Introducing The New Oris Carl Brashear Calibre 401

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Sarah Jayne Potter

Oris has partnered with the Carl Brashear Foundation for a third time and is proud to introduce the new Oris Carl Brashear watch powered by Oris’s latest in-house movement, the Calibre 401. This Limited-Edition timepiece of just 2,000 pieces is the first watch to house the Calibre 401 – the second in-house movement from the Oris family of in-house automatics.

This highly resistant watch with an impressive 5-day power reserve has a striking 40mm bronze casing. The casing material was specifically chosen to symbolise the diving helmets worn by Carl during his career as a U.S. Navy Master Diver. Equally, bronze has the extraordinary quality of ‘telling a story’ due to its unique patination over time, consequently giving each watch a distinctive finish and a visual journal of its existence on the wrist of the wearer.

Inspired by naval tradition, a striking blue dial with hands and indices with Super-LumiNova® complement the bronze casing which is protected by a top glass sapphire dome. The uni-directional rotating bronze bezel has a diving scale in relief, and the custom-designed, artisanal strap designed by Erika’s Originals is hand-crafted from moisture wicking woven elastic nylon. The unparalleled attention to detail of the strap not only complements the watch design, but also presents a military look and provides outstanding comfort and unsurpassable endurance.

A stainless-steel case back with unique engravings protects the Calibre 401. Designed by Oris’s in-house watchmakers it offers accuracy with COSC tolerances (to within -3 to +5 seconds a day). Based on the original Calibre 400 of 2020, the signature difference is the small seconds at 6 o’clock. Heightened levels of anti-magnetism solve the common mechanical movement problems often encountered in today’s world and the impressive 5-day power reserve and 10-year extended warranty make this Oris’ most impressive movement to date. The Calibre 401 has been designed to overcome life’s challenges – symbolic of the spirit of Carl Brashear throughout his military service career and a tribute to his extraordinary legacy.

Carl’s is an extraordinary legacy, and we’re incredibly proud to share in it and support the foundation. Together with the Carl Brashear Foundation, we hope that every time someone wearing this new watch looks at it, they will be reminded to never give up, and to press on, no matter how insurmountable the challenges ahead appear. Rolf Studer, Oris Co-CEO

Carl’s is an extraordinary legacy, and we’re incredibly proud to share in it and support the foundation. Together with the Carl Brashear Foundation, we hope that every time someone wearing this new watch looks at it, they will be reminded to never give up, and to press on, no matter how insurmountable the challenges ahead appear.

Oris has partnered with the Carl Brashear Foundation since 2015 as part of its mission to bring Change for the Better. Carl surmounted numerous challenges, becoming the first African American diver in the U.S. Navy, and subsequently becoming the first amputee Master Diver. As a key figurehead of triumph in the face of adversity, he is a global inspiration. The Carl Brashear Foundation was set up in his memory to continue his legacy of never giving up. It is a Foundation that Oris is immensely proud to support and funds raised through the sales of the Carl Brashear collection have supported numerous veterans and vulnerable people in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges.

The Oris Carl Brashear Calibre 401 is the latest symbol of hope that adds to the current collection. Delivered in a presentation box, it is limited to just 2,000 pieces.

We spoke to our Junior Buyer, Sophie Conroy, about what she thinks of the latest release.

This is Oris’ third watch in partnership with the Carl Brashear Foundation – what sets it apart from its predecessors?

Yes, that’s right – this is the third watch in the Carl Brashear collection. It’s the first watch to house Oris’ new 401 movement, making it a high-performance automatic – it’s also the first of it’s kind with the second hand at 6 o’clock. Most importantly the new 401 comes with three key performance promises to meet the demands of todays consumer. Its five-day power reserve is particularly key, especially during these unprecedented times when many of us probably aren’t wearing our watches every day. In addition, the heightened levels of anti-magnetism help retain the timepiece’s accuracy. Unlike the prior Carl Brashear pieces, this latest timepiece also comes with a 10-year warranty.

What do you believe will be the key driver for purchase of this new timepiece? Will people be seeking the continued legacy of Carl Brashear, the design, the mechanics, or a combination of all three?

I think it’s most definitely a combination of all three. The story behind the watch is so important and has been incorporated into the design itself with its unique engraved caseback. Also, the colourway which features the bronze casing, akin to the diving helmets worn by Carl Brashear, and the navy-blue nylon strap – it really is a great colour combination.

In your opinion, what makes the latest Oris Carl Brashear watch so special?

Carl Brashear’s story of overcoming challenges that he faced during his life and the legacy that he leaves behind is quite compelling. Oris’s collaboration with the Carl Brashear Foundation to support the veterans and vulnerable makes this a particularly special timepiece in my eyes.

What is your favourite design feature of the Oris Carl Brashear Calibre 401 Limited Edition?

Definitely the bronze casing – this also featured in its predecessors. The patination of the bronze that occurs over time gives a finish solely unique to the wearer.

As a Limited-Edition piece of just 2,000 timepieces – how would a fan go about securing this stunning timepiece?

The Watches of Switzerland Group have secured this watch as a UK exclusive from 19 th January – 19 th February. With many of our stores operating a click and collect option too, the opportunity is there to secure this timepiece ahead of other enthusiasts.

Discover the Oris Carl Brashear Calibre 401 at Watches of Switzerland , Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths in the UK and Watches of Switzerland and Mayors in the US.

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