During the Geneva Watch Days 2021, we had the chance to see the latest model to join the emblematic dive collection from Oris. The new Aquis Date Upcycle is part of the permanent collection and comes in two sizes. The watches are fitted with a special type of dial, each one unique in execution, even though neither is limited in terms of production numbers.
Oris has a reputation for making solid, robust watches, often featuring interesting and clever solutions at an attainable price. One of the most revered collections is without a doubt the Aquis. This dive watch is everything an Oris should be; rugged, well-executed using high-quality materials, and relatively affordable. And Oris now launches a new model in line with the company’s pursuit for sustainability and awareness.
The Oris Aquis Date Upcycle relies on the same case construction as regular Aquis models do. It is presented in a 41,5mm or 36mm case size, and in steel only. The solidly built case comes with a uni-directional rotatable bezel with a sleek, grey bezel insert in ceramic. The knurled profile of the bezel helps in rotating, which feels smooth and solid when turning. The fit and finish of the case are very good, with alternating brushed and polished surfaces that continue down to the bracelet. Slight protrusions on either side of the screw-down crown protect it a little from any sudden impact and of course, sapphire crystals are used both front and back. Water-resistance is a solid 300 metres.
The dial is without a doubt the most intriguing part of the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle. AS we’ve explained before, the dial is made using salvaged plastic from our oceans. For the production of these dials Oris partners with #TIDE, a Swiss organization that aims to reduce the plastic soup in our oceans and turn it to good use by upcycling it. #TIDE collects various types of plastic, including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyethylene (PE), and upcycles this into granulate, yarn or filament to be used as raw material for all sorts of new applications.
The Oris Aquis Date Upcycle uses a PET plastic disc for the dial. The result is that despite all are made from the same materials, each one is unique on its own. Each dial differs in pattern and colour variety and no two will be alike. It is somewhat comparable to Damascus steel. Yes, it uses the same materials but the process results in a different pattern and colour every time.
The rest of the dial is typical of the Oris Aquis line. Large, luminous hour markers are spread around the dial, with bold hands indicating time. Both the hour and minute hand received a good dose of Super LumiNova, as well as the lollipop pip of the seconds hand. In the bottom half of the dial, there’s a square cut-out for the date, indicated with a white disc and black digits.
Revealed through the sapphire crystal caseback, is the automatic Oris 733 calibre, which is a Sellita SW 200-1 at heart. The signature red-lacquered rotor drives the watch to a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound. You might have expected the new in-house Oris 400 calibre to be used in this watch, but alas. Size-wise it shouldn’t be too hard to implement it into the Aquis Date Upcycle, but Oris chose the Sellita instead. Nothing to be ashamed of as it is a reliable movement, and keeps the price down a tad compared to the Oris 400 calibre. There is a slight “downside” to the Oris 733 though, and that is the 38-hour power reserve (the Oris 400 delivers a lengthy 5-day runtime).
We’ve already addressed this but we’re going to mention it once more. What Oris does is a noble idea for sure, and the concept is executed very well. One might argue the impact Oris has on the global climate is very limited, but the company does what it can within its circle of influence. And through all the companies efforts, Oris is in fact a certified climate-neutral manufacturer. This implies that all emission caused by the production of watches and running a company is balanced by the brand’s efforts. It partners with various charity organizations, offers limited editions with proceeds benefitting environmental projects, and aims at reducing its own carbon footprint as best as it can.
And looking at the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle, in particular, I can honestly say it is an interesting watch that raises awareness on a seriously important issue. And, if we hadn’t made that part clear yet, you get a watch with a distinct look, with each dial being unique in pattern and colours. The price for the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle, which comes on a steel bracelet with Oris’ familiar folding clasp with diving extension, is set at CHF 2,100 regardless of size.
For more information, please visit Oris.ch.