By Kien Lee
Sustainability has never looked quite so radiant as Oris dives back into the famous waters of the Big Apple to reaffirm its commitment to the Billion Oyster Project.
The Swiss watchmaker is championing the power of collective action with the release of the Aquis Date New York Harbor Limited Edition II.
This timepiece marries high horology with high-impact conservation and serves as a powerful reminder that true luxury today is as much about ethics as it is about aesthetics.
The aesthetic center of this limited run of 2,000 pieces is undoubtedly the dial.
Crafted from aqua green mother-of-pearl, the face shimmers with an iridescent oyster-shell effect that captures the light and the spirit of the harbor waters. This aquatic hue is framed by a 43.50 mm multi-piece stainless steel case that feels substantial yet sophisticated on the wrist. The watch arrives on a matching steel bracelet but also includes an additional aqua green rubber strap for those moments when sportiness takes precedence over boardroom elegance.
Beneath the surface beauty lies a gritty and vital mission
The Billion Oyster Project was founded with the ambitious goal of restoring one billion oysters to New York Harbor. These bivalves are effectively the trees of the ocean as a single adult oyster can filter as much as 50 gallons of water a day to create a cleaner and more biodiverse marine environment.
The work of the Billion Oyster Project extends far beyond the simple act of repopulating the water. Founded by educators Pete Malinowski and Murray Fisher, the non-profit understands that oysters are a keystone species that plays a foundational role in the ecosystem. These reefs function much like coral reefs by providing essential habitats for hundreds of marine species and acting as natural storm barriers to protect the coastline. The initiative is also a triumph of community engagement that involves thousands of students and volunteers in hands-on restoration. They have successfully recycled over 2.9 million pounds of shells from local restaurants to rebuild these vital underwater structures.
The timepiece is powered by the Oris Calibre 733 automatic movement which ensures that function follows form with a 41-hour power reserve. A turn of the case reveals a stainless steel back featuring special engravings that pay homage to the oysters at the heart of this story.
Proceeds from the sales of this exclusive Aquis Date model will directly support the ongoing restoration efforts. It is a rare opportunity to wear a piece of Swiss precision that actively contributes to a greener and bluer future for New York City.
