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ReviewA Vision In Bronze – The Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition

Inspired by a hero, the Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition is a watch that symbolises strength, dedication, dependability in the face of adversity, and above all, honour

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In the year 2000, we saw Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr in a film called Men Of Honor. It was a story of determination, perseverance, and one man’s courage to fight all odds and emerge a hero. This man was Carl Maxie Brashear (1931-2006), the first amputee and African-American master diver of the United States Navy. A decorated naval officer, Brashear served in the US Navy for 31 years. Through his years of service, he was subjected to discrimination, and was denied opportunities, but at every step, he strived to go beyond limits, and was honoured several times for his achievements. In an unfortunate accident in 1966, Brashear – who was by then highly trained in retrieving sunken ammunition and human remains – was severely injured during a bomb recovery operation that resulted in him losing his left leg. After his amputation, following extensive rehabilitation and training, Brashear was recertified as a diver in 1968.

Oris Carl Brashear
The Oris Carl Brashear pays tribute to an American hero, the first amputee and African-American US Navy master diver

Throughout his struggle, he was motivated by his own words, “It’s not a sin to get knocked down; it’s a sin to stay down.” And these are the very words that have been embossed in steel, on a watch that pays tribute to this American hero. This timepiece is the Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition.

Oris Carl Brashear
Through his years of service in the US Navy, Carl Brashear was subjected to discrimination, and was denied opportunities, but at every step, he strived to go beyond limits, and was honoured several times for his achievements.

The Watch Celebrating A Hero

A ‘sequel’ to a 2016 wristwatch made by Oris to celebrate Carl M Brashear, the 2018 edition is also crafted in bronze, like its predecessor, and includes a chronograph feature. The use of bronze in both editions was inspired by the diving equipment that was Brashear’s companion in his early years as a diver. A motif of the diving helmet is also seen embossed on the stainless steel caseback of this timepiece, where you’ll even notice a unique serial number for each watch in this 2,000-piece limited edition.

The hero of the watch though is its bronze case. At a diameter of 43mm, this case is designed based on the iconic diver’s watch from Oris, the Diver’s Sixty-Five – a series that also inspires the Carl Brashear’s rich, ink-blue dial.

Oris Carl Brashear
The use of bronze in both editions of the Oris Carl Brashear – the 2016 watch and the new 2018 chronograph edition – was inspired by the diving equipment that was Brashear’s companion in his early years as a diver
Oris Carl Brashear
Throughout his struggle, Brashear was motivated by his own words, “It’s not a sin to get knocked down; it’s a sin to stay down.” And these are the very words that have been embossed in steel, on the caseback of the Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph, along with the motif of a diving helmet.
Oris Carl Brashear
At a diameter of 42mm, this case is designed based on the iconic diver’s watch from Oris, the Diver’s Sixty-Five – a series that also inspires the Carl Brashear’s rich, ink-blue dial

On The Face Of The Heroic Timepiece

Deep blue, like the ocean, the face of the Oris Carl Brashear is symmetrical in its layout, which is known as the ‘bicompax’. The balance of the look is enhanced by the presence of only one chronograph sub-dial – the 30-minute counter at three o’clock – in addition to the small seconds counter at nine. Powered by an automatic calibre 771, the hour marker indexes and central timekeeping hands are gold plated and filled with SuperLuminova, which ensures that there is clarity even when you have to read the time when it’s dark. A domed sapphire crystal glass with an antireflective coating adds dimension to the piece, while the embossed minute markers and treatment on the bronze unidirectional rotating bezel adds textural splendour.

Oris Carl Brashear
A domed sapphire crystal glass with an antireflective coating adds dimension to the piece, while the embossed minute markers and treatment on the bronze unidirectional rotating bezel adds textural splendour
Oris Carl Brashear
The hour marker indexes and central timekeeping hands are gold plated and filled with SuperLuminova, which ensures that there is clarity even when you have to read the time when it’s dark

Bronze: Uniquely Yours Through The Ageing

With the domed sapphire crystal and screwed steel caseback, the bronze case is water resistant to 100m. But what makes the case particularly interesting is the bronze that it is made of. Now rose gold in a watch stays the same over decades, apart from general wear and tear. However, with bronze, any two cases, which will be shiny and bright when they’re new, will not be the same a few years later. The patination or ageing of bronze depends significantly on the humidity and moisture it is exposed to. This effectively means that the wearers of the 2,000 watches will each eventually have a timepiece that looks quite different than the next person’s.

