Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

1 1 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I ‘It’s not a sin to get knocked down, it’s a sin to stay down’—this inspirational quote were the words that Carl Brashear lived by; embossed onto the back of the newOris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition, it’s a motivational reminder for the wearer to have close by. Born in Kentucky, USA, in 1931, Carl Brashear lived an extraordinary life. He was the inspiration for the 2000 film Men of Honour’ in which Brashear was portrayed by Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. In 1948, at17 years old, Brashear enlisted in the US Navy shortly after the US Military ceased segregating its troops by race. Brashear’s goal was to become a deep-sea diver and he graduated from the Navy’s diving programme in 1954, despite having endured persistent racism. His career was disrupted in 1966 when he lost the lower part of his left leg in an accident during a mission to salvage a hydrogen bomb. After an extensive rehabilitation process, Brashear defied the odds to become the US Navy’s first amputee diver in 1968, and then qualified as a Master diver in 1970, the first African American to do so. The training for the Master diver certification involved a gruelling assessment programme, including dives to depths of 300 metres, all of which Brashear completed with a prosthetic limb. After a distinguished career in the US Navy that lasted more than 30 years, Brashear retired in 1979. He died in 2006 aged 75. The new Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition, the second iteration of the watch, is another bold and beautiful commemoration of Carl Brashear’s legendary achievements. The chronograph function remembers that he was repeatedly stopped in life—but always kept going. Ulrich W. Herzog, Oris Chairman, says, ‘We are so proud to be working with the Carl Brashear Foundation once again. Mr Brashear was an inspirational human being who brought significant, meaningful change in his lifetime. At Oris, it’s our mission to bring #ChangeForTheBetter.’ As with the first watch, the newOris Carl Brashear Chronograph has a bronze case, bezel, crown and pushers. The recent popularity of bronze in the watch industry, a material that is far from conventional, is driven by the appeal of the patina which forms over time, making each watch unique. The atmospheric moisture and the pH levels in the wearer’s perspiration ages the bronze over time, making the watch extremely personal. Powering the watch is the Oris Calibre 771, a special movement with a two-counter chronograph and a formidable 48-hour power reserve. It’s based on Sellita’s SW 510 and this marks its first appearance in the Oris collection. The dial’s symmetrical layout, known as ‘bicompax’, provides the classic chronograph look, which is further enhanced by the absence of a date indicator. The dial is a stunning blue that’s immediately reminiscent of the oceans where Brashear achieved his dreams. The watch is mounted on a vintage brown leather strap and just 2,000 watches will be available. ORIS CARL BRASHEAR C H R O N O G R A P H L I M I T E d E d I T I O N