Oris is continuing a long history of supporting environmental causes with a new, special version of its flagship Aquis dive watch, the Hangang Limited Edition. Partnering with the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM), an NGO, Oris hopes to raise both funds and awareness for the river's cleanup.
The Hangang River is South Korea's second longest river but also its most important, as it supplies fresh water to Seoul's 10 million inhabitants. However, construction of underwater dams in the 1980s built under two bridges blocked part of the river, decreasing flow rates and causing a build-up of green algae that ultimately severely affected the water quality. This, combined with pollution has caused lasting damage that can only be reversed through active resotration.
Oris's Change for the Better campaign is in place for just such purposes, partnering with non-profits around the world to clean up the world's water supplies. Part of that initiative involves the sale of limited edition versions of the bran's Aquis divers watch, of which the Hangang Limited Edition is an example.
The Aquis is a 43.5mm, stainless steel diver with unidirectional dive bezel, screw-down crown, 300m of water resistance, matching steel bracelet, domed sapphire crystal, and the Oris cal. 743 automatic movement with 38-hour power reserve. In celebration of the Hangang River, the new LE features a green dial and bezel reminiscent of the creek waters found at the river's source. It further features a small seconds counter, unique circular date window and a case back engraving featuring s map of the Hangang's path across Korea.
The Hangang LE, which is limited to 2,000 pieces and ships in a special presentation box, is available now for $2,600 directly from Oris.
