The 2011 Oris ProDiver Kittiwake 1000M Diver (ref. 01 733 7646 7184-Set) arrived as a limited-edition model. With its sturdy, chunky titanium case, as well as a choice of either a black rubber strap or a titanium bracelet with a handy wet-suit extension, it was one of the most interesting diving tools of the year.
If you are even slightly interested in diving (and if you are reading this article, you probably are,) then I bet that you have already heard at the beginning of the year the news about the USS Kittiwake submarine rescue vessel that was sunk near Grand Cayman Island to form a new artificial reef.
It is always sad when a ship, even a decommissioned one, goes under. However, for a ship, it is more honorable to meet its end on a seabed than to be sold as scrap metal to some third-world country.
The Oris Kittiwake pays the last respect to the ship.
If I understood the Swiss brand’s press release correctly, the limited edition timekeeper is based on their current Oris ProDiver automatic diving watch.
This basically means that the watch comes packed into a huge, multi-part case crafted from titanium and black rubber.
Impressive 49 millimeters in diameter, the case implies that the piece was designed as a tool watch, not some sporty accessory meant to be worn with gaudy Bermuda shorts and garish Hawaiian shirts.
Of course, like is almost always the case, the statement is rather pretentious: however rugged it looks, it is still primarily a fashion accessory (and rather expensive at that, see update below) not only because of its price but also because the relatively soft titanium alloy that was used to build the watch is frighteningly easy to scratch while doing some real work underwater.
Designed to withstand pressures up to 100 ATM (1000 meters,) the ref. 01 733 7646 7184-Set features a thick sapphire crystal on the front, as well as a solid case-back cover that won’t let you admire the Oris 733 automatic caliber (it is based on the Sellita SW200 ebauche and also powers their dressy 2009 Rectangular Bob Dylan limited edition,) but has the logo of the Kittiwake artificial reef project with the monochrome picture of the USS Kittiwake.
According to the Swiss watchmaker, only 500 watches will be built and offered to dive enthusiasts and watch collectors all over the world. No info on pricing yet, but I guess that an MSRP of some $3000 will be an adequate price for this timekeeper*.
See also: Oris ProDiver 51-millimeter Chronograph in Titanium
* UPDATE ON PRICE: Oris has finally revealed the price tag it would like its numerous dealers to put on this new ProDiver Kittiwake: although the final price will depend on the part of the world you happen to live in, the MSRP is currently set at impressive $3500 USD.
Photos: Oris
Oris ProDiver Kittiwake 1000M Diver (ref. 01 733 7646 7184-Set) specification
Price: $3500 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Oris 733 (base caliber Sellita SW200,) 25.60 mm, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 26
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Branded rotor
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 38 hours
Case and Crown: Titanium
Bezel: Titanium and Rubber
Shape: Round
Size: 49.00 mm
Lug width: 26.00 mm
Dial: Black
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 1000 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap with titanium buckle or Titanium bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid