Raise The Reef: The last Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition is up for charity auction
Zach BlassThe watch industry is beginning to catch on, understanding the urgency with which we must act to protect the environment. We are beginning to see more and more vegan strap options, recycled materials, and sustainable packaging trickling into the marketplace. But one brand that has been well ahead of the curve is Oris. The independent Swiss manufacturer has long championed a more ecological mindset, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Change for the Better initiative back in 2020 – as well as recently announcing their astounding achievement of becoming a climate-neutral manufacture last year. One of many partnerships they have formed under the initiative is with the Coral Restoration Foundation, and this weekend the last Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition is set to go for auction at the foundation’s 8th annual Raise the Reef Gala.
Their collaborative efforts with the Coral Restoration Foundation began in 2014, and as of 2020 they have planted more than 35,000 corals on Carysfort Reef – just one of a number of sites that the Foundation is restoring. As a result, more than 8,000 square metres of coral reef have been restored in the Florida Keys, returning more than 120,000 corals to this ecosystem.
“This partnership is central to our continuing mission to bring Change for the Better,” explains Oris Co-CEO Rolf Studer. “Through the Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition, we’re really stepping up our ambitions and our contribution to returning the world’s corals to their original state. It’s a hugely important project and we’re excited by everything Coral Restoration Foundation is achieving through it.”
Considering one of the strongest collections in Oris’ arsenal is their Aquis dive watch collection, it is fitting that they have teamed up with such an organisation.
Up for auction: The Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition (#02/50)
Speaking of the Aquis line, this weekend bidders are faced with the win-win scenario of scoring a rare Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition watch and simultaneously supporting a great cause. The proceeds from the watch will go entirely to the Coral Restoration Foundation and their much-needed efforts.
The 43.5mm watch, encased in solid 18K yellow gold, is one of 50 pieces ever made as part of a limited-edition run from 2020 that has long since sold out. But Oris saved one special watch from the run, providing the CRF with the first production piece (#02/50), the lowest number available to the public, for the organisation’s Raise the Reef Gala. To most, owning a limited edition watch is enough. For serious collectors, however, acquiring the earliest numbered watch within a limited run is a huge score and raises its collectability. Secured with a screw-down crown, this GMT diver is water-resistant to 300m with a scratch-resistant bi-directional black and blue ceramic 24 hour bezel. But the focal point is the stunning blue dial, evocative of the ocean it was born to help protect.
The watch is offered on a dark blue textured leather strap, which is robustly secured to the case via screws instead of springbars. Before you take a dip with it, you will likely want to spring for a factory rubber alternative. That being said, the precious metal, in tandem with the leather pairing, really works to dress up the diver with casual formality. Beneath the commemoratively engraved “30,000 Coral Reefs Planted” coral reef motif caseback ticks a tried and true Oris 798 automatic calibre (based on the Sellita SW 330-1) with 42 hours of power reserve. Upon its release its retail price was $19,000 USD, but Oris hopes and expects its final hammer price will far exceed it.
Coral Restoration Foundation 8th Annual Raise The Reef Gala details
The 8th annual Raise the Reef Gala will be held Saturday, March 19th 2022 at the OCEAN REEF CLUB® in Key Largo, Florida, with the silent auction beginning at 6pm and the dinner & live auction held from 7-10pm EST. To donate, or reserve tickets to the event, you can click here for more details.