Despite the travel chaos, many of us are probably still thinking about jetting off abroad this summer. However, it’s easy to take for granted the incredible power of flight and the opportunities it provides across the world. One charity harnessing this technology for good is Wings of Hope, a 60-year-old aeronautical humanitarian organisation that has led the way in using aviation to bring medical support to remote places in more than 50 countries. 

‘A big part of our services involves transporting patients to receive medical care not available in their communities,’ explains Wings of Hope president and CEO Bret Heinrich. ‘We also conduct medical brigades, which involves bringing the care to the communities. For example, in Colombia we work with the Colombian Civil Air Patrol to fly medical equipment and volunteer surgeons to very rustic hospitals they transform into surgical theatres.’

It’s the perfect partner for Oris, itself a brand that has a long heritage tied to the skies. The two have come together as part of the watchmaker’s philanthropic activity that sees the release of two special limited-edition watches in support of the cause. 

Naturally these are based on its Big Crown pilot’s watch, with a vintage-inspired look completed by the deer leather straps, made with sustainable producer Cervo Volante. Meanwhile, both come powered by the Calibre 401, offering top performance both on land and in the air, with a 120-hour power reserve. A 40mm stainless-steel version is available in a limited edition of 1,000, while the dressier 38mm yellow-gold version is available in just 100 pieces. 

oris.ch