Swiss watchmaker Oris cemented its reputation as a passionate supporter of the music industry by sponsoring radio station Jazz FM’s International Jazz Artist of the Year Award for 2017.
The prestigious awards were held this week at London’s Shoreditch Town Hall in a celebration of the musical worlds of jazz, blues and soul.
As a brand, Oris has historically promoted jazz music designing a number of limited edition jazz-inspired watches. This year, Oris released its latest limited design dedicated to 20th century jazz musician, Dexter Gordon.
Donny McCaslin, winner of the International Jazz Artist award sponsored by Oris, was presented with a Dexter Gordon timepiece from Paul Thurlow, Oris head of marketing & sales UK.
The edition features key elements that reference Gordon, such as the 12 o’clock index which is shaped like a saxophone reed, in addition his name is engraved around the dial. The central seconds hand is brass-coloured like a saxophone and has an extended counterbalance in reference to his nickname, ‘Long Tall Dex’ which is also engraved on the watch’s case back.
Laura Mvula, winner of the Soul Artist of the Year Award was presented with a Oris Ladies Sketeton Artelier with diamonds.
A glittering array of UK and international talent turned out to celebrate the very best of jazz, blues, soul and beyond, including Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, Van Morrison, Georgie Fame, Gilles Peterson, Adrian Lester, Will Young, Maxi Jazz, The Brand New Heavies, Courtney Pine and more, gathered at a ceremony hosted by Jazz FM presenter Jez Nelson.
