You don’t need to be a diver to feel the pull of the ocean, but some watches make you wish you were one. The Oris Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV carries the weight of one of the world’s most endangered natural wonders on its dial. This isn’t a watch born from nostalgia or hype, it’s a tool, a tribute, and a call to action: forged in steel, powered by precision, and driven by purpose.
With its fourth edition dedicated to the Great Barrier Reef, Oris doesn’t just dip a toe into sustainability, it dives in headfirst.
The Inspiration Beneath the Surface
The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction to anyone who cares about the planet. As the world’s largest coral system, it stretches over 2,300 kilometers and supports more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and countless marine life. But it’s under threat from climate change, coral bleaching, and pollution.
Oris partnered with the Reef Restoration Foundation to support hands-on coral regeneration along the Great Barrier Reef. With each purchase, a portion of the proceeds directly funds reef-growing initiatives. This isn’t just a limited edition, it’s a timepiece with a tangible environmental footprint.
A Dial That Mimics the Deep
At first glance, the dial stands out, not just for its beauty, but for its narrative. The vertical gradient fades from turquoise to oceanic blue, mimicking the changing hues of sunlight as it penetrates deeper into the sea. Unlike the radial fades we’ve seen before, this vertical gradient feels like you’re descending into the reef with every glance at your wrist.
At 43.5mm, the stainless steel case maintains the modern diver proportions Oris has standardized within the Aquis line. The tungsten bezel insert adds a refined matte contrast to the dial’s vibrancy while remaining practical and scratch-resistant. A double-domed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating ensures legibility in both bright sun and low-light depths.
Caseback engraving features a stylized reef scene, complete with coral and starfish, a quiet reminder of what this timepiece is supporting.
Engineered for Depth and Distance
The watch is rated for 300 meters of water resistance and is equipped with a screw-down crown, unidirectional rotating bezel, and luminous markers, essentials for any true diving instrument. But even outside the sea, Oris didn’t skip the details.
The stainless steel bracelet comes with Oris’s patented Quick Strap Change system and clasp micro-adjustment feature, making it easy to switch straps or fine-tune the fit post-swim without tools. Whether you’re over a wetsuit or wearing it daily, the comfort is dialed in.
Inside the Case: The Calibre 400 Watch lovers have been buzzing about Oris’s Calibre 400 since it launched, and for good reason. Developed in-house over five years, it delivers everything you want in a modern automatic movement: a 5-day (120-hour) power reserve, accuracy within -3/+5 seconds per day, and resistance to magnetic fields up to 2,250 gauss.
The use of a silicon escape wheel and anchor, along with over 30 non-ferrous components, gives the Calibre 400 serious anti-magnetic credentials. And unlike many boutique movements, it comes with a 10-year recommended service interval and a 10-year warranty if registered. For collectors, peace of mind and cost of ownership are worth noting.
A Limited Run with a Real Impact
Oris isn’t calling this a limited edition for marketing clout. It’s limited to 2,000 pieces globally, each one contributing directly to reef conservation. The packaging is sustainable, the caseback tells the story, and the mission is transparent.
This is part of Oris’s broader “Change for the Better” campaign, a long-running initiative that aligns the brand with marine and environmental preservation. It’s not a one-off gesture. It’s a philosophy baked into the brand.
Why This Watch Stands Out
In a market full of vintage reissues and retro homages, the Oris Great Barrier Reef IV feels refreshingly current. It doesn’t lean on nostalgia. It leans into its identity. The gradient dial, Calibre 400, and environmental mission come together in a watch that feels genuine, modern, and mission-driven.
It’s a compelling buy for:
Divers who actually dive.
Collectors looking for in-house innovation without haute horlogerie pricing.
Watch lovers who appreciate a story behind the specs.
