For over a decade now, Oris has been introducing limited-edition watches as part of their Change For the Better program focused on raising awareness and funds for environmental conservation efforts. As Oris’ diving watches are among their most beloved models and the ocean is an integral part of our ecosystem, partnerships focused on marine preservation have been a central theme of Change For The Better. Their most recent release, the Whale Shark Limited Edition continues that mission with an eye toward helping to get the Whale Shark, the world’s largest fish, off of the endangered list.
Oris has teamed with famed underwater photographer and Oris ambassador Gerardo del Villar, who has been photographing these magnificent animals for more than 15 years. “Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and are the only members of the prehistoric Rhincodontidae family,” he says. “Scientists believe that the whale shark species originated around 60 million years ago. I’m fascinated by that, but also by their importance to the ecosystem.They’re also often considered to be the friendliest giants in the ocean thanks to their peaceful nature and their diet of microscopic plankton and ocean nekton. Worryingly, the global population of the whale shark has decreased more than 50 per cent in the last 75 years. It’s now listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as endangered globally.”
The Oris Whale Shark limited edition will support the creation of marine protected areas and global education on the importance of whale sharks, as well as efforts against climate change — all of which will help ensure the survival of the species.
The Whale Shark Limited Edition is based on the Oris Aquis GMT diver’s watch and will be produced in a limited edition of 2016, marking the year in which the IUCN reported the whale shark population had been reduced by half. The watch measures 43.5mm and is water resistant to 30bar (300 meters), making it a proper diving tool as well as a great looking timepiece. The Whale Shark Limited Edition features a unique blue vignette dial with a striking engraved pattern inspired by whale shark skin. The Whale Shark Limited Edition is currently available through select Oris retailers while supplies last.
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