On January 19, 2021 (the day Carl Brashear would have turned 90), Oris introduced the third watch made in partnership with the Carl Brashear Foundation, and the first powered by the brand’s in-house Calibre 401 with small seconds and five-day power reserve (the second execution from its new family of in-house automatic movements).

The Oris Carl Brashear Cal. 401 (Ref. 01 401 7764 3185-Set) is limited to 2,000 pieces and retails for $4,200.

The Carl Brashear Cal. 401 Limited Edition is named for Carl Maxie Brashear (January 19, 1931 ? July 25, 2006), who enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 on February 25, 1948, shortly after the Navy had been desegregated by U.S. President Harry S. Truman. When Brashear witnessed a diving exercise off the coast of Florida, he realized that he wanted to become a Navy diver. His persistence paid off: In 1954, Brashear overcame all obstacles and successfully completed U.S. Navy diving and salvage training, becoming the first African-American to attend and graduate from the school, and the first African-American U.S. Navy diver. But, as fate would have it, more challenges laid ahead: In early 1966, while on a salvage and rescue mission, Brashear experienced a diving accident while trying to retrieve a bomb from a downed B-52 bomber. As a result of this accident, he lost a leg from the knee down, after which the Navy sought to retire Brashear from active duty. He refused to submit to the decision. Instead, he secretly returned...