What is Medgadget doing at the premier watch and jewelry show in the world? Well, mostly what everyone else is doing, gawking at all the shiny things we can’t afford. However, there were a few clearly medically related items on display, including the Oris Royal Flying Doctor Service Limited Edition Watch.
The watch is a collaboration between Oris, a Swiss watch company, and the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), the organization devoted to delivering primary care and 24-hour emergency service to those finding themselves down under. According to Martina Meier-Wiedmer, the corporate marketing coordinator at Oris who spoke with us, the designers from Oris met with some of the RFDS staff and developed a timepiece customized to the needs of the RFDS. The watch includes a pulsation scale on the dial, so clinicians can just count 30 beats of the pulse and the second hand on the watch will indicate the pulse rate. There’s also a second ring of numbers on the outside of the dial, so doctors flying through the differing time zones of the Australian outback can keep track of departure and arrival times. The mechanism is encased in water resistant (to 100 m) sapphire crystal and stainless steel, so it can be washed easily between patient contact. Notably, the anti-reflective material is on the inside of the face, so washing the watch doesn’t damage that either. Often, purchasing a watch made with the collaboration of a professional organization will come with a membership in that organization, but since the RFDS is very sincere about members only being those who fly and treat within the service, a card listing emergency numbers in Australia is provided instead. About 100 units have been sent to the RFDS and Ms. Meier-Wiedmer said they are currently entering use. Hopefully we will hear back about how they are performing in the field.
Other details:
- Self winding mechanical (10 minutes of wrist motion give 38 hrs of power)
- 2000 units will be made, available wherever Oris watches are sold.
- Ms. Meier-Wiedmer thinks the supply should last for another 6mo-1yr
- Also includes a leather wallet imprinted with the RFDS insignia.
- CHF 1,750 (~$1,850) with leather band, CHF 1,950 (~$2,070) with stainless steel band
- A portion of each sale goes to support the RFDS
Product page: Oris Royal Flying Doctor Service Limited Edition