With a countless array of watch announcements arriving almost daily, watch fans will likely find that it can oftentimes prove difficult to find a timepiece that genuinely evokes surprise or wonder.
Enter (or should we say exit?), the Fire Exit Watch.
William Wood Fire Exit Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
First, a little about the company behind this playful timepiece. In 2017 the company was founded and aptly named “William Wood Watches”, in honour of the founder’s late Grandfather. Committed to combining firefighting with horology, Jonny Garrett (CEO) aimed to make watches that would appropriately honour his grandfather who served for 25 years in the British Fire Service and who was awarded with a Certificate of Merit for his courage and bravery. The company have since worked tirelessly to create beautifully crafted British watches that brim with proud family heritage, allowing the impact and legacy of William Wood to live on.
The creations of William Wood Watches are a heartfelt tribute, not only to the CEO’s grandfather, but to all firefighters past and present. In honour of these everyday heroes, each watch carefully crafted by the brand is made from upcycled firefighting materials. Most notably, a Merryweather Brass Firefighter’s Helmet (worn by firefighters in Britain in the 1920s) is melted down and used in the production of each one of the companies’ creations.
William Wood Fire Exit Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
The same Merryweather helmet proudly decorates the watch dials and crowns of each timepiece created by William Wood Watches, to signify the heroism and bravery possessed by firefighters internationally.
Crafted in the spirit of fusing creativity, innovation, and fun, whilst most importantly paying well-earned respect to heroes past and present, the latest release from the brand has an undeniable amount of character. The Fire Exit Watch takes its inspiration from the