Botswana’s Okavango Delta is stunning. I mean that without a trace of hyperbole, the 20,000 square kilometre area is home to the densest concentration of African wildlife in the world, including all of the Big Five. It is, in short, the ultimate safari destination.
However, the downside of having leopards aplenty is that it’s not necessarily the safest place in the world. Rugged terrain, harsh weather and predators out for a solid meal mean there are a lot of things that can go wrong, whether from dehydration or claws. Fortunately, that’s where Okavango Rescue Service come in.
Founded a decade ago, the rescue service is a 24/7 operation of doctors, paramedics, pilots and helicopters ready to save our souls from the dangers of the Delta. Needless to say, it costs a fair bit to operate, which is why it’s good to see Oris giving a helping hand. Especially when you see the watch they’ve built to celebrate the Okavango Rescue Service’s 10th anniversary.
The base watch here is, fittingly, the Big Crown ProPilot Big Date, with its signature engraved bezel and oversized, flying-gloves-operable crown. It can be paired with a simple brown leather strap or a cooler Erika’s Originals textile number. So far, so Oris.
The difference here is the dial, which is inspired by the Delta’s rugged landscape in an unusual textured green colour. I don’t want to call it swampy, but I will. It continues Oris’ streak of funky dials and it won’t be the last, either. Still, it’s easily readable at a glance, made more so by the red-tipped second hand, even if it’s not quite as high contrast as a cockpit might need.
Inside is the Oris 751 movement, a calibre built on the bones of the workhorse Sellita SW 220-1. That means an entry-level power reserve of 38 hours and an instantaneous date. It’s basic but streamlined and reliable. You’ll want to keep it topped up if you find yourself lost in the Delta of course, but that likely won’t be the biggest of your worries at that point. Although it is a shame that it doesn’t house the objectively excellent Calibre 400.
Either way, the edition is limited to 2,011 pieces – a less than subtle nod to the year Okavango Rescue Service was founded – and will set you back CHF 2,300 (approx. £1,830). For a lovely, commemorative limited edition, that’s not bad at all.
Price & Specs:
Model: Oris Okavango Limited Edition
Reference: 751 7761 4187-Set
Case/Dial: 41mm diameter, stainless steel case, textured green dial
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Oris calibre751 (Sellita SW220-1 base), automatic, 26 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 26h
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Strap: Green textile strap created by Erika’s Originals exclusively for Oris or brown leather
Price/availability: CHF 2,300 (approx. £1,830), limited to 2,011 pieces
More details at Oris.
