The limited-edition Oris Tubbataha Regulator Diver (ref. 01 749 7663 7185-Set RS) speaks the same design language as their 2011 Regulateur Der Meistertaucher (ref. 01 649 7610 7164-Set) professional diving tool. Yet, the regulator is slightly smaller, is rated for more practical water resistance, and sports a new movement based on the Sellita SW220 unit.
The model is designed together with the Tubbataha Reefs National Park in the Philippines and the Swiss brand promises that part of the proceedings will be donated towards the good cause of the conservation of the coral reef and its vast ecosystem.
Rated for an impressive depth of 500 meters, this is a real diving companion for professionals, not just some casual watch in a diver’s disguise and thus the Swiss watchmaker didn’t have to make any shortcuts trying to reduce its impressive dimensions.
Even without the large fluted crown, the Tubbataha Regulator measures whole 47 millimeters in diameter, which makes it virtually unsuitable as an everyday watch (well, I know a couple of guys who are not shy about wearing such monsters with jeans and blazers,) but is not a problem if you plan to wear it with a dry suit.
Together with a relatively thin bezel, the XXL-large case allowed for an impressive face real estate with enough space both for the small-seconds indicator (placed at 9 o’clock) and hours sub-dial (at 3 o’clock), as well as for a complete set of the huge, luminous hour markers and an oversized minute hand.
Yes, as the name tells us, this is a watch of a pretty rare “regulator” type.
Although, when it comes to casual watches, some people find the setup a trifle inconvenient, the layout looks outstanding when the primary function is to count down time, which is measured in minutes.
Besides a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel inlay in Oris’s traditional color (looks like Indigo to me, but I am not sure), the watch also features a helium escape valve that prevents the sapphire crystal from popping out during decompression.
The Tubbataha Regulator Diver will go on sale as a limited-edition model with a total number of timekeepers capped at just 2000 pieces.
Not sure about pricing, but we should probably expect something in the range of $3000 – $3500*.
See also: Oris Maldives (643 7654 7185 RS / MB)
* UPDATE ON PRICE: The Tubbataha Regulator sports a more affordable price of $2800, which makes it even more interesting for those tired of the standard three-handers.
Photos: Oris
Oris Tubbataha Regulator Diver 01 749 7663 7185-Set RS specification
Price: $2800 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Oris caliber 749, base Sellita SW220, Swiss Made
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Functions: Regulator hours and minutes, small seconds, date
Case: Titanium, brushed
Bezel: Titanium, with ceramic bezel inlay
Shape: Round
Size: 47.00 mm
Dial: Blue
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous minute hand
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Black rubber strap with titanium folding buckle with extension
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid titanium, engraved