Feeling the Need for Speed? Push the Pedal to the Metal in a Free Oris. The watch will be on display at Baselworld 2012, where the winner will be presented the watch.

Oris launched a Photo Contest on its Facebook page inviting contestants to share photos wearing an Oris watch dedicated to the world of motor sports. Everyone grab your cameras, cell phones, video cams and get ready, set, snap and go!

Oris wants real people wearing their real watches capturing the spirit of motor sports. The contest has been dedicated to aficionados that are passionate about culture, diving, aviation and motor sports; and what better way and great timing for Oris to launch a contest with the approach of both Baselworld and the FIA Formula World Championship.

Oris definitely has the right formula both on and off the track these days. Its photo contest is perfectly timed with the winning contestant receiving an Oris watch at Baselworld 2012 exhibition in Switzerland, which will commence March 8 to 15; and Oris’ announcement on February 24 that it renewed its partnership with Williams F1 Team (Sir Frank Williams, Team Principal) just prior to the start of the FIA Formula One World Championship. These events are definitely on Oris’ speed circuit of upward mobility. Suffice it to say the heat of competition is in the air and Oris has started its engines and continues to bring the ‘vroom vroom factor’ with its watch collection.

Oris Big Crown Date watch is a member of the Aviation collection. This timepiece takes off and lands on Oris’ runway of refinement. Its features boast clean lines and an almost steel grey metallic appearance leather wrist strap. It does have automatic winding date with date window at 3 o’clock, stainless steel grey PVD plated case and case back. It also has an impressive 38 hour power reserve. This timepiece is arriving on time and is coming in for a landing for all gents into aviator watches.

Oris Aquis Maldives Limited Edition watch is a member of the Diving collection. This timepiece plunges into depths of the deep mystic blue ocean. This weathering depths model has titanium case with blue ceramic minutes scale top ring. It has luminous indices and hands (dark orange) and is water resistant up to 30 bars. It is available in a black rubber strap or titanium metal bracelet. It is a limited edition, 2000 pieces, so dive in a get it now before it’s too late.

Oris WilliamsF1 Team Day-Date watch is a member of the Motor Sport Collection. This timepiece was engineered for speed with its 44 mm chassis and its Oris red or Williams blue ‘go-faster’ stripe which makes it necessary to strap-on and strap-in to feel the need for speed trackside fantasy. It has a sporty black PVD plated stainless steel case with flexible lugs. It also sports a dramatic black dial with black rubber strap and black PVD plated stainless steel folding clasp. It’s not a 2012 model, but it does bring the ‘vroom vroom factor’ so strap it on with care.

Oris has been making watches for over 100 years in Switzerland, which are distinctive for their mechanical movement and red rotor. Oris is proud of its timepiece designs and in keeping with its moto Oris is committed to manufacturing “Real Watches for Real People.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Oris photo contest should go to Oris’ Facebook page to enter and submit photos; friends, family and followers can vote on photo submissions. The contest is dedicated to aficionados passionate about culture, diving, aviation and motor sports. Details for the contest are also available on Oris’ Facebook page. The contest launched today, March 1, 2012 and closes on April 6, 2012.

Dial view of the Oris BC4 Retrograde Day watch

Oris, established in 1904, is a Swiss watchmaking company that has led the watchmaking industry with their precision timepieces. In fact, in 1968, Oris received the Observatoire Astronomique et Chronometrique. This is the award to a company for full chronometer certification which is the top honor in watch accuracy. Quite an accomplishment.

The Oris brand has a couple of distinctions that set it apart from other watches:

1. All watches are equipped with a trademarked red rotor that represents the “heartbeat” of the watch (visible from the backside window case).
2. All watches are strictly mechanical and operate without the use of batteries.

While Oris watches come in styles with the theme of aviation, motor sports, diving and culture, the BC4 Retrograde Day falls under the aviation theme. Its housing is a stainless steel BC4 case with a black dial which features a miniature rectangular day display below the middle of the dial. A small white triangle marks the day during the work week and then turns red for Saturday and Sunday positions. It is a rugged, handsome retro watch that comes in either a stitched black leather Gaucho strap or a stainless steel metal-pieced bracelet. The top glass is sapphire that is domed on both sides with anti-reflective coating on the inside. The superluminova numbers are very easy to read and view.

Oris has an impeccable reputation. Just ask any of the celebrities who wear the brand or has a sponsor relationship:

• Roman Frischknecht (pro diver and Oris ambassador)
• Carlos Coste (pro diver)
• Don Vito Wypraechtiger (aerobatic pilot)
• Nico Rosberg (Formula One racecar driver)
• Keanu Reeves
• Meg Ryan

Oris has also maintained a solid connection with the musical world of Jazz. In 1996, it sponsored the London Jazz Festival. Since then, the brand commemorates a jazz artist every year, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis, in a limited edition watch.

The BC4 Retrograde Day watch simply oozes perfection with its design and precision detail. It is designed to be seen and worn with comfort. Oris has certainly proved its reputation that timeless quality and elegance can be produced in each watch. The Oris BC4 Retrograde Day watch is a timepiece that has a classic quality that will endure.

Back with Carlos Coste's logo

As a record-breaking, award-winning free-diver, Carlos Coste’s world of extremes smoothly melds with Swiss luxury watch brand Oris and its purely mechanical timepieces. As an official partner of the brand, Coste’s image has already been glorified with the production and sales of the Carlos Coste Chronography Limited Edition watch, the perfect model to accompany the professional diver. After Coste went on to set a Guiness world record in 2010 for finishing a 150 meter dive without a breathing apparatus, Oris sought to further honor the Venezuelan with the Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series watch.

Diving 150 meters into the 31 mile long cenote (natural cave network) under Yucatan, Mexico, Coste was only armed with one giant flipper on both feet and a single torch when he set yet another of many world records. In October 2003, Coste had been the first person to ever undergo free immersion (to descend underwater with only a rope) past 100 meters, followed by achievements in Constant Weight and Variable Weight. Not only did the Venezuelan National Sports Institute recognize these accomplishments, but his native country even granted Coste the prestigious Order of José Félix Ribas award by order of the president.

The Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series model particularly stands out in the Oris Diver’s collection, much like Coste does in his field. The model comes in a multi-piece, high grade titanium case and a helium release valve, with a water resistance of 500 meters and an automatically winding chronograph with the ETA 5570 movement. A triangle at the seven and a half minute mark emphasizes Coste’s record for holding his breath, and an automatic helium valve rests at the 9 o’clock position. Adorned with 25 jewels on the 46 mm diameter black dial, the watch exhibits a power reserve of 42 hours and a sapphire top glass.

A “1-10″ mark illuminates the minute dial of the chronograph, and yet another triangle can be seen at the two and a half minute mark to represent Coste’s Guinness record. The luminous material on the indices and watch hands are made of Superluminova, which provides maximum visibility under low light. The case back image of this special model continues to revere Coste’s legacy with his personal logo and displays the limitation number as well. The limited edition piece came in a series of only 2000 models and was sold at the price of $4350.

Carlos Coste wearing an Oris watch

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.