From a successful turnout of over 5,000 entries, Theresa Joyce was chosen as the winner of the Oris World Cup promotion. Joyce and her husband Paul were treated to a complimentary trip during the first weekend of December 2011 to the Birds of Prey World Cup ski races in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The prize included two nights’ accommodations at the Charter Hotel, weekend lift tickets, VIP access to events such as the Savor the Slopes culinary event featuring top chefs from around the country, cocktails and a chance to socialize with prominent ski industry figures from the U.S. Ski Team. In addition, Joyce received a Oris BC3 Advanced Day Date watch.

Oris BC3 Advanced Day Date Watch

The sporty timepiece offers a range of features, including a variety of dials, black DLC plated stainless steel case, a sapphire top, automatic movement and choice of black rubber or leather strap.

“Christmas came early and Paul and I could not have been happier,” Joyce said. “We got to see some great racing, have some great food, and spend time with great people. A special thank you to MyOris!”

The Audi Birds of Prey World Cup races features a number of events, including downhill races, live entertainment, film productions, ice skating, autograph signing and more that can be enjoyed by family and friends.

During the Men’s Downhill Race, skilled racers attempt to be the fastest one down the mountain as they pass through a number of control gates. The hills usually average a 750-meter vertical drop, at the least, and racers tend to exceed speeds over 80 mph.

At The Bird’s Nest, a public tent, hungry and thirsty spectators at the races can enjoy the provided food, beverages, beer garden and live music.

Spectators can also meet and mingle with some of the members of the U.S. Ski Team and even score free autographs during the eventful weekend.

The World Cup calendar also features the Women’s Super G, a one-run event similar to that of a downhill race, but with added frequent turns to challenge the most technical of racers.

Following each event, formal awards were handed out to the victors.

In partnership with Ski Magazine, the luxury watch brand Oris provided a chance for the public to score a free Oris timepiece and weekend trip to the races.

Firstly, some of the biggest names in Hollywood have been wearing Oris watches over the years. In 2006, Oris was on the wrists of the cast of The Sopranos throughout the season.

The Sopranos

In 2002, Meg Ryan wore an Oris Big Crown Pointer Date watch for much of the hit movie, Kate and Leopold; and the year before, in Jurassic Park 3, Sam Neill wore an Oris Big Crown BC3. Oris watches can also be seen in the hit movies Random Hearts, and A Time to Kill.

Beyond Hollywood, Oris has made and impact in aviation and diving. Oris is active in supporting new aviation exploits by sponsoring and being inspired by Formula One.

In 2008, Oris was the official partner of the AT&T Williams Formula One team. Oris also partnered with a slew of aviation ambassadors, including Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajim.

In diving Oris has made a partnership with Guinness Book of World Records free diver Carlos Coste in 2006. Each watch in the collection comes with Carlos Coste’s seal of approval.

Carlos Coste.

Lastly, Oris is a cultural contributor. Oris has had a strong emotional connection with jazz ever since it sponsored the 1996 London Jazz Festival. Oris tributes some of the biggest names in jazz such as Frank Sinatra, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong.

Frank Sinatra.

Oris also has a limited edition watch under the namesake of the legendary Bob Dylan. Clearly it’s a brand worth trying!

On November 5th 2010 a world record was not only created, but an incredible human achievement was accomplished by Carlos Coste when he successfully completed a 150 meter horizontal dive in 2 minutes and 33 seconds holding his breath. The only two items that assisted this daredevil were a handheld torch that illuminated the treacherous twists and turns of this underwater world and an ‘Oris Chronograph’ divers watch that would enable him in maintaining a steady pace. The dive took place at an area known as “Dos Ojos” (two eyes) in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is one of the top three under water cave formations in the world with 28 known sinkholes. With only 50.9 miles surveyed, it continues to amaze geologists and thrill seekers alike.

Carlos Coste Freediving 'World Record' Champion

Carlos Coste has been an ardent supporter of Oris divers timepieces and has worn one during some of his other ten world records. To honor his latest achievement, the Swiss manufacturer decided to create the “Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Chronograph” that is a unique creation compared to the other watches in the Oris divers collection. It is accentuated by a number of new features that are sure to impress the few lucky individuals that will own one of the 2000 pieces manufactured. In addition to a glowing minute marker it has a triangle over the 2.5 minute mark that denotes this new “World Record” and is water resistant to 500 meters. It is encased in Titanium and includes a precision Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 along with the Oris signature ‘red rotor’ movement.

