Oris Okavango may not have a legendary status that levels with the likes of Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Omega. But, it has become nearly as well known these days for its wide offering of fascinating watches, from tool watches, classic pieces, and vintage-looking models, all at appealing value-to-price ratio.
But, arguably another reason that sets it apart from other Swiss watchmakers is its commitment to charitable causes. The latest in its efforts to raise awareness on environmental conservation is the release of a limited-edition watch, the Big Crown ProPilot Oris Okavango Air Rescue. It sports a textured green dial, reminiscent of the marsh grasses of the Oris Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Watch Review: The New Oris Okavango Air Rescue Model
Introducing the New Limited-Edition Big Crown ProPilot
The new limited-edition Oris Okavango watch is part of the Big Crown ProPilot family and it features the familiar hallmarks of the line: a coin-edge motif on the case side and the large, fluted screw-down crown that inspired its name.
Case
It is presented in a 41mm stainless steel case with a double-domed sapphire crystal glass, luminous hands and hour markers, and a date window at 3 o’clock. Similar to the rest of the Big Crown ProPilot line, the model has a jet-inspired character, delivered by the sharp and defined wide-set lugs and the eponymous, overly large pillbox crown on the bezel.
Other finishing touches include an outer fluted ring with a turbine-like pattern. This provides contrast to the clean brushed inner ring, adding a rugged appeal to the otherwise polished look of the watch. All these elements are tied together with a solid, screwed case back that portrays an Oris Okavango Air Rescue Pilatus PC-12 plane flying over the islands of the Okavango Delta. The watch is rated at 100 meters of water resistance, as with the rest of the line.
Dial
2021 is the year of the green watch trend, and Oris makes another successful entry with the dial of the Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition. It sports an olive dégradé color, fading from olive green at the center to deep forest green at the edge.
The surface has an interesting texture and a semi-glossy sheen that depicts the savanna grasses found in the Okavango Delta. This verdant exterior is complemented with a red-tipped seconds hand and the black-and-white hour and minute hands. Overall, the dial has a clean modern appeal that is a signature of the Big Crown ProPilot line.
Movement
Meanwhile, behind the green reference is a Swiss-made automatic movement, the Sellita-based Oris Caliber 751. It boasts a 38-hour power reserve and features an instant date-change function, date corrector, and stop-seconds capability.
While the brand is pushing towards manufacturing its movements in-house, many of its offerings still use a third-party-provided power source. The Oris 751 is a common sight in most of the Oris lineup, and it’s regarded for its reliability and easy maintenance.
Strap
Oris finishes the watch with a pair of straps—a chestnut brown leather and a patented MN fabric strap in olive green and white. The latter is supplied by MN strap specialist, Erika’s Originals, and is designed in a way that it adjusts your wrist effortlessly. It is created exclusively for the Hölstein-based watchmaker.
The whole ensemble is packaged in a special leather travel pouch and retails at $2,500. It is already available through the brand’s authorized dealers.
About the Okavango Delta in Botswana
Northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta is home to some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by grasslands, marshes, rivers, lagoons, and thousands of islands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also forms one of the most important water sources for wildlife in the southern region. As the water levels rise during the rainy season, the area also becomes a refuge for wild animals including lions, leopards, water buffalo, rhinos, elephants, etc.
With its magnificent display of nature’s beauty, the Okavango region is frequented by tourists. However, its remote location makes delivering emergency medicine a challenge. It is why Oris aims to raise awareness with its latest release.
The brand works in partnership with the Okavango Air Rescue (OAR), a private and independently funded aeromedical organization, to deliver quality medical care to the locals and tourists of Botswana—particularly in the Okavango Delta. If the engraved logo on the case back isn’t any indication, the watch specifically pays tribute to the air service.
Other Oris Green Dial Watches to Love
The Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition may not be Oris’s best. But it’s aesthetically appealing enough to turn heads. It is limited to only 2,011 examples in celebration of OAR’s 10th founding anniversary. While you’re here, you may also want to check out other green dial references from Oris.
Big Crown Pointer Date Automatic Green Dial
With a warm green dial and vintage proportions, this women’s watch offers an elegant entry to the green dial trend. The time is displayed on an elegant silver-toned dial, contrasted with gold-plated indices and luminous hour and minute hands. It measures 36mm in diameter and houses the Calibre 754 that packs a 38-hour power reserve. The watch is rated at 50 meters of water resistance.
Aquis Automatic Green Dial Stainless Steel
The Aquis lineup offers diver’s watches with real-world functionality, in a clever package, and at relatively affordable prices. This particular reference sports a green dial, complemented with silver-tone hands, 41.5mm stainless steel case, and a sapphire crystal transparent case back. Beating inside is the Calibre 733 automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve. It is presented in rubber straps and rated at a water resistance of 300m.
Divers Sixty-Five 40mm Green Dial
The Divers Sixty-Five has a retro appeal that pays homage to the brand’s specific vintage watch, released in 1965. However, where this reference looks updated is in its green dial that provides a contrasting background to the luminous yellow gold-tone hands. It is presented in a 40mm stainless steel case and black rubber straps, offering 100m of water resistance.
Takeaway
With its latest release, it seems that Oris still has a lot of surprises up its sleeves. Fans can only look forward to more new watches from the brand, which can be anything from updated models to limited-edition watches that serve a greater purpose.
