Following on from a successful and illustrious collection of clean water conservation limited edition timepieces, Oris introduced the Aquis Lake Baikal at the beginning of the year.
Ocean Conservation has, rightly, become the hot topic of recent years. David Attenborough’s heartfelt pleas for us to consider how we are ruining the two thirds of the planet which are our oceans, and the countless water bound wonders that dwell there, were backed up by horrendous images of our out-of-control waste disposal directly into these aquatic domains. Something had to be done.
Oris were one of the first luxury brand to consider the very oceans that their professional rated Aquis timepieces were encouraging professional, amateur, SCUBA and snorkel divers to use as their playgrounds.
Previous limited edition diver’s timepieces, from this 115 year old luxury brand, include the Clean Ocean, Clipperton, Hammerhead, Staghorn, Source of Life and Great Barrier Reef. All sold out quickly and all offered a percentage of their sale to relevant charities and organisations. Along with these proceeds to very good causes, an awareness was created amongst an appropriate clientele and user base. The above family of coveted Limited Editions also highlight Oris’ determination to assist, and create awareness, for many aspects of water bound life and environments that are craving our attention before we ruin them.
Oris have chosen, once again, to use their impressive Aquis timepiece to bring attention to Lake Baikal, the immense freshwater lake in Siberia. Measuring an incredible 1642 meters at its deepest point, Lake Baikal holds 20% of the worlds fresh water reserves. Scientist believe this incredible and natural body of water to be over 25 million years old. It has over 300 rivers flowing into it and is home to over 1000 indigenous plants and fish species. Oris aspires to create funds through the sale of this special timepiece and awareness for the 75 year running “Point No. 1” foundation, a conservation project directed by the Scientific Research Institute of Biology at Irkutsk State University. This is the longest running and most detailed environmental water monitoring venture in scientific history. A team of seven scientists work and live year round at the Point No. 1 facility.
These hardy scientists identify zooplankton and phytoplankton from water samples, taken in the summer, and ice samples, taken in the long winter months. From these samples the specialists can monitor ongoing patterns that help them monitor the health of the lake and its inhabitants. Despite the importance of this vital work the project is frequently threatened by closure. Oris recognises the importance of the continuation of Point No.1 and is donating a percentage from the sale of the 1999 pieces, which is the year Russia adopted the Baikal Law, introduced to protect the lake.
“Water is the source of life,’ says Rolf Studer, Oris Co-CEO. ‘We believe passionately in conserving it for future generations, and also in acting responsibly as citizens of the world to bring positive change. Every year we seek out pioneering organisations who share these values and work to protect the world’s water. We’re very proud to be working with the Lake Baikal Foundation and to be supporting the work of ‘Point No.1’ as it continues its vital research and raises awareness of pollution and the urgent need for clean water.’
The Aquis Lake Baikal is 43.5mm in diameter, which are perfect dimensions for the utilitarian style whilst still offering wearer comfort. The dial is a gradient blue, in the on trend fume style. This pantone perfectly re-imagines the clear waters of Lake Baikal, during the summer months, and fades from a gorgeous bright blue to a deep sapphire blue as a reflection, quite literally, of the crystal clear waters through the differing lighting conditions. This is complemented by a ceramic bezel in that same luxurious hue.
This Aquis model is identical to the well-proven models within the family with a surgical grade steel case, a screw down crown, facilitating 300m water resistance, Superluminova© applied to all dial indexes and hands, the afore-mentioned uni-directional rotating bezel and a multi-link bracelet with folding clasp unit and diver’s extension.
The case back is excusive to this model and represents the ice covered lake from above during the winter season where -21°C temperatures are regularly witnessed.
The Oris Aquis Lake Baikal Limited Edition is presented in a unique box. The retail price is £1850 and will be available at Andrew Michaels Jewellers from February 2020.