Oris Aquis Lake Baikal Limited Edition Discontinued
About This Watch
The Oris Aquis Lake Baikal Limited Edition celebrates the deepest freshwater lake on Earth — Siberia's Lake Baikal, which contains approximately 20 percent of the world's unfrozen fresh water. Limited to 1,999 pieces (representing the year Lake Baikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site), this Aquis features a mesmerizing deep blue gradient dial that captures the legendary clarity and depth of Baikal's waters. The dial color was specifically developed to evoke the lake's characteristic deep blue hue visible when sunlight penetrates its remarkably clear waters. The textile strap is made from recycled PET plastic — a signature Oris innovation that demonstrates the brand's commitment to sustainability without compromising comfort or durability. Each strap contains the equivalent of approximately five recycled plastic bottles, a tangible contribution to reducing ocean and waterway plastic pollution. The caseback features a detailed engraving of the Baikal seal (nerpa), the lake's iconic endemic species and the world's only exclusively freshwater seal. Oris's partnership with the Lake Baikal Foundation directed proceeds toward water quality monitoring and pollution reduction programs around the lake, which faces increasing environmental pressures from tourism and industrial development. On the secondary market, the Lake Baikal has become one of the most appreciated Oris limited editions, commanding significant premiums driven by its beautiful dial color, meaningful conservation story, and relatively small production number. The watch perfectly exemplifies Oris's "Change for the Better" philosophy — proving that commercial success and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.
In-Depth Review
# Editorial: Oris Aquis Lake Baikal Limited Edition
The world's deepest lake inspired Oris to create a dive watch that balances genuine technical capability with accessible luxury. The Aquis Lake Baikal Limited Edition, introduced in 2019, paired a purposeful 43.5mm stainless steel case with a striking deep blue dial and textile strap made from recycled PET, a design choice that reflected growing consciousness within the watchmaking industry. Powered by the reliable Oris 733 caliber—a modified Sellita SW200-1 base—the watch delivers 38 hours of power reserve and maintains the collection's signature 300-meter water resistance. The ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal speak to durability, while the date window adds practical utility without visual clutter. For a watch bearing a Swiss movement and diving credentials, Oris priced the original at $2,200, a figure that now seems almost quaint given current market valuations hovering around $3,000 for discontinued examples.
This watch naturally appeals to collectors seeking authentic dive-watch DNA without six-figure commitments to the luxury tier. It suits the serious weekend diver as much as the desk-bound enthusiast with genuine respect for tool watches. However, in the competitive mid-range segment, the Lake Baikal faces worthy opponents. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight offers similar proportions and heritage credibility at comparable retail, while the Seiko Prospex line delivers surprising capability at lower price points. The Oris ultimately distinguishes itself through Swiss provenance and that distinctive environmental messaging—the recycled textile strap represents substance over flash. Now discontinued, the Lake Baikal has become precisely what Oris intended: a limited edition with staying power, sought by collectors who value both functionality and narrative.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Oris 733 (Sellita SW200-1) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 26 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 43.5mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 13.2mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating, ceramic insert |
| Dial Color | Deep Blue |
| Lug Width | 21mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 51.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 300m / 984ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Textile strap with recycled PET |
| Clasp | Pin buckle |
| Weight | 120g |
| Complications |