inspection you’ll see that there is a special engraved pattern that has been inspired by a while shark skin. The hands and hour indices are filled with white superluminova, which provides excellent contrast and readability against the blue dial background.
Oris has given the Whale Shark Limited Edition their automatic self-winding 798 calibre movement. This 798 calibre movement can give out a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The case back is closed, however, the back is beautifully engraved with the picture of whale alongside the words “Whale Shark Limited Edition” and the limited edition number/2016.
Overall this is a great timepiece by Oris honoring another great cause. The only downside can be that a case size of 43.5mm can be too large for some wrists. But we can see why it was done. A smaller version with the GMT scale can overcrowd the watch and make it look more complicated than it needs to be.
With a beautiful dial and GMT function, this timepiece is sure to be snapped up to support the whale shark cause.