Oris Carl Brashear
Now rose gold in a watch stays the same over decades, apart from general wear and tear. However, with bronze, any two cases, which will be shiny and bright when they’re new, will not be the same a few years later, as they will both age differently, depending on the different temperatures, humidity and moisture that they’re exposed to.

However your piece ages, despite how dark it may get, you can rest assured that the watch will continue to be sturdy and reliable, just as Carl Brashear himself was. His stories and struggle continue to inspire many, and the Carl Brashear Foundation – run by his son, Phillip Brashear – works towards that. A token of the Foundation comes with the Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition in the form of a commemorative medallion. Even though the watch is a symbol of an inspiring story, as you look at it, all you’ll see is a gorgeous timepiece; all the while knowing that it is a piece of honour.

Oris Carl Brashear
Brashear’s struggle continues to inspire many, and the Carl Brashear Foundation – run by his son, Phillip Brashear – works towards that. A token of the Foundation comes with the Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition in the form of a commemorative medallion.

Do scroll down to tell us what you think about this watch in the comments section below

8 comments
  • Shubham Sharma November 1, 2019 at 6:54 pm

    I haven’t read a full blog, till this. This actually is a style that has soothing fragrance. Totally fabulous!! I am a little short at finances currently, but this definitely has set a bar of honor for me and will do buy it & be part of this limited edition series.

    Thank you for the write-up and acknowledging this beautiful timepiece to us!

    Best Wishes,
    Shubham Sharma

    ,

    • Ranvijaysinh Jhala November 2, 2019 at 11:25 am

      Hello Shubham,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the way we tell these inspiring stories is appreciated by readers such as you. It’s lovely to know that watches with such substance, as the Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition, garner such admiration. However, I’m terribly sorry to inform you that this watch is no longer available, since it was a 2018 limited edition and is now sold out. Yet, the world of fine watchmaking brings to us many such inspiring stories, and we’re here to tell them to you. Do look out for more such fascinating stories on The Watch Guide. You never know when you might find something else that resonates with you the way this watch has.

      So keep reading!

      Editor, The Watch Guide

  • ROHINI KUMAR TENNETI July 21, 2018 at 1:26 am

    Fantabulous depiction about the product,seen some other writings of you,earlier too…but this is truly amazing.However my younger brother,who is a tech savvy knows so many things and also earns handsomely but unable to justify his choice of buying second copies of the most of the models you are showing.And they are working good too but as a CA,am not supporting his deeds though,still don’understan why the companies can’t eradicate such sales.

  • Abhijit Majumder July 10, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    Dear Ranvijay, tis just wonderful !! The style you wrote……. I could virtually visualize the great Gallant before my very eyes !! Thanks, indeed……. What a lovely piece of wristwatch it is !!!! I am truly looking forward to buying this for my son next week in Kolkata. I am sure, he will be too proud to sport this. Thank you again.

    • Ranvijaysinh Jhala July 11, 2018 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Abhijit,

      Thank you for wonderful feedback, and for reading ‘The Watch Guide’. We are happy to know that you are interested in this inspiring watch for your son. You could click on ‘request an offer’ and enter your details, and our team will get in touch with you to assist you further. Alternatively, you could contact the team between 10:00am and 9:00pm, IST, on +91 8725028892, 8725028883, 8725028896.

      Thank you, and do keep reading.
      ‘The Watch Guide’

  • Philip V Ariel July 8, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    Hi Rsnvijaydingh,
    A fascinating collection of watches.
    The price though a bit on a higher side on my budget it’s is worth own one.
    Thanks for sharing
    Best
    Philip

  • Samee Ismail July 2, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    What a beautiful watch! Have seen the movie and it brought tears to my eyes.

    • Ranvijaysinh Jhala July 2, 2018 at 1:08 pm

      Hi Samee,

      Thank you for reading The Watch Guide. We are happy to know that you enjoyed discovering the watch, and Carl Brashear’s story. In case you’re interested in the watch, or might consider purchasing it, our team can help you with any queries you may have. You can contact them between 10:00am and 9:00pm, IST, on +91 8725028892, 8725028883, 8725028896.

      Thank you
      The Watch Guide

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