Oris Big Crown ProPilot Rega Fleet Limited Edition Bombardier Challenger 650

In time for the Geneva Watch Days 2021 event, Oris releases a gunmetal-PVD-coated limited edition watch that pays homage to an airframe owned by the non-profit Swiss Rega Air Rescue organisation – the Bombardier Challenger 650 – limited to 100 pieces worldwide. 

In 2018 Swiss Air Rescue organisation Rega completed its new Air Ambulance Fleet with the last of three Bombardier Challenger 650 business jets. The specially configured, high-performing Challenger 650 aircraft would help carry out urgent medical evacuations with the range and dependability to form the next generation of Rega’s new life-saving platform. The aircraft trio replaces Rega’s Challenger 604 fleet as emphasized by David Coleal, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft;

“It is with the utmost confidence and pride that we deliver a third Challenger 650 aircraft to our partners at Rega, because we know these aircraft have the reliability that is so important when lives are on the line, and pride to see the Challenger platform configured into the world’s most advanced air ambulance.”

Oris has now partnered with Rega to complete a series of limited-edition wristwatches that pay homage to the 21 aircraft that make up this Swiss non-profit organisation dedicated to completing air rescue missions across the Swiss Alps with the help provided by patron funding. The organisation comprises 18 helicopters and 3 fixed-wing aircraft that, just last year, completed a total of 16,273 missions. Rega’s mission states;

“We provide an around-the-clock service offering swift, expert assistance by air. In particular, we transport medical care to the casualty and help in emergency situations. This assistance also takes the form of medical advice and the use of our infrastructure. Our operations are characterised by our highly qualified, professional members of staff and the very best equipment available in the fields of rescue, medical and flight technology.”

The new Oris Rega Fleet Limited Edition watches are based on the popular design of the Big Crown Pro-Pilot watch, which first began its success back in 1938. The collection embodies the spirit and dedication of Oris’ commitment to the aviation industry which began as far back as the 1910s. Each of the timepieces designed to pay tribute to every one of the 21 airframes will be exclusive to just 100 pieces worldwide, totalling 2,100 timepieces in all. Every timepiece has a specially engraved caseback that salutes its relative aircraft whether that be from the Bombardier Challenger 650, the AugustaWestland Da Vinci AW109SP, or the Airbus H145, as well as a unique limited-edition number and a reference to the tail number of each aircraft.

A pilots watch for professional medical and aviation experts

What makes the design of the new Oris Big Crown ProPilot Rega Fleet Limited Edition Bombardier Challenger 650 watch so special is the fact that its design or forged from the ideas and requests of professional pilots, who have been asked to share their opinions on what they would like to see in this new sub-collection of limited edition Oris pilot’s watches. Could this be the most purpose-built Oris pilot’s watch manufactured by the Swiss company so far?

The 41mm case of the new Bombardier Challenger 650 watch, like all other limited edition Rega Fleet watches from Oris, is crafted from stainless steel and integrated with 100-meter water resistance. To complete a modern “tool watch” look, the case has then been treated with a striking gunmetal PVD coating. In contrast to this, the engraved indexes on the bezel relate to a pulsometer scale – a fitting feature requested by pilots, since the needs of the emergency care providers that fill these ranks must not be forgotten. The professionals who were asked to contribute to the design of the new Oris Big Crown ProPilot Rega Fleet Limited Edition watch also specified a need for the GMT function  - a feature that would come in handy when recording flights in their logbook. The GMT function features a red arrow-tipped central hand that works in conjunction with a 24-hour scale seen around the periphery of a matte black dial. Upon this sleek black dial is a black coated central second hand with a legible white Super-LumiNova tip, Super-LumiNova-coated Arabic numeral hour markers and a matching set of luminous central hour and minute hands. A date aperture also resides at 3 o’clock, protected underneath a double-domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front. A flash of red can also be seen in the Rega logo positioned above the sixth hour, just below the white “Big Crown ProPilot” lettering.

The new Oris Big Crown Pro-Pilot Rega Fleet Limited Edition Bombardier Challenger 650 is powered by the Oris 798 self-winding movement. The automatic engine is powered by the natural movement of the wrist and is based on the Sellita SW330-1, providing a 42-hour power reserve and performing at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its intricate finishes and traditional Swiss decoration are concealed behind the specially engraved caseback bearing an image of the Bombardier Challenger 650 across its surface. The watch is completed on a supple black leather strap with a gunmetal PVD-coated folding clasp to keep in line with the rest of the case design. If you wish to secure one of the 100 dedicated timepieces to the Rega Fleet Bombardier aircraft, you will find an additional strap adjuster tool with your purchase that will enable you to switch the black leather strap out with a vibrant red rubber band.

For more information on this limited edition Oris Big Crown ProPilot watch, call our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 today.

Technical Specifications of the Pris Big Crown ProPilot Rega Fleet Limited Edition Bombardier Challenger 650 watch

• Case: 41mm – gunmetal PVD-coated stainless steel – 100-meter water-resistant – double-domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front – bidirectional rotating bezel with pulsometer scale - screw-down engraved crown – closed caseback engraved with a reference made to the Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft
• Dial: Matte black dial – Super-LumiNova-coated central hour and minute hands – black coated second hand – white Super-LumiNova-tipped GMT hand – 24-hour scale – date at 3H – Red Rega logo – Arabic numeral hour track
• Movement: Oris 798 – self-winding – based on the Sellita SW330-1 – 42-hour power reserve – 28,800 v.p.h – 25 jewels – hours, minutes, seconds, dual time and date functions
• Strap: Black leather – gunmetal PVD-coated folding clasp – strap changing tool – additional red rubber strap
• Availability: 1 of 100 pieces available worldwide
• Price: £2,600