Oris has a long history of coupling watchmaking with environmental advocacy, and its newest release takes that mission to the Yangtze River. The Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition is built in partnership with the Changjiang Conservation Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise.
Only 1,249 examples will be made — one for each porpoise currently estimated to inhabit the river system. Eight of those watches will be auctioned on March 21, with proceeds benefiting conservation efforts.
The 43.5mm stainless‑steel dive watch features a unidirectional tungsten bezel, double‑domed sapphire crystal and a screw‑down crown that helps achieve a 300‑meter water‑resistance rating. The caseback is engraved with a porpoise and individual edition number.
Under the glass, a blue‑green mother‑of‑pearl dial evokes the shimmering surface of the Yangtze, and a printed wave motif depicts the ultrasonic clicks used by the mammals for echolocation. Applied shield‑shaped indices and Alpha hands filled with Super‑LumiNova ensure legibility underwater, while a date window sits at 6 o’clock.
Inside beats Oris’s calibre 733 automatic movement (based on the Sellita SW200‑1) with a 41‑hour power reserve. The watch is paired with a tapering steel bracelet and priced at CHF 2,250. As part of Oris’s “Change for the Better” programme, the limited‑edition Aquis is as much a conversation piece as a dive instrument — a reminder that preserving biodiversity can be stylish.
This conservation-minded release continues Oris’ tradition of pairing distinctive complications with purpose, a philosophy also seen in our coverage of the Oris Bullseye Pointer Date, where playful design meets serious watchmaking.