Limited Edition Carlos Coste Cenote Chronograph

Aside from sponsoring the athletic prowess of individuals, Oris is also a proponent of World Conservation Movements and partners with a number of organizations. Oris and Scuba Diving Magazine just created a program called ‘Sea Heroes’ to support and bring attention to the dedicated efforts of men and women that help protect the worlds oceans and marine sanctuaries. On December 1st 2011 they recognized Shawn Heinrichs for his shark conservation work. He was chosen among a group of “Sea Heroes” at the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) show in Orlando, Florida. He received a $5000 dollar grant and a divers chronograph from Oris to aid in his continued marine conservation efforts.

The Oris Chet Baker Limited Edition

Written by: Holly Troupe

Oris Watches’ limited edition Chet Baker watch, recently unveiled at Oris’ sponsored launch party at legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho, London, will not be immediately available, according to Oris’ Massachusetts distributor.

When contacted about the availability of the timepiece, representatives from Oris’ factory authorized U.S. sales and service provider could provide no specific details as to when the watch would be officially released. “’It may be available in a few months,’ is all I’ve been told,” the representative said.

The timepiece, of which only 1,929 will be manufactured (1929 being the year of Chet Baker’s birth), will be presented in a 40mm stainless steel case with a curved sapphire crystal. The watch face is to be a black dial with the musical bars from Baker’s trademark “My Funny Valentine” serving as hour indexes. The case back will feature Chet Baker’s engraved silhouette playing his trumpet. The display box will have mechanically driven metronome.

Oris has a history of crafting timepiece tributes to musical greats. In 1996, Oris sponsored the London Jazz Festival and went on to forge a powerful connection to the music. Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Peterson all have had their own limited editions. Oris has found that the harmonies and lilting intonations of great jazz serve as profound inspiration to the aesthetic qualities of their timepieces.

Chet Baker, born Chesney Henry Baker, Jr., had a career spanning the early 50s up to his death in 1988. He first won acclaim with Charlie Parker’s combo, which toured the western U.S. in 1951. His matinee idol looks combined with his prolific musical style won him wide spread notice from music aficionados, jazz publications and even from Hollywood studios, and he was cast in the film “Hell’s Horizon” in 1955. By the end of the 50s he had helped to popularize a new style of jazz, a sparse and melancholic style known as West Coast “Cool” Jazz.

Baker struggled with drug addiction his whole career, and even had to briefly “retire,” due to the fact that his teeth were knocked out during an attack when he was attempting to buy drugs. Near the end of his life his career was mainly in Europe, where he recorded with numerous small labels. He died in 1988, with cocaine and heroin in his system after having sustained severe head trauma. His death was ruled an accident.

Chet Baker, celebrated jazz trumpeter

Baker’s tragic life and mysterious death may have overshadowed his musical accomplishments, but Oris’ Limited Edition Chet Baker watch strives to celebrate all that Baker meant to music lovers everywhere. His contributions to the modern jazz canon are and will remain significant, and Oris’ beautiful timepiece should help to reinvigorate his musical legacy.

For those interested in the Chet Baker Limited Edition, check the Oris website for updates about the official release.

Nicholas Tse Becomes Oris Ambassador.

On October 8, 2011 Oris officially announced renowned Hong Kong singer, actor and entrepreneur Niclolas Tse as their newest ambassador. Nicholas is a huge Oris enthusiast and was specifically invited to represent the Oris Artix watch collection

Throughout his career as a singer, actor, composer, director and entrepreneur, Nicholas Tse has held himself and his work to a higher standard. Over the span of his career Nicholas demonstrated a willingness to face hard challenges head on. He has a hard work ethic, passion and self confidence. Nicholas’s high standards fit perfectly with the Oris philosophy and because of this cohesion in values Oris chose Nicholas to be their new ambassador.

Ulrich W. Herzog, Oris’s Executive Chairman stated that “With much consideration we have chosen Nicholas Tse to represent ORIS. He shares the same philosophy and values with us in sustaining the highest professional work standards throughout his career… He demonstrated his high work values when completing the TV Commercial and photo shoot. He fits our company mission perfectly: “real watches for real people”.”

Nicholas Tse responded to Herzog’s statement by explaining that “With the ORIS slogan “real watches for real people”, I

Oris Artix Watch Collection.

instantly felt the coherence with my own personality and views. Throughout the process of creating the ad campaign visuals and TV commercial, I was even further assured of this and of what a precious collaborating opportunity this would be! I look forward to a prosperous breakthrough for both ORIS and myself.”

