COUTURE 2021: Hands-On With The Oris Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition

One of the most wondrous things about Mother Earth is the diversity of her landscapes. And Africa is home to some of the most beautiful and untouched terrains imaginable.

Humankind must protect these lands, but it is also challenging to care for the people who live in remote communities. That is why organizations such as Okavango Air Rescue (O.A.R.) in Botswana help provide necessary medical support to the people of the small, landlocked South African country.

Oris is supporting their work with the new Oris Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition.

Founded by Swiss entrepreneur Christian Gross and German-born Dr. Misha S. Kruck in 2011, O.A.R. provides medical services to Botswana – a sparsely populated country with lots of remote communities.
 

In addition to being a conservationist, Gross is also a businessman and had already established environmental organizations such as Animal Management Consultancy and the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife. Kruck’s practice has taken her all over the world, including stints at the International Red Cross and Rega, the Swiss air rescue service. Based on their experience, they established O.A.R. as a privately-owned and independently funded service that operates a clinic and a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to bring quality medical care to locals and visitors in Botswana.
 

Using the canvas of a 41mm stainless steel Big Crown ProPilot, the Oris Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition honors O.A.R.’s work and the incredible biodiversity of Botswana. Notably through the gorgeous green textured dial.

Inspired by the grasses of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the dial evokes the grasslands, marshes, lagoons, and thousands of islands, created by the seasonal flooding that peaks between June and August. During this time, the area hosts all kinds of wildlife (including tourists).
 

While we recognize that there have been a lot of green dials released this year, the Oris Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition’s dial is different. Up close and in person, the reed-like finish and gradient color of this timepiece makes it stand out from other offerings.

As a tribute to the seasons, it naturally makes you contemplate the passage of time. And as an extra visual treat, the blue glow of the Super-LumiNova coated hands and markers is a lovely compliment to the grassy hue of the dial. By combining these elements, we can picture the peace of night falling on the Delta.
 

To further emphasize the verdant landscape, the Big Crown ProPilot Okavango Air Rescue Limited Edition comes kitted out with both a brown leather strap and an exclusive green fabric strap created by Erika’s Originals.