Introducing: The Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II Dive Watch

Oris is no stranger to environmental conservation efforts tied to limited-edition watches. Due to the relation with its aquatic timepieces, what began as a dedication to ocean conservation expanded to the recent Change for the Better campaign. This campaign encompasses many forms of preservation and improvement projects, which Oris gladly collaborates with. Sometimes, the partnership blossoms into sequels, such as the latest Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II. This is not the first LE sequel, as you may recall the Great Barrier Reef I, II, and III. In fact, the Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef III shares much in common with the Dat Watt Limited Edition II, which I will detail in this article.

The Dat Watt edition represents the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, a trilateral organization aiming to protect and conserve the Wadden Sea, the world’s most extensive unbroken tidal flat system. My fellow Fratello editor Balázs Ferenczi covered the first Dat Watt here and went into the details of the tidal calculator. The representation of the lunar cycle and its impact on tides was a unique feature of the first Dat Watt. For the second edition, Oris pairs back the dial design to demonstrate its inspiration from the Wadden Sea — specifically, the shimmering green/blue dial reflecting the color palette of the salt marshes.

Change for the Better

As well as having a love for the sea, I also am a twitcher (a “bird watcher”), so the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat’s efforts are very close to my heart. The Wadden Sea states of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands comprise the world’s most extensive unbroken tidal flat system. There’s a similar area called The Wash in Norfolk, UK. Like the Wadden Sea, The Wash is an extensive salt marsh. Due to the geographical location of migratory birds, The Wash becomes awash with a plethora of birdlife at specific points in the year. I’ve occasionally experienced this mass avian gathering, but I can only imagine what the Wadden Sea is like as it covers a far-vaster area.

Experiencing the power of nature up close is awe inspiring, but learning of potential declines can be heartbreaking. Whether you can see it for yourself or not, Oris does a great job of bringing awareness to people who potentially influence or inspire change. Overfishing, pollution, shipping, tourism, and the impacts of climate change affect many areas around the world. Without preservation, these areas could be lost forever.

Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II

The latest Dat Watt uses the contemporary 43.5mm Aquis stainless steel dive watch as its base. Having owned many Aquis models, I still attest that the 43.5mm diameter is the sweet spot. This sentiment may vary due to wrist size or shape, but the Aquis case sits very snugly on the wrist with its relatively short lugs and trapezoid case profile. This lug construction also has a downside, though, as only proprietary or bespoke straps and bracelets can fit the narrow gap. It’s not an integrated case per se, but it can be pretty limiting for “any off-the-shelf” straps. Oris offers its Calibre 400-equipped Aquis models with a handy quick-release flap for switching between rubber straps and bracelet options. As the Dat Watt edition is powered by the Oris 743 caliber, a Sellita SW200-1 derivative, this watch does not feature the quick-change release.

However, by using this movement, Oris can modify the caliber and showcase the date indication via a recessed circular scale. Filling the inner part of the dial means the markers at each hour are unimpeded and achieves a harmonious symmetry. In the case of the Dat Watt II, the indicator for the date uses a white dash. I’ve yet to experience the watch in natural light; however, I am slightly skeptical about how legible this marker is against the gray date wheel. The complication is relatively static, but I feel this should be as clear as possible when checking the date. Near the 9 o’clock marker is the offset running seconds indicator with a crosshair scale and dual-sided hand.

Final specs and pricing

The tungsten dive-scale bezel with minute intervals for the first 15 minutes is ghostly gray to continue the gradient of the dial. With a 300m water resistance rating, a screw-down crown, and a dive-suit clasp extension, the Aquis Dat Watt II is more than capable of life at sea. A special engraving on the case back includes an aerial view of the Wadden Sea. Alongside it is the unique model number of up to 2,009 pieces, denoting the year the Wadden Sea earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Of the watch, Oris co-CEO Rolf Studer had this to say:

“At Oris, our focus on bringing Change for the Better grows sharper all the time. We’re excited to extend our partnership with the CWSS and to support it in any way we can. This collaboration is another example of our company-wide attitude to sustainability, conservation, and humanitarianism. Together, we can bring Change for the Better.”

The watch is available via Oris points of sale from August 2023 for €2,900. You can find out more from the Oris website here.