Oris are one of the good guys. The Swiss watch brand has made reducing its environmental impact a key pillar of its company, and continue to explore multiple ways to help achieve that social good.
Along with last year’s announcement of plans to progressively reduce its carbon emissions by ten percent a year for three years, it recently transferred the same intent to its timepieces by unveiling its latest environmentally-conscious collaboration with the social enterprise Bracenet.
With its expertise in making accessories from upcycled ‘ghost’ fishing nets Bracenet, the collaboration has led to the creation of two new Aquis Date watches with spectacular watch dials made from discarded fishing nets.
Ocean plastic statistics make difficult reading. Experts estimate that up to a million tonnes of fishing nets enter the oceans every year, and that a ghost net will keep fishing for 400 years. It’s only recently that awareness of ghost nets has begun to rise, thanks to the work of social enterprises such as Bracenet.
The company makes a catalogue of products and accessories that transform this potentially life-threatening waste product into something beautiful that also makes a statement: change must come.
Marrying that mindset of positive change, Oris has produced a creative (and stunning) outlet for the upcycled material, putting it front and centre on the dial of its iconic Aquis timepiece.
Releasing two special-edition versions of its Aquis Date diver’s watch, the dials come with a kaleidoscopic effect that is unique to each individual piece. The two options will both be made from stainless steel, one with a 43.50 mm case and a second with a 36.50 mm case. Both have automatic mechanical movements and uni-directional rotating bezels, and are water-resistant to 30 bar (300 metres). More importantly, both are symbols of the change we want to see.
Oris timepieces are available across Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and Edit by Ahmed Seddiqi boutiques in the UAE.