Oris, the Hölstein-based watchmaker, has a long-standing tradition of crafting limited-edition timepieces that shed light on various global environmental conservation efforts. These unique watches often have a connection to bodies of water, ranging from the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef to the less glamorous New York Harbor. In 2021, Oris collaborated with the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, a group dedicated to preserving the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
The result was a limited-edition version of Oris’s Aquis diver watch. Fast forward to 2023, Oris has unveiled a sequel to this collaboration, the Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II, which draws inspiration from the Wadden Sea’s salt marshes for its dial design. The Aquis model has seen numerous variations over the years, but the Dat Watt Limited Edition II seems to follow the design blueprint of the Aquis Hangang Limited Edition from 2020. Both models boast a 43.5mm stainless steel case, a small running seconds at 9 o’clock, and a circular date display nestled within the hour markers.
The case design aligns with other Aquis models of similar size, featuring a double-domed sapphire crystal, a signed screw-down crown at 3 o’clock, separate crown guards, and a water resistance up to 300 meters. The new Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II diverges from many other Aquis models by featuring a tungsten 60-minute insert on its unidirectional rotating timing bezel, which has a circular brushed finish. In contrast to the typical exhibition-style casebacks of standard Aquis models, many of Oris’s limited-edition Aquis watches feature solid screw-down case backs with special commemorative engravings.
The Dat Watt Limited Edition II is no exception, with a coastal motif engraving and the individual limited-edition number out of 2,009, a nod to the year the Wadden Sea became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dial of the Dat Watt Limited Edition II is a standout feature, showcasing a unique gradient pattern inspired by the Wadden Sea salt marshes. The dial fades vertically from pale blue to green, with faceted applied hour markers and four cut-outs forming a circle in the center. The date is indicated by a contrasting colored block next to the number through one of the four cut-outs, while the running seconds appear on a separate register at the 9 o’clock location. To ensure legibility in low light conditions, all three hands and the 12-hour markers are finished with Super-LumiNova. The Dat Watt Limited Edition II is powered by Oris’s Caliber 743 automatic movement, a Sellita-based design. T
he Cal. 743 operates at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Despite its small running seconds indicator and unusual circular date display, the Cal. 743 is essentially a three-handed, time-and-date movement. This allows the Dat Watt Limited Edition II to offer a novel visual display without necessitating a more complex internal caliber. The watch comes with the Aquis collection’s signature three-link stainless steel bracelet, as well as an additional blue rubber strap, both fitted with stainless steel folding clasps with built-in extension systems. Like many watch brands, Oris has been gradually increasing its prices over the years, largely due to the significant premiums associated with its models featuring in-house movements.
The new Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II, priced at $3,200 USD, costs over a thousand dollars more than an entry-level Aquis. This places it just a few hundred dollars shy of an Aquis model powered by an in-house movement. Despite its unique dial and unconventional date display, and the inclusion of both a rubber strap and stainless steel bracelet, the Dat Watt Limited Edition II may seem a bit pricey compared to other models in the Aquis lineup. However, as a limited edition of 2,009 pieces and the only Aquis watch with this unique circular date setup, it is a relatively rare addition to the brand’s catalog. For more information on the Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II, please visit the brand’s website.
