Oris Releases Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition For River Conservation
Since its introduction in 2011, the Oris Aquis Date has served as the brand’s modern professional dive watch, positioned alongside the more heritage-driven Divers Sixty-Five collection. Defined by its contemporary design, integrated bracelet architecture, and ISO-certified diving specifications, the Aquis Date has undergone several refinements over the years while maintaining its core technical identity.
For this limited edition, Oris collaborates with the Changjiang Conservation Foundation (CCF) to support the protection of the Yangtze finless porpoise, also known as the jiangtun. The project is part of Oris’ long-running “Change for the Better” initiative, which focuses on environmental conservation, particularly marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Conservation Background
The Changjiang Conservation Foundation has played a central role in the protection of endangered species within the Yangtze River ecosystem. Its work includes long-term conservation efforts aimed at preserving the Baiji dolphin, which was declared functionally extinct due to habitat degradation, overfishing, pollution, and increased river traffic. Lessons learned from the decline of the Baiji have directly influenced current conservation strategies to protect the Yangtze finless porpoise.
In cooperation with local authorities and fishing communities, the CCF has implemented patrol systems, habitat monitoring, and fishing bans in key areas of the river. These measures have contributed to a gradual increase in the porpoise population, which is currently estimated at 1,249 individuals.
As part of this collaboration, Oris has donated eight Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition watches to the Changjiang Conservation Foundation. These watches will be auctioned by the foundation, with all proceeds dedicated to funding ongoing conservation initiatives, including habitat protection, population monitoring, and public awareness programmes.
Case, Bezel, and Water Resistance
The watch is based on the 43.50 mm Aquis Date platform and features a stainless steel case with a water resistance rating of 300 metres. Recent updates to the Aquis line are present here, including a slimmer overall profile measuring 13.10 mm in thickness and shorter, more ergonomic lugs for improved wearability.
The unidirectional rotating bezel has been refined and fitted with a dark grey tungsten insert, replacing ceramic. Tungsten offers high scratch resistance while maintaining a subdued, tool-oriented appearance suited to professional dive use.
A screw-down crown with integrated crown guards and a screw-down caseback ensure robust water resistance, in line with the Aquis’ role as a functional dive watch.
Dial and Limited Edition Details
One of the defining elements of the Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition is its dial, crafted from natural mother-of-pearl. The material displays a blue-green iridescence that shifts with changing light, evoking the surface of the Yangtze River. Due to the inherent fragility of mother-of-pearl, each dial exhibits unique variations.
Printed onto the dial is a wave-like pattern inspired by the ultrasonic sound waves used by finless porpoises for echolocation and communication. The dial layout follows the latest Aquis design language, featuring shield-shaped applied hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova and updated Alpha-style hour and minute hands with sharper contours. The inscriptions also use Oris’ newer, cleaner typeface.
The date window is positioned at 6 o’clock, maintaining symmetry, and retains a white background for contrast.
Caseback and Symbolism
The stainless steel caseback is engraved with an image of a Yangtze finless porpoise swimming through stylised water waves. The engraving also includes the number “1,249,” which reflects both the estimated population of the species and the total number of watches produced in this limited edition.
Movement and Bracelet
Inside the watch is the Oris Calibre 733, an automatic movement based on the Sellita SW200-1. It operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vph), offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, and includes hacking seconds for precise time-setting.
The watch is fitted with a redesigned stainless steel bracelet that tapers more significantly toward the clasp, improving comfort and balance on the wrist. As with other Aquis models, the bracelet integrates seamlessly into the case design.
Availability and Price
The Oris Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition is produced in a limited run of 1,249 pieces. It is priced at € 2,550 and forms part of Oris’ broader efforts to support aquatic conservation through targeted partnerships.
More information here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Oris
Model: Aquis Date Yangtze Jiangtun Limited Edition
Reference: 733 7789 4197
Dial: Blue-green mother-of-pearl
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 43.50 mm Diameter, 13.10 mm thickness, 51 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 300 Meters
Strap: Integrated stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp
Calibre: Oris 733 (Sellita SW200-1 base)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 26
Power Reserve: 41 Hours
Price: € 2,550
Limited Edition: Yes, 1,249 pieces
Availability: Now
