Independent Swiss watchmaker Oris continues to align its horological creations with environmental advocacy through its latest release, the Aquis Date Kelp Forest Limited Edition. Designed to bring attention to the critical yet often overlooked issue of underwater kelp forest deforestation, this new timepiece combines marine conservation themes with the robust reliability of the brand’s popular Aquis dive watch platform.
The idea for the watch originated from Francis Pérez, an award-winning underwater photographer and Oris ambassador. Pérez’s extensive documentation of marine environments highlighted the vulnerability of kelp forests, which serve as vital carbon sinks and crucial habitats providing shelter and sustenance for a wide array of marine wildlife. While global overfishing and rising sea temperatures frequently dominate environmental conversations, the degradation of underwater kelp ecosystems receives significantly less public attention, a gap that Oris aims to bridge with this new release.
What We Know
The concept of a seaweed-themed dive watch is not entirely unfamiliar to watch collectors, but Oris takes a remarkably literal and artistic approach with the Aquis Date Kelp Forest Limited Edition. Rather than using actual kelp for the dial, the brand has developed a unique aesthetic inspired by underwater nature. This release follows a long line of sustainability-focused designs from Oris, which has frequently used its watches to raise awareness for various global environmental efforts.
Previous examples include the Bracenet Aquis, which featured a dial crafted from melted recycled fishing nets, and the Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition introduced earlier in the year. While some of these specialized editions allocate a portion of their proceeds directly to specific conservation organizations, others—like the Kelp Forest edition—are designed primarily as conversation starters. These watches give their designs a deeper purpose and meaning beyond purely aesthetic considerations, a philosophy that has defined Oris’s special edition strategy for many years.
The storytelling translates directly into the physical design of the watch. The Aquis Kelp Forest is built around a wearable 41.5mm stainless steel case that measures 12.9mm in thickness and features a 49mm lug-to-lug distance, making it comfortable for a wide variety of wrist sizes. The focal point of the timepiece is its distinctive green dial, which utilizes a 3D-printed geometric texture to create an iridescent, multi-dimensional finish. The surface exhibits a striking green-to-gold color shift that mimics the way light filters through dense underwater kelp columns. Because of the specialized 3D-printing manufacturing process, each individual dial features a slightly distinct mix of brighter light-gold and dark green swoops, ensuring that no two watches look completely identical.
Complementing the intricate dial are applied indices, a contrasting gold handset, and a matching green ceramic bezel insert that frames the watch face. Encased inside is the Sellita-based Oris Calibre 733 automatic movement, which operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 26 jewels, and offers a power reserve of 41 hours. Turning the watch over reveals a solid caseback decorated with custom engravings centered around the kelp forest theme, alongside the unique production number marking each piece within the 1,000-unit limited run. The watch is fitted with a steel bracelet equipped with quick-change and quick-adjust mechanisms and is priced at $2,950.
What We Think
For enthusiasts who appreciate green-dial watches, the Kelp Forest edition immediately stands out as a compelling alternative to the standard sunray-brushed emerald green found in the regular Aquis catalog. In-person impressions reveal a surface texture with a subtle metallic sheen, adding genuine depth to the visual presentation. While the lighter patches representing the kelp forest canopy are a prominent design choice rather than a mere product of light reflection, the execution remains playful and visually engaging.
Oris has a proven track record of successful experimentation with special edition dials, such as the mother-of-pearl waves on the Yangtze Jiangtun and the textured designs of the New York Harbor editions. Although the Kelp Forest leans a bit more literally into its thematic inspiration than some of its predecessors, it succeeds as a lighthearted and meaningful take on a modern luxury dive watch. It bridges the gap between mechanical watchmaking and marine awareness in a way that feels authentic to the brand’s identity.
The Basics
Brand: Oris
Model: Aquis 41.5 Kelp Forest Limited Edition
Reference Number: 733 7787 4187-Set
Diameter: 41.5mm
Thickness: 12.9mm
Case Material: Steel
Dial Color: Green and gold
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Bracelet with quick change and quick-adjust
The Movement
Caliber: Calibre 733
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 VpH
Jewels: 26
Chronometer Certified: No
Pricing & Availability
Price: $2,950
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 1,000 pieces
For more information, visit the official Oris website.
