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, the new timepiece combines marine-inspired aesthetics with the robust tool-watch specifications that have made the Aquis line a favorite among collectors and divers alike.
Rather than serving purely as a design exercise, the watch arrives as part of Oris’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness for global ecological challenges. While some of the brand’s recent sustainability-focused pieces feature dials crafted from melted recycled fishing nets or highlight specific regional conservation efforts with direct financial contributions, the Kelp Forest edition is designed to act as a conversation starter. It uses its distinct visual identity to focus attention on underwater ecosystems that absorb carbon and provide essential shelter and food for marine wildlife—an environmental topic that frequently receives far less public discourse than overfishing or rising sea temperatures.
The inspiration for the watch came from Francis Pérez, an award-winning underwater photographer and Oris ambassador whose work captures the haunting, ethereal beauty of subaquatic kelp canopies. Translating this organic environment into a wristwatch dial presented a unique design challenge, which Oris addressed through innovative manufacturing techniques.
What We Know
The new Aquis variant is built around a wearable and balanced case profile. It measures 41.5mm in diameter, with a thickness of 12.9mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm, making it well-suited for a wide variety of wrist sizes while maintaining its credentials as a capable professional diver.
The centerpiece of the watch is its specialized dial. Oris has utilized a unique green finish featuring a 3D-printed geometric texture that produces a distinct green-to-gold color shift. While the concept of a green dive watch is well-established in the industry, this execution departs from standard sunray-brushed finishes. The surface texture is slightly iridescent, carrying a metallic sheen that interacts dynamically with ambient light.
Complementing the dial are applied indices, a warm gold handset, and a matching green ceramic bezel insert that frames the display. Turning the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback, which is decorated with specialized engravings centered on the kelp forest theme alongside the individual numbering of the 1,000-piece limited run.
Beneath the solid caseback ticks the Sellita-based Oris Calibre 733 automatic movement. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and containing 26 jewels, the movement delivers a power reserve of 41 hours and drives the central hours, minutes, and seconds, along with a date window.
The watch is paired with a steel bracelet equipped with a quick-change system and a convenient quick-adjust mechanism, ensuring comfort and versatility both in and out of the water. Water resistance is rated to 300 meters, upholding the high functional standards expected of the Aquis collection. The Oris Aquis Kelp Forest Limited Edition is priced at $2,950.
What We Think
For enthusiasts drawn to green-dial watches, the Kelp Forest edition offers a compelling alternative to the standard emerald green found in the core Aquis catalog. The 3D-printed texture introduces a tactile, organic depth that successfully evokes the play of sunlight filtering down through dense underwater canopies.
In person, the dial reveals subtle variations. The manufacturing process ensures that each piece features a slightly different distribution of brighter green-gold swoops against the darker background hues, giving individual watches their own distinct character. While the aesthetic leans somewhat more literal than some of Oris’s previous abstract designs—such as the mother-of-pearl waves seen on the Yangtze Jiangtun edition or the unique textures of the New York Harbor models—it remains a lighthearted and visually engaging interpretation of a dive watch.
The watch successfully bridges the gap between mechanical reliability and environmental storytelling. As it makes its way onto the wrists of divers and collectors, it stands ready to fulfill its primary mission: sparking dialogue about the fragile aquatic habitats hidden beneath the ocean surface.
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 mechanisms
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: Available now
Limited Edition: Yes, limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide
