ReviewOris Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV: A First Look

If I had a watch for every time Oris released a Great Barrier Reef edition, I’d have… well, four watches. But unlike the repetitive nature of that opener, Oris’s latest iteration in this series is anything but redundant. The Swiss watchmaker have once again explored the depths of horological creativity with their Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV, and this time, they’ve surfaced with something noteworthy.

Dial And Design

The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV presents a thoughtful colour palette inspired by its namesake. Oris have captured the essence of the world’s largest coral reef system on a 43.5mm dial, creating a visually striking timepiece. The dial features a vertical gradient that transitions from turquoise to deep blue, evoking the sun’s rays filtering through the reef’s waters. This vertical gradient is a departure from the more common centre-outward designs, offering a fresh perspective.

Applied, shield-shaped hour indices stand prominently against this oceanic backdrop, complemented by Alpha-style hour and minute hands. A date window at six o’clock, matching the darker dial section, adds functionality without disrupting the overall aesthetic. The lollipop central seconds hand introduces a subtle playful element to an otherwise serious diver’s watch.

The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV presents a thoughtful colour palette inspired by its namesake

Case And Bezel

Built to withstand the pressures of the deep, the 43.5mm stainless steel case offers a water-resistance of up to 300m. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a vital tool for any serious diver, is adorned with a grey tungsten insert displaying a 60-minute scale. The screw-down crown, protected by crown guards, ensures water-tightness and ease of operation.

Turn the watch over, and you’ll find a securely screwed-down solid caseback, adorned with intricate engravings depicting marine life, including coral and a starfish. The caseback also bears the watch’s name and its unique number within the limited series. This thoughtful design element transforms the watch from a mere timekeeping device into a wearable piece of ocean advocacy.

Built to withstand the pressures of the deep, the 43.5mm stainless-steel case offers a water-resistance of up to 300m

The Movement

At the core of this timepiece is Oris’ in-house calibre 400 automatic movement. With an impressive 120-hour (five-day) power reserve, this movement underscores the brand’s commitment to technical excellence.

The Calibre 400 isn’t just about endurance; it also boasts impressive precision. Its timekeeping performance falls within a daily rate of -3 to +5 seconds, aligning with chronometer standards. This accuracy is maintained even in the face of magnetic fields, thanks to the movement’s clever design by incorporating silicon components in the escapement and using non-magnetic materials for critical parts.

Perhaps most impressively, Oris offers a 10-year recommended service interval and a 10-year warranty upon registration. This level of confidence in their product speaks volumes about the quality and engineering behind the Calibre 400.

Turn the watch over, and you'll find intricate engravings depicting marine life, including coral and a starfish

Bracelet And Wearability

The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV is presented on a three-link stainless-steel bracelet, replete with their patented Quick Strap Change and quick adjustment systems. 

The 43.5mm case size might raise eyebrows among those who prefer more modest dimensions. However, given its purpose as a professional dive watch, the size is justified. The bracelet’s design and the case’s contours enable the timekeeper to adapt comfortably to various wrist sizes.

Limited Edition And Conservation Efforts

Limited to 2,000 pieces, this watch is more than just a rare collectible. Each purchase supports the Reef Restoration Foundation’s coral-tree-planting initiative, directly contributing to crucial conservation efforts.  

This collaboration between Oris and the Reef Restoration Foundation highlights the brand’s commitment to their ‘Change for the Better’ mission. It’s a tangible way for watch enthusiasts to contribute to environmental conservation, bridging the gap between luxury timepieces and ecological responsibility.

Limited to 2,000 pieces, this watch is more than just a rare collectible. Each purchase supports the Reef Restoration Foundation's coral-tree-planting initiative, directly contributing to crucial conservation efforts

Final Thoughts

The Oris Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV successfully balances form, function, and philanthropy. It’s a capable diver’s watch that also serves as a conversation starter about marine conservation. More importantly, it’s a reminder that sometimes, a watch can be more than just a watch—it can be a statement of values and a small step towards positive change.