That Swiss brands align themselves with high-profile activities, such as automotive racing and other sporting events, really should come as no surprise. High-octane events require high precision, and that’s what the Swiss pride themselves on. The flip side of that coin is some of the charitable tie ins that they have. We often see that around environmental issues as of late, but Oris has just announce a new watch to support an air rescue service, the Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition.
Now, for all intents and purposes, from what I can tell, this Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition is very much the same watch as the Oris Big Crown ProPilot GMT that we reviewed for you earlier this year. For me, that means that there really is a lot to like about this watch – it wears small for a big watch (45mm diameter), the textile strap is as amazing as it was, and that clever deployant clasp (and it’s adjustment) still draw inspiration from the airplane seatbelt latch.
And, that makes sense, given that the Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition is built to honor the Swiss air-rescue service Rega. They’re a non-profit organization funded primarily by donations. While that may be limiting for some, the organization has been around since 1952, and conducted more than 15,000 air-rescue missions in 2016 – not an insignificant feat.
The Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition is the second collaboration with Rega (the previous one being based on the ProPilot Altimeter), and signals a few things to me. First off, Oris must believe in what Rega is doing. Second, Rega must think that these pilot watches (which, of course, the Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition is indeed) are actually functionally useful for a pilot. Not that I’m about to be flying anything anytime soon, but that sort of vote of confidence helps bolster things in my opinion.
As with the prior edition, this new Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition is limited to 2,000 pieces, features a custom caseback, and will run you 2,550 CHF (or about $2,582). For comparison’s sake, the non-LE version of the watch runs at about $2,300 on the strap, or $2,500 on the bracelet. So, really, the choice is yours, if you want to get the slightly different color scheme and show your support for what Rega is all about. oris.ch
- Brand & Model: Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition (based on the Oris Big Crown ProPilot GMT)
- Price: $2,582
- Who we think it might be for: You like the looks of the Oris, and also want to fly your flag for the Rega air rescue service
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? I’d probably opt for a non-LE variant, but that grey strap is a lovely shade…
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The overall look and feel
- Oris GMT Rega Limited Edition (Ref. No. 01 748 7710 4284 TS)
- Ø 45.0 mm
- Limited to 2,000 pieces
- Automatic movement Oris Cal. 748, based on Sellita SW 220-1, with pointer hand for second 24-hour timescale, date at 3 o’clock and small second at 9 o’clock
- Multi-piece stainless steel case and screw-in security crown with gun metal grey PVD coating. Water-resistant to 10 bar/100 metres
- Sapphire crystal domed on both sides with anti-reflective coating inside
- Screwed, gunmetal grey PVD-coated case back embossed with the Rega logo and engraved limited edition number
- Black dial featuring the Rega logo at 3 o’clock, printed Super-LumiNova® Arabic numerals, and black and white hour and minute hands filled with Super-LumiNova®. White/black small seconds hand and black second timezone hand with red tip
- Grey textile strap lined with red leather and with stainless steel gun metal grey PVD-coated folding clasp with patented stageless adjustment system inspired by passenger airline seatbelt buckle
- Delivered in a special presentation case
- Swiss retail price CHF 2,550
