11/22/2022

Hot Ones: Introducing the Coulson Limited Edition from Oris

For its final release of 2022, the Hölstein-based brand has teamed up with aerial firefighters Coulson Aviation to produce a watch with a 3D-printed carbon fiber case.

By Rhonda Riche

Editor-At-Large

We’re accustomed to Oris launching limited edition watches to raise awareness for good causes. It’s one of the things that endears the Hölstein-based brand to enthusiasts, as the tales behind each of these partnerships help bond a buyer to a watch.

But with its latest release, the Oris Coulson Limited Edition, the manufacture adds a new chapter to the story with watchmaking’s first-ever 3D-printed carbon fiber case. Here’s a first look at this incredible collaboration.

Fighting Fire with Fire

When it comes to sustainability, Oris has been ahead of the game for a long time now. Under its “Change for the Better” banner, the brand has been independently certified as a climate-neutral company, and it is committed to working with pioneering agencies that aim to make the world a better place.

In this instance, Oris has partnered with Coulson Aviation, the world’s leading aerial firefighting organization. Based in Canada, this family-run company coordinates pilots, planes, and equipment to tackle wildfires from the sky. Using proprietary technology, multiple aircraft types, and highly experienced crews, Coulson can immediately deploy teams in North America, South America, and Australia.

Coulson Aviation

The company has been in the aviation business for over 36 years, operating a diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Moreover, Coulson first implemented its night aerial fire suppression protocols in response to the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, Australia. Using night vision technology (NVG), Coulson’s attack crews can fill from open water sources and carry out pinpoint fire suppression using laser-guided drop technology.

Coulson’s mission is to crush fires from the air to assist local firefighters on the ground, protecting life and the environment in the process. That’s why the dial of the Oris Coulson Limited Edition is a fiery gradient orange symbolizing both the power of flames and the courage of the firefighters who must combine know-how and courage to face these infernos.

Ring the Alarm

The dial is what first grabbed our attention, but the color would not pop so much if it wasn’t set inside the carbon case. And it’s the case where the Oris Coulson Limited Edition gets daring.

Based on the shape of the Big Crown ProPilot, this carbon fiber case was made using a patented 3D printing process. Carbon fiber-reinforced 3D printed parts are rapidly replacing molded carbon fiber and metal components for a long list of applications, including creating high-performance prototypes and end-use parts for the aerospace and automotive industries.

Inside is Oris’ equally innovative, anti-magnetic in-house automatic Calibre 400 movement, which features five days of power reserve, a 10-year warranty, and 10-year service intervals.

Because this is the first time the application has been used in watchmaking, this edition is destined to be a hit with collectors.

The 41mm Oris Coulson Limited Edition is limited to 1,000 pieces and priced at $4,500. The watch comes in a special presentation box with a numbered certificate. For more information, please visit Oris’ website.