The Oris Artix watch collection that Nicholas Tse represents displays some of the attributes listed above in their classic design and the technical aspects of each complication. Oris equipped the Artix watch collection with several unique complications, including a Moonphase, a chronograph and an automatic winding date.

Oris constructed the Artix collection from the finest materials, including stainless steel, leather and scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Each watch sports a large round dial in either black or white with luminous hour hands, sub dials, indices and calendars. The bezels and cases come in stainless steel, while the watch bands come in stainless steel or black/brown leather.

Each Oris Artix designer watch also comes equipped with a water repellant feature up to 328 feet and a power reserve with a energy storage capacity from 38 to 45 hours. These elegant men’s watches fit well with Nicholas Tse’s high standards and the Oris philosophy of “real watches for real people.”

Oris Creates The First Rectangular Chronograph

Oris, famous makers of the world’s finest mechanical watches never disappoints me. These are some serious watchmakers.  Brilliant innovation and a true dedication to excellence is what goes in to an Oris watch.  Oris produces some of the most technologically advanced timepieces, which have been methodically dreamt up and created.  The Oris Rectangular Titan Men’s Watch is one of those amazing inventions.  The Titan Rectangular is far removed from the traditional Oris style.  This happens to be the first rectangular Chronograph to be produced, not to mention the first rectangular timepiece for Oris, entirely.  After you get over the unusual shape, there’s no mistaking this for anything but an Oris watch.  The materials used in its creation are distinct and the finish is impeccable.  The case is an Oris staple, Titanium, and strong as can be.  The black dial is minimally embellished with the chronographic features and two numbers marking the 6 and 12 o’clock hours.  This Oris men’s watch is also equipped with hand made from Oris’s Superluminova material for easy nigh time reading.  This watch is also water resistant to 98 feet.  The Rectangular Titan Chronograph by Oris is just one of the marvelous men’s mechanical timepieces.  Learn more about Oris and their miraculous instruments.

This watch is substantial and heavy, made from Titanium and having a massive case of 47mm.  Since being named after the famous free diver, this watch better have a crazy depth rate, and it does…3281 feet!  This is a working watch, with a super thick sapphire crystal, measuring 4.8mm.  Its Titanium bracelet comes with an extender, in case you want to strap it on over your wetsuit.  The Carlos Conte Limited Edition is a Chronograph, unlike most diving watches, which are chronometers.  The hands and hour markers on this watch are set in a dark orange, with super-LumiNova technology, making it especially easy to read in the dark depths of the ocean.

Oris is world-renown for their Purely Mechanical timepieces.  The company prides themselves working with professional divers as well as other professional racers.  If you are a serious fan of free diving or maybe a participant yourself, Oris has the perfect watch for you.  Oris watches, and the innovation and passion for excellence that goes into creating them will never let you down.  Check out Oris, today.

To celebrate MyOris’ first birthday, Oris did two things for its members.  It first held a contest for members to win a limited edition graphic by musician, artist, and Oris ambassador Bob Dylan.  Only 295 pieces of the graphic, entitled “Still Life With Peaches,” were produced, making it a true collectors item for any Bob Dylan fan (the contest was closed on January 31^st, 2010).  Oris also announced two new languages for MyOris: Thai and simplified Chinese.  Bringing the total languages of MyOris up to 12, the addition of Thai and Chinese open up the service to millions of potential users, making the possibility of adding another 20,000 members by its second birthday a real possibility

Oris watches are truly unique in that no other brand offers anything close to the men’s watch we’re about to review: the Oris Bob Dylan Limited Edition.

“There is a story behind every Oris, a reason why it became a watch.” These are the words from those that create Oris timepieces. Inspiration for Oris watches are found in the finer things of life: good music, great voices, fast cars and the wonders of the sea. Each watch is developed in collaboration with personalities from the arenas of motor sport, diving, aviation and culture.

During the 2009 Baselworld show Oris presented its limited edition Bob Dylan watch, which was created with input from the legendary singer himself.

The case is rectaungular and made from multi-piece stainless steel. The dial features a subtle pattern and limited edition engravings are seen on the back. The caseback shows a portrait of Dylan  and his signature can be seen across the dial. Limited to just 3,000 pieces worldwide, the watch comes in a special presentation box and sits alongside a Hohner Marine Band harmonica, the instrument which Dylan plays and has given him his iconic sound.

The strap is made from black leather and comes with a stainless steel folding clasp.

The Oris watch company was founded in 1904 and has become well-known for only producing mechanical watches. Oris watches have distinctive designs and are marked by the red rotor, the symbol of Oris mechanicals. Turn over any Oris watch and you will see, through a visible case back, the workings of the watch.