50,000 CHF for the Great Barrier Reef…

Did you know that tomorrow, June 8, is World Oceans Day?  Since 2008 this day is officially recognized by the United Nations as a day to promote ocean conservation.  Thus it is perhaps no surprise that I recently came across this new watch from Oris — the Oris Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition (Ref. 643 7609 8585).  For this watch Oris has teamed up with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), Australia’s only national charity dedicated exclusively to protecting ocean wildlife and their home.  Always a fan of great watches for great causes, I would say that this one certainly fits the bill.  The cause is to help protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system, and will raise up to CHF 50,000 to this effect — 1,000 watches will be made and a CHF 50 donation from each watch sold will be donated to AMCS.

To mark World Oceans Day, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, The Environment Centre NT and The Wilderness Society have launched a ‘Sea Sanctuaries’ television and radio advertising campaign to highlight that the Territories seas are unique, under threat and under-protected.  The video clip is only 30 seconds, but offers some nice glimpses into the beautiful marine life that you might bump in to (literally) down under in the Great Barrier Reef:

Getting back to the watch, I would say that its design symbolism is fairly obvious, showing not only oceanic colors but also key dive watch elements such as helium escape value, dark orange superluminova, 1000 meter water resistance, and unidirectional rotating bezel.  One interesting element is that both the helium value and the crown are on the left-side of the case, which is certainly not typical.

The watch is presented in a special collector’s set that comes with a neoprene zip case, key ring, rubber strap and stainless steel bracelet, diver’s log and limited edition certificate.  Thanks Oris for your support of the world’s oceans!