Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II

The Swiss watchmaker Oris has a long-standing reputation for producing mechanically robust and purpose-driven timepieces. In recent years, the independent brand has channeled its "Go Your Own Way" philosophy into a series of environmental and social initiatives under its "Change for the Better" campaign. This commitment materializes once again with the introduction of the Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II, a dive watch that not only continues the brand’s legacy of high-performance tools but also deepens its support for a critical urban ecological restoration effort. This new release is a direct continuation of the partnership with the Billion Oyster Project, an ambitious non-profit dedicated to revitalizing the once-thriving waterways of New York City.

Oris, founded in Hölstein, Switzerland, in 1904, has consistently distinguished itself by focusing exclusively on mechanical watchmaking. This dedication to traditional craft has been coupled with a forward-thinking approach to corporate responsibility. In 2021, the company achieved climate neutrality through a rigorous certification process and has since committed to an aggressive annual emissions reduction target. This ethos is not merely a marketing footnote; it is woven into the fabric of the company's identity and product development, leading to collaborations with organizations that are making a tangible difference in the world, from coral reef restoration to marine plastic cleanup.



At the heart of this latest collaboration is the Billion Oyster Project, an organization with a goal as audacious as its name suggests: to restore one billion oysters to New York Harbor by the year 2035. This mission is far more significant than simply reintroducing a single species. Oysters are a keystone species, meaning their presence is fundamental to the health of their entire ecosystem. A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, dramatically improving water clarity and quality. Furthermore, as they grow, they form complex, three-dimensional reefs that provide critical habitats for countless other marine species and act as natural barriers against storm surges, a growing concern for coastal cities.

Centuries ago, New York Harbor was a global epicenter for oysters, with an estimated 220,000 acres of reefs. However, a combination of overharvesting, pollution, and habitat destruction decimated the population by the early 20th century. The Billion Oyster Project, co-founded in 2014 by educators Pete Malinowski and Murray Fisher, aims to reverse this ecological damage. The project is as much about community and education as it is about mollusks. It actively engages local schools, volunteers, and restaurants in its efforts, creating a city-wide network of environmental stewards connected to their local waterways.

This second limited edition watch from Oris builds upon the success of the first collaboration, providing continued and vital funding for the project's operations. The proceeds from the sales of these watches directly support core activities like reef construction, the collection of recycled oyster shells from local restaurants (which serve as the foundation for new reefs), and the expansion of educational programs that reach thousands of students across the city. As of mid-2025, the project has successfully restored approximately 150 million oysters, a significant milestone on the path to their one-billion-oyster goal.

Visually, the New York Harbor Limited Edition II is immediately captivating. The watch's most striking feature is its dial, rendered in a vibrant aqua green. It isn't a flat color; the dial is crafted from mother-of-pearl, treated to create a shimmering, iridescent effect that evokes the inner lining of an oyster shell. This finish catches the light dynamically, shifting in tone and depth as the wrist moves, mirroring the way sunlight might filter through the harbor's waters. The applied indices and hands are generously filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring high legibility in low-light conditions, a prerequisite for any serious dive watch. A discreet date window sits at the 6 o'clock position, maintaining the dial's clean symmetry.



The watch is housed in the familiar and formidable Aquis case, a design known for its robust construction and modern aesthetic. Machined from multi-piece stainless steel, the case measures a confident 43.50 mm in diameter. It features a unidirectional rotating bezel, a critical safety feature for divers that allows for the tracking of elapsed time underwater. The bezel insert is made of stainless steel with a minutes scale in relief, giving it a tactile and durable quality that will stand up to the rigors of use. The prominent, screw-in security crown is protected by integrated crown guards, further enhancing the watch's resilience and contributing to its impressive water resistance.

Flipping the watch over reveals a solid, screwed-down stainless steel case back. This is not a standard exhibition back, but rather a canvas for a special engraving that solidifies the watch's identity. The case back is adorned with an intricate depiction of a cluster of oysters, a direct tribute to the Billion Oyster Project. Each of the 2,000 pieces is individually numbered, affirming its status as a limited edition collectible. This detailed engraving serves as a constant reminder of the watch's purpose and the conservation effort it supports.

In terms of dimensions, the watch presents a substantial but wearable profile. The 43.50 mm case size is complemented by a lug-to-lug distance of 51.00 mm and a thickness of 13.10 mm. While these numbers place it firmly in the category of modern sports watches, the Aquis case is known for its ergonomic design, with lugs that curve downwards to hug the wrist. The interhorn width is 23 mm, providing a sturdy base for the bracelet and strap.

Protecting the intricate dial is a sapphire crystal, domed on both sides. Sapphire is prized in watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance, second only to diamond. The double-domed shape helps to reduce distortion when viewing the dial from an angle, while an anti-reflective coating applied to the inside of the crystal minimizes glare and enhances clarity, ensuring the shimmering green dial can be appreciated in all its detail.



Driving the New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the Oris Calibre 733. This automatic winding movement is a reliable and proven workhorse, based on the Sellita SW200-1 architecture. It provides the essential functions of central hands for hours, minutes, and seconds, along with an instantaneous date function. For precise time-setting, it includes a stop-second device, which halts the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out. The movement operates at a standard frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 41 hours when fully wound.

One of the most appealing aspects of this limited edition package is its versatility. The watch is delivered as a set that includes both a multi-piece stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and an additional aqua green rubber strap. The steel bracelet gives the watch a classic, rugged look suitable for any occasion. The rubber strap, color-matched to the dial, transforms the watch into a more casual and sporty piece, perfect for aquatic activities. This inclusion of a second strap effectively provides the owner with two distinct looks right out of the box.

As a member of the Aquis family, the watch is engineered for performance in aquatic environments. It boasts a water resistance rating of 30 bar, which is equivalent to 300 meters (or approximately 1,000 feet). This level of water resistance, combined with the screw-down crown and solid case back, makes it a true professional-grade dive instrument, capable of handling scuba diving and any other water-based activities with ease.

The partnership between Oris and the Billion Oyster Project is a powerful example of how horology can intersect with meaningful conservation. According to project co-founder Pete Malinowski, the support from the first Oris collaboration was critical. It helped fund reef construction, shell collection, and educational programming, enabling the project to expand its reach and involve more community members in the restoration effort. This ongoing partnership demonstrates a deep commitment from Oris that goes beyond simple awareness-raising and invests directly in solutions that yield lasting ecological and social benefits.



Malinowski notes that navigating the regulatory hurdles of a complex urban environment and sustaining funding are persistent challenges. However, public attitudes have shifted favorably toward conservation, especially as the effects of climate change become more apparent. The project’s strategy emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of their work—it’s not just about oysters, but also about education, job training, coastal protection, and overall community resilience.

For the watch enthusiast, the purchase of the New York Harbor Limited Edition II becomes an act of participation. It represents an opportunity to own a unique and beautifully crafted timepiece while directly contributing to a tangible, positive change. The watch is a conversation starter, not just about its technical specifications or aesthetic appeal, but about the story of New York Harbor and the dedicated people working to restore its ecological health.

The presentation of the watch reinforces its special nature. It comes in a special presentation box, commemorating the collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project. The inclusion of the additional strap and the tools to change it further enhances the premium ownership experience. This thoughtful packaging makes it clear that this is a significant release for the brand.

Being a limited edition, only 2,000 numbered pieces of the New York Harbor Limited Edition II will be made available worldwide. This scarcity ensures a degree of exclusivity for those who acquire it and underscores its role as a special commemorative object tied to a specific moment in the partnership's history.



Oris provides a standard two-year warranty with the watch. However, owners are encouraged to register their timepiece on the MyOris platform, which extends the warranty for an additional year, bringing the total coverage to three years. This is a testament to the brand’s confidence in the quality and durability of its products.

The Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II is set to be available in August 2025, with a retail price of $3,000.00 USD. This positions the watch competitively within the market for Swiss-made mechanical dive watches, particularly given its limited-edition status, unique mother-of-pearl dial, and the inclusion of both a steel bracelet and a rubber strap.

Case: Multi-piece stainless steel case, uni-directional rotating bezel with stainless steel insert. Diameter: 43.50 mm. Thickness: 13.10 mm. Lug to lug: 51.00 mm. Water Resistance: 30 bar (300 m). Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating. Case Back: Screwed stainless steel with special oyster engravings.

Movement: Oris Calibre 733 (automatic winding). Power reserve: 41 hours. Frequency: 28,800 A/h (4 Hz). Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, instantaneous date, stop-second.

Dial: Aqua green mother-of-pearl with an oyster-shell effect. Hands and indices filled with Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Supplied as a set with a multi-piece stainless steel bracelet and an additional aqua green rubber strap, both with folding clasps. Interhorn width: 23 mm.

Price: USD $3,000.00

Reference Number: 01 733 7789 4187-Set

Notes: Limited to 2,000 numbered pieces. Created in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project to support the restoration of New York Harbor's oyster population. Includes a special presentation box and both bracelet and strap options.