As the UK cricket season gears up, Oris unveils a new collaboration with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), introducing the Father Time Limited Edition. This watch encapsulates the essence of community projects initiated through their joint initiative, "Change for Better."
Oris Father Time Limited Edition - Credit WatchGecko
Nestled above the iconic Lords Cricket Ground clock tower is a weathervane, a symbol synonymous with Lords and the MCC. At its pinnacle stands the revered figure of Father Time, a cast iron embodiment nearly one-and-a-half metres tall, bowing over cricket stumps and mythically overseeing the passage of time. This mythical character holds global significance, intimately connected with Lords and the spirit of cricket.
“A game for everyone, the MCC is using cricket’s global fanbase to drive positive change”
In a historic move last year, the MCC selected Oris as their inaugural official timekeeper after 326 years. Now, with the release of this exquisite bronze watch, the collaboration is immortalised.
The design draws inspiration from the timeless Big Crown Pointer Date, known for its oversized crown, a feature in continuous production since 1938. Crafted with a 40mm case, fluted coin bezel, and crown, all hewn from solid, naturally ageing bronze, the watch exudes a classic yet contemporary appeal. The package includes a bronze articulated bracelet and a light brown leather strap, crafted from sustainably sourced deer leather by Oris's Swiss partner, Cervo Volante. The stainless-steel case back features an engraving of the Father Time weathervane, along with the limited-edition number, signifying the watch's exclusivity to 1,926 pieces, a tribute to the year Father Time graced Lords. Powering the watch is the Oris Calibre 754, a Swiss-made automatic movement with the signature pointer date function, distinguished by a central hand with a red, crescent-shaped tip.
Oris Father Time Limited Edition - Credit WatchGecko
Beyond its historical significance, the watch is aesthetically captivating. The warm bronze tone paired with the crisp white dial creates a visually appealing contrast. The double-domed sapphire crystal, adorned with an anti-reflective coating on the inner side, adds a touch of sophistication. The distinctive coin-edge bezel, a rarity nowadays, enhances the overall design. The legible dial, featuring a unique font on the Pointer Date, stands out, especially with the curved numeral 4—a distinctive touch. The outer date track ensures easy readability without cluttering the dial with a date window.
The Father Time Limited Edition comes in an elegantly designed box, adorned with the Father Time logo and includes a strap change tool for effortless customisation between the supplied bracelet and leather options. Priced at just under £2800, this timepiece offers excellent value for those seeking a blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and distinctive design.
Oris Father Time Limited Edition - Credit WatchGecko
I find this watch particularly appealing, starting with its captivating finish. The prospect of a natural patina over time, resulting in a richer bronze tone, enhances its overall aesthetic. The striking interplay between the bronze and the white dial, complemented by the red date pointer reminiscent of a cricket ball, adds a charming touch to this timepiece. Having spent numerous afternoons at Lords, witnessing cricket matches in various weather conditions, this watch, much like timepieces in general, evokes a sense of belonging to something greater. The fusion of my love for the game and the essence of this watch makes it especially attractive to cricket enthusiasts. With its limited availability, it's evident that these watches won't stay on the shelves for long. Kudos to both the MCC and Oris for this fantastic collaboration.
- Case - Multi-piece bronze case
- Size - 40.00 mm (1.575 inches)
- Dial White - Luminous material Indices, numbers and hands with Super-LumiNova®
- Top glass - Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
- Case back - Stainless steel, screwed, Father Time Logo and Edition number
- Operating devices - Bronze screw-in security crown
- Bracelet/strap - Multi-piece bronze bracelet with folding clasp, also supplied with light brown Cervo Volante leather strap made of sustainably sourced deer leather with bronze buckle and strap change tool
- Water resistance - 5 bar
- Movement - Oris 754
- Functions - Centre hands for hours,minutes and seconds, date centre hand, instantaneous date, date corrector, fine timing device and stop-second
- Winding Automatic winding, bi-directionally rotating Red Rotor
- Power reserve - 38 hours
- Limited Edition - 1,926 numbered pieces.
- Each watch is delivered in a special presentation box decorated with the Father Time logo
- Swiss retail price CHF 2’950
- Available January 2024
