The Oris tagline, “Change for the Better,” is no mere trope, since the Swiss watch company has been working diligently over the past decade to put its money where its heart is—to help save the environment.
Over the past decade, Oris has successfully worked with a number of non-profit environmental groups and social change organizations in its ongoing quest to make a difference in the world. This philosophy has inspired products whose reason for being is to bring awareness to areas of ecological concern, particularly our oceans, raising funds for conservation.
But Oris also understands true change comes from within. Thus it has been taking action to ramp up its recycling, reduce emissions, install solar panels and generally improve sustainability at its manufacturing facilities in Hölstein. Further, the company has just received climate neutral status and will publish its first Oris Sustainability Report next spring.
Independent climate action organization ClimatePartner calculated the carbon footprint of the company and its products, taking into account carbon emission from a variety of activities and its change over time.
“Becoming climate neutral is not the end goal,” claims the brand. “From here, we’ll keep working toward the U.N.’s Sustainability Goals. Upgrades to our factory and the increased use of green energy will continue, and we’ll go on improving our supply chains.”
Design for a cause
The Oris ethos has naturally translated to the design of its timepieces. It now offers straps made of recycled PET plastic and sustainably sourced leather, as well as watch boxes made of algae or recycled paper. The Aquis Date Upcycle is another example of its dedication.
The Aquis Date is one of the pillars among the Oris watch collections. This popular dive watch is considered a solid choice on a variety of fronts—for those seeking sports attributes like a unidirectional bezel, a highly legible dial and enhanced water resistance. But it works just as well for those who just want an attractive, well-built timepiece from a brand with history, and at a competitive price.
In keeping with the Oris goal of making change for the better, the Aquis Date Upcycle takes the collection one step further. Its unique and colorful dials are made from recycled PET plastic, which often finds its way into our oceans and waterways in the form of bottles and other single-use containers. And though crafting a watch dial in this way may be more symbolic than materially substantial, it is nonetheless a reminder on the wrist that a healthy planet is a collective responsibility.
The process used to reclaim the plastic begets a unique material, whose random patterns—and vibrant hues—ensure no two dials are alike. It looks like art on the wrist, I think, but with the added plus of a global conscience.
The stainless steel watch is fitted with the automatic Oris 733 movement, and it is available in two sizes—41.5 mm or 36.5 mm. The dive bezel has a scratch-resistant grey ceramic insert. Both versions are offered on a stainless steel bracelet, priced at $2,300.
