Few watchmakers have embraced environmental causes as consistently as Oris, and the latest Aquis Date New York Harbor Limited Edition II continues that mission. Introduced as a follow-up to the 2022 edition, this new release once again supports the Billion Oyster Project, a non-profit dedicated to restoring oyster reefs in New York Harbor. More than just a dive watch, it is a symbol of how Swiss horology can lend its weight to a pressing ecological challenge.
The Aquis and Oris’ Mission
Founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland, Oris has carved its reputation by offering mechanically robust, accessibly priced Swiss watches. The Aquis line has become its cornerstone diver, recognized for combining professional-grade specifications with everyday versatility. Where many brands simply attach their name to environmental initiatives, Oris integrates them directly into its product storytelling. The first New York Harbor Limited Edition sold out quickly, and this second edition reaffirms both the strength of the collaboration and the growing appetite among collectors for purpose-driven watchmaking.
Technical Foundation of a True Diver
The Oris Aquis Date New York Harbor Limited Edition II comes in a 41.5mm stainless steel case, a size that hits the sweet spot between toolish presence and daily comfort. The case features the Aquis’ hallmark integrated lugs, brushed finishing, and a unidirectional ceramic bezel. A domed sapphire crystal ensures durability and clarity under water. The watch is water-resistant to 300 meters, as expected of a professional dive watch.
Inside ticks the Oris Calibre 733, based on the Sellita SW200-1. While not an in-house caliber, it delivers the kind of reliability that divers and collectors appreciate: automatic winding, 38-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 28,800 vph. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, engraved with a reference to the Billion Oyster Project. Each watch is delivered on a green rubber strap, paired with Oris’ folding clasp featuring a diver’s extension system, along with a stainless steel bracelet.
A Dial That Speaks of the Harbor
Where this watch truly differentiates itself is in its dial. Oris has opted for a textured green mother-of-pearl surface, a material that reflects both the shimmering tones of New York’s waters and the oyster shells being reintroduced to them. Depending on the light, the dial shifts from pale jade to deep emerald, creating a dynamic and almost living presence on the wrist. The applied indices and hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for legibility in low light.
This edition is limited to 2,000 pieces, making it both accessible and collectible. It is a watch that resonates not only with divers and enthusiasts, but also with anyone who finds meaning in wearing a timepiece connected to environmental restoration. Its aesthetic versatility—sporty yet elegant—means it transitions easily from the water to the city, just like the New York Harbor itself.
Price, Availability, and Perspective
The Oris Aquis Date New York Harbor Limited Edition II is priced at $3,000 USD, placing it within reach of many collectors while delivering the credibility of a Swiss-made diver with genuine ecological purpose. It is available now through Oris boutiques, authorized retailers, and the brand’s online store.
What makes this release compelling is not just the specification sheet, but the narrative: a Swiss diver built to last, carrying a message of renewal for one of the world’s most iconic waterways. It shows how watchmaking can be more than craft—it can be contribution. And if you love Oris, check out the Hölstein Edition 2025, a blacked-out pilot watch with a glowing secret !
