News 
Climate change is having a devastating impact on the world’s coral reefs. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, aerial surveys of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park show 73 per cent of surveyed reefs have what they call “prevalent bleaching”.
The Great Barrier Reef suffered a fifth mass bleaching event, whereby elevated water temperatures distress coral so that it expels tiny algae from its tissues, turning it white. If conditions are prolonged, it will die.
According to the US-based National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, reefs occur in less than 1 per cent of the ocean yet are home to nearly a quarter of all ocean species. These species sustain the health of our oceans, which produce 70 per cent of the world’s oxygen. Reefs also contribute trillions of dollars annually to the global economy. Our planet depends on their survival.
In 2016, Reef Restoration Foundation was set up to combat the effects of coral bleaching. The Australian nonprofit specialises in ocean-based coral nurseries, growing coral in a bid to conserve these biodiverse ecosystems and vital life sources.
Oris introduced the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV, to support the foundation’s mission. It’s based on the next-generation Aquis Date Calibre 400, but with a few extra details designed to capture the Reef Restoration Foundation’s story.
The dial of this timepiece features a blue gradient dial, a hue reminiscent of the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef seen from the sky and the refraction of the sun’s rays through the water. The watch also has a grey tungsten bezel insert and a case back with special engravings, including the individual number within the 2,000-piece limited edition.
The base is the Aquis Date 43.5mm, a refined modern versatile tool watch water-resistant to 300 metres. Its stainless-steel case, screw-in crown, crown guard, uni-directional rotating bezel and three-link bracelet have all been redesigned for improved ergonomics and performance. Like the other models in this collection, it also features the Oris-patented strap change and quick adjustment systems.
August 15, 2024