Oris Unveils Kelp Forest Limited Edition Watch
Oris introduces the Aquis Date Kelp Forest Limited Edition, a 1,000-piece dive watch with a textured green dial.
Oris has introduced the Aquis Date Kelp Forest Limited Edition, a 1,000-piece watch inspired by the decline of underwater kelp forests. The timepiece, priced at CHF 2,450, is scheduled for release in October 2026.
Kelp forests provide vital food, shelter, and carbon absorption for marine life. The design draws directly from these ecosystems, which face severe threats. Francis Pérez, an award-winning underwater photographer and Oris ambassador, collaborated on the project after more than 25 years of observing marine decline. "I have witnessed the decline of kelp forests, which face growing pressure from rising ocean temperatures and commercial harvesting," Pérez said.
Design and materials
The watch features a 41.5mm stainless-steel case with a distinctive textured green dial. This surface is created using 3D-printing technology to resemble swaying kelp. Golden outlines on the hands and markers, along with a lime-green minute track, provide contrast. The dial includes a date display at 3 o’clock.
For legibility in low light, the hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova. A double-domed sapphire crystal with an internal antireflective coating protects the dial. The unidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with a green ceramic insert marked with a minute scale for dive timing.
Technical specifications
The watch is built as a professional dive instrument. It offers a 300-meter water resistance rating, achieved with a screw-down crown protected by case-integrated guards. The case has a total thickness of 12.9mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm.
Power comes from the Oris 733 automatic movement, which is based on the Sellita SW200-1. It provides a 41-hour power reserve and includes stop-seconds and date-correction functions. The movement is visible through an engraved caseback, which also features special kelp patterning and the watch's individual limited edition number.
The watch comes on a three-link stainless-steel bracelet with a mix of satin-brushed and polished surfaces. It is secured by a folding clasp that incorporates both quick-adjust and quick-change systems for easy strap swapping.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 41.5mm |
| Water Resistance | 300 meters (30 bar) |
| Movement | Oris 733 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Limited Edition | 1,000 pieces |
| Price | CHF 2,450 |
Conservation inspiration
The collection is a direct response to environmental loss. Kelp forests off the northwestern coast of Spain have lost 58% of their coverage over the past 25 years. This dramatic decline, driven by warming seas and harvesting, provided the urgent creative spark for the timepiece. The watch's textured green and gold dial aims to capture the essence of these vulnerable underwater habitats.
The engraved caseback and limited production run underscore the piece's connection to a specific conservation narrative. Availability is set for October 2026.
