Watchmaker Oris is introducing a new timepiece: the Carl Brashear Cal. 401 Limited Edition. The model is the third special edition to result from the collaboration between Oris and the Carl Brashear Foundation. This non-profit organization conveys the legacy of Carl Brashear – the first African-American diver in the US-Navy. Accordingly, the watch is inspired by the water. It is powered by the Calibre 401 – a variation of the new Oris Calibre 400.
Carl Brashear was an American Navy diver who is now one of the most celebrated Army heroes. He came from a farming family in Kentucky, yet wanted to become a diver. On his way he faced many obstacles such as poverty, poor schooling and racism. Nevertheless, he made it to the Navy and became its first African-American diver in 1954. In 1966, he lost his left leg from the knee down during a mission. Nonetheless, Brashear fought to remain in the service, becoming the first partial amputee diver in the U.S. Army.
Carl Brashear continues to inspire people around the world today because he overcame several major obstacles. He fought racism, poverty, illiteracy, disability and, shortly before his retirement in 1979, alcoholism. The Carl Brashear Foundation aims to pass this legacy on to future generations. In addition, the organisation donates to veterans’ hospitals to help soldiers in the United States.
The special edition in honour of Carl Brashear has a multi-piece 40 mm case made of bronze. The metal is reminiscent of the diving helmets worn by the Navy in the past. Bronze also develops a unique patina over time, thereby telling the story of the wearer. Furthermore, the watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a dive timescale. In addition, domed sapphire crystal protects the front. By contrast, the solid steel caseback is firmly screwed down and bears a special engraving as well as the limitation number.
The seafaring blue dial is reminiscent of Carl Brashear’s passion for diving. The large indices and hands are also classic features of a diver’s watch and filled with luminous material. In addition, there is a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Lastly, the indication of water resistance of 100 m is also on the dial.
The movement inside the special edition is the Oris Calibre 401, which is an evolution of the Oris Calibre 400 from October 2020. The Calibre 401 differs from the Calibre 400 only by the small seconds at 6 o’clock – all other features remain the same.
Accordingly, the Carl Brashear Limited Edition offers automatic winding and a power reserve of 5 days or 120 hours. Furthermore, over 30 anti-magnetic parts guarantee high protection against magnetic fields. On top of that, the movement achieves an accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day. These values are within COSC standards, yet the watch is not certified as a chronometer. Finally, Oris provides a ten-year warranty if the watch is registered with the manufacturer.
The watch comes on a blue nylon fabric strap, handmade exclusively for this watch by Erika’s Originals. It is elastic and absorbs water. Lastly, the bronze buckle completes the watch and also bears the ORIS lettering.
The Carl Brashear Cal. 401 Limited Edition will be available from January 2021. The watch comes in a special box and is limited to 2000 pieces. The price is 3,700 euros.
