Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Oris Aquis Date “Ben Bridge Limited Editions”
Ben Bridge Jeweler of Seattle partners with Oris for two special Aquis Date models with radiant purple mother-of-pearl dials.
Oris introduced its contemporary Aquis dive watch collection in 2011, four years earlier than its retro-inspired Divers Sixty-Five. Along with its competent 300m depth rating, the Aquis collection is also highly versatile, offering a wide range of seasonal colours and three case sizes. A few days ago, we introduced the Aquis “Berries Edition” with colours inspired by summer fruits. Today, Oris releases two limited edition Aqua Date models with purple mother-of-pearl dials made in collaboration with Ben Bridge Jeweler from Seattle, Washington.
Refreshed in 2017 and again in 2020, the strategy for the Aquis has always been about evolution, not revolution, integrating small updates while respecting its DNA as a contemporary, well-executed, quality dive watch that is still relatively affordable. Choice is the defining word for the Aquis collection with 36.5mm, 41.5mm and 43.5mm case sizes. Another defining feature of the Aquis is the wide array of dial colours and material choices, including mother-of-pearl and even an upcycled dial made from salvaged ocean plastics.
The stainless steel models commissioned by Ben Bridge Jeweler are available in a 43.5mm version limited to 125 pieces and a smaller 36.5mm version limited to 40 pieces, with screw-down crowns and a 300m water-resistance rating. Similar to the previous mother-of-pearl editions, the matte stainless steel unidirectional rotating dive bezel features polished numerals and markers in relief.
The standout feature is the purple mother-of-pearl dial that echoes the Seattle retailer’s signature company colour. The shield-shaped hour markers and Alpha hands are treated with Super-LumiNova, and the date window at 6 o’clock has a white background.
A double-domed sapphire crystal with an interior anti-reflective coating protects the dial, while a mineral glass window on the caseback features an engraved Ben Bridge signature and a view of the movement with its distinctive red rotor. Both references are powered by the Oris 733 calibre. Based on a Sellita SW200-1, this reliable automatic has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800vph and has a 41-hour power reserve.
There are, however, distinctions when it comes to the bracelet. The larger 43.5mm edition has a more tapered bracelet fitted with Oris’ patented quick-adjust clasp system activated via two lateral pushers. The bracelet of the smaller 36.5mm model does not feature the clasp extension system but shares the same 3-link bracelet with brushed centre links and polished outer links.
The Oris Aquis Date Ben Bridge Limited Edition debuts today at a special launch at the University Village Timeworks store in Seattle, Washington. Both editions share a retail price of USD 2,500. More information at benbridge.com and oris.ch.
2 responses
Do these cost more because Ben Bridge jewelers commissioned them? Even if they don’t, if you’ve ever wandered into one of their stores, you may find them to be somewhat cold in their dealings with you. Adding their moniker to a watch doesn’t do anything for me. It turns me off, actually. So, no thanks.
This looks like a (much) cheaper version of the Holstein from 2023, but with a worse movement (Calibre 400 in Holstein vs. 733 here) and bezel (ceramic in Holstein vs. stainless steel here) and the inclusion of the customary date window (Holstein doesn’t have one).
Even if I didn’t already have the Holstein, I’m not sure I’d go for this…I’ve gotten a little too used to power reserves longer than 41 hours in luxury watches (both Holstein and one of my Grand Seikos are good for five days). I guess there will always be some compromises at the $2500 price point though.