Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition Discontinued
About This Watch
The Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition is among the most distinctive watches in the Aquis collection, featuring a dial texture inspired by the unique spotted skin pattern of the whale shark — the ocean's gentle giants. Limited to 2,016 pieces (representing the year the Whale Shark and Ocean Foundation was established), this GMT variant uses the unique dial texture to create a talking-point timepiece that also supports marine conservation. The grey dial is embossed with an irregular dot pattern that faithfully replicates the whale shark's dermal denticle pattern, creating a three-dimensional surface that catches light in constantly changing ways. Beyond its visual appeal, this texture serves as a conversation starter that connects the wearer to the conservation mission — Oris donated a portion of proceeds to whale shark research and protection programs in Southeast Asia. The GMT complication adds practical travel functionality to the conservation story, with the independently adjustable hour hand and bidirectional 24-hour ceramic bezel enabling simultaneous tracking of up to three time zones. The caseback features a detailed engraving of a whale shark, adding a commemorative element that reinforces the limited-edition status. On the secondary market, the Whale Shark has appreciated above its retail price, driven by the combination of limited availability, distinctive dial, and growing collector interest in conservation-themed watches. This is a watch that proves luxury timepieces can serve a purpose beyond personal adornment.
In-Depth Review
# Oris Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition
Conservation messaging rarely finds its way onto dive watch dials, yet Oris managed to deliver genuine horological substance alongside environmental advocacy with the Aquis Whale Shark Limited Edition. The grey dial features an applied whale shark pattern—a visual signature that immediately distinguishes this 43.5mm steel sports watch from its siblings in the Aquis lineup. Launched in 2021, this limited release pairs aesthetic distinctiveness with the collection's proven credentials: a robust Oris 798 automatic movement (based on the Sellita SW330-1), 300-meter water resistance, ceramic bezel, and a 42-hour power reserve. The grey dial, paired with a matching steel bracelet, strikes a contemporary balance between professional dive watch utility and refined everyday wearability. That Oris committed substantial production resources to a thematic dial variant rather than a simple colorway shift demonstrates genuine design intention.
The Whale Shark appeals primarily to collectors who prioritize story alongside specification—those who appreciate that a tool watch can carry meaning beyond its technical function. This watch suits discerning divers, conscious consumers, and enthusiasts seeking alternatives to the oversaturated black-dial formula. For desk-diving professionals who want legitimate water resistance without pretense, the Aquis platform remains uncompromised.
In the three-thousand-dollar range, this watch competes indirectly with the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight (around $4,100) and the Longines HydroConquest (approximately $2,800). While those alternatives offer their own merits, the Whale Shark's limited status and graphical identity provide stronger collector positioning—assuming you can locate one on the secondary market above its discontinued original MSRP.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Oris 798 (Sellita SW330-1) |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 25 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 43.5mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 13.8mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating, ceramic insert |
| Dial Color | Grey with whale shark pattern |
| Lug Width | 21mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 51.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 300m / 984ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Clasp | Folding clasp with safety push-buttons |
| Weight | 190g |
| Complications |