INTRODUCING: The Oris Aquis Date Upcycle made from recycled plastic
Zach BlassAccording to UN Environment, every year as many as 13 million tonnes of plastic leak into the oceans – which is the equivalent of a truck-load every minute. With only 9% of all plastic produced thought to have been recycled, and various aquatic animals suffering dearly as a result, there is a clear need for businesses to reevaluate their processes and adopt strategies that protect the future of our planet. This is why Oris is proud to announce that they are now climate neutral and will be publishing their first sustainability report in 2022. This is not such a surprising revelation considering that Oris has always expressed environmentally conscious sensibilities with limited-edition watches to support ocean conservation efforts like coral reef restoration and participating in World Cleanup Day. But this latest news is another encouraging signal of their ecological commitment and, as part of that effort, today we are introduced to the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle.
The Oris Aquis Date Upcycle has been designed in two sizes, 36.5mm and 41.5mm, which makes the watch and its corresponding initiative as wrist-accesible as possible. Sustainable couples can indulge in partner watches, electing to pick whichever size best fits their own wrist. The stainless-steel case shares the same format as previous Aquis Date models, both diameter variants brushed around the perimeter of the caseband with a mirror polished bezel knurling that frames the large grey ceramic insert. They each also remain 300 metres water-resistant, with guarded screw-down crown for maximum security against moisture.
The distinct and sustainable component of the watches are the dials made of recycled PET plastic, thinly cut discs in which no two are exactly like – each dial a piece unique of sorts. While both are very colourful, the 41.5mm configuration is outfitted with a darker collage of PET plastic and the 36.5mm variant with a brighter PET disc. There is a lot going on with the dials beneath the double AR coated sapphire glass, and they may seem a bit busy to the eye at first, but they remain legible with large central hands and indices filled with SuperLuminova® for the utmost legibility. You also have a symmetry maintaining date aperture at 6’ with a black on white disc that is easy for the eye to discern.
The Oris Aquis Date Upcylce is outfitted with a stainless steel bracelet in all forms, again continuing the combination of mixed finishes we have seen on previous models. The sloped lugs of the case are polished, and the finish extends to the shouldering links of the bracelet which frame a brushed central link piece. Upping the level of robustness, Oris secures these bracelets to the case/lugs with a screw to ensure there is even less of a chance the bracelet could pop off of the case. In terms of adjustability, the clasp has three points of micro-adjustment along with a diver’s extension to allow the watch to better fit over a wetsuit.
Inside the watch, beneath an exhibition mineral glass caseback, is the Oris calibre 733, which is based on the Sellita SW200-1. The 38 hour power reserve automatic movement may be less glamorous to the more down-the-rabbit-hole watch geeks, but the robust and reliable caliber allows Oris to keep the retail price down and therefore create more opportunity for consumers to purchase – in turn generating greater support for their conservation efforts.
Oris Aquis Date Upcycle pricing and availability:
Both the 41.5mm and 36.5mm models will be available in September 2021 via Oris and their authorized dealers. The Oris Aquis Date Upcycle is presented in their standard Oris box, notably made of sustainable and fully recyclable paper. Price: $2,300 USD for both confiugrations.