Auction: The Last Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Yellow Gold Aquis

It’s quite the understatement to say that the Covid pandemic put many things on hold; but now that the world is clawing its way back to pre-pandemic normality, more of what we used to take for granted is resuming. After a two-year break, Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) which is dedicated to reversing the wide-spread loss of the dominant coral species on Florida Reef – the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States – is resuming its annual Raise the Reef gala, to be held on March 19th in Key Largo, Florida. As part of the brand’s Change for the Better initiative, Oris has a nearly decade-long partnership with Coral Restoration Foundation. It will be attending this 8th Gala with a gift in tow: the last of the Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Aquis in yellow gold, for auction in aid of Coral Restoration Foundation.

Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Yellow Gold Aquis

When it was released in 2020, just 50 pieces of the solid gold Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Aquis were made, including three gifted to the CRF. They were priced at $19,000 apiece, and have long since sold out – save one, the last piece bearing the lowest limited edition number (#02 of 50) available to the public. This watch is to be auctioned at the gala, with proceeds going to the non-profit CRF.

Based on the Aquis GMT from 2019, the Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Aquis sports a 43.5mm case in solid 18k gold, with specially engraved caseback featuring coral reef motif and limited edition number. It displays three time zones courtesy of its rotating 24-hour ceramic bezel and GMT hand, and is water resistant to 300 meters. The watch is fitted with a textured, rubber-coated leather strap in blue that matches its dial colour.

Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Yellow Gold Aquis

The dive watch fundamentals of the Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Aquis afford the watch outstanding water resistance, as well as added protection from a substantial bezel. This laser-engraved ceramic is not only impervious to scratching, it is also legibly marked, with blue-black scheme to subtly distinguish the day and evening hours. Being bi-directional also makes it so much easier to monitor the time zone of one’s choosing. In combination with the GMT hand which is set to the inner 24-hour ring, Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Aquis is able to display three time zones with efficiency and minimal dial clutter. It’s a handsome combination that evokes luxury, while being engineered to withstand the rigours of travel. For this last gold piece, Oris expects the auction hit far above the $19,000 retail price. Why not indeed, for a very good cause.

Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition Yellow Gold Aquis

Tech Specs

Oris Carysfort Reef Limited Edition

Movement: Self-winding Oris 798 based on SW 330-1, power reserve of 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date, 24-hour bezel
Case: 43.5mm, 18k gold case, gold caseback with sapphire crystal inlay featuring limited edition number and Carysfort Reef motif, water resistant to 300 meters
Strap: Dark blue leather and 18k yellow gold pin buckle

return-to-top__image
Back to Top