Oris has a habit of getting creative with the Aquis, especially when there’s an environmental project attached. The new Aquis Kelp Forest Limited Edition continues that approach with a 3D-printed dial that looks quite different from the usual green dive watch. I think the result is pretty appealing, although I’m curious about how that unusual pattern will hold up once the initial novelty wears off.
The watch was developed around an idea from underwater photographer and Oris ambassador Francis Pérez, with the dial taking inspiration from kelp forests. These underwater ecosystems provide food and shelter for marine life, and their decline has become another conservation issue Oris wants to bring attention to.
We’ve seen the brand explore similar territory with watches like the Bracenet Aquis, which uses recycled fishing nets for its dial, and the New York Harbor Limited Edition (hands on here). I appreciate that Oris continues to support these conversations. Personally, though, the environmental connection takes a back seat to the actual watch here. The dial is what caught my attention.
Oris uses a geometric texture created through 3D printing, with darker green areas interrupted by lighter gold-green sections. There’s a slightly organic quality to the pattern, although the arrangement of those lighter areas is quite deliberate. The green ceramic bezel and gold-colored hands and markers complete the look. To me, it’s a more interesting treatment than another conventional sunburst green dial.
One detail I’m particularly curious about is how those lighter sections appear in person. They’re part of the dial’s coloring, so the overall pattern remains visible regardless of how the light hits it. That could be part of the appeal, especially if you enjoy watches with a little more going on visually. I also wonder whether I’d eventually prefer something more restrained. Oris has produced some excellent experimental Aquis dials over the years, and a few of those still appeal to me more.
Beyond the dial, we’re looking at a familiar Aquis configuration. The stainless steel case measures 41.5mm in diameter, 12.9mm thick, and approximately 49mm lug-to-lug. There’s a sapphire crystal, 300 meters of water resistance, and a stainless steel bracelet with quick-change and adjustment features. The automatic Oris Calibre 733 is based on a Sellita movement and provides 41 hours of power reserve.
That movement isn’t particularly exciting at this price, especially when longer power reserves have become common elsewhere. But I don’t have a major issue with its inclusion here. Oris is asking $2,950 for the Kelp Forest Limited Edition, which puts it relatively close to other Aquis Date models. With production limited to 1,000 pieces, I think the pricing is reasonable for someone who genuinely prefers this dial.
Of course, limited production alone doesn’t make a watch more appealing to me. What matters is whether the design continues to feel interesting after you’ve spent some time with it. The Kelp Forest is one of those releases I’d really like to see in person before forming a stronger opinion.
For now, I like the direction Oris has taken. The texture gives the Aquis something distinctive, and the price doesn’t feel unreasonable within the collection. My only lingering question is whether those brighter sections of the dial would eventually become a distraction. That’s probably the first thing I’d want to figure out if I had the chance to spend some time with one.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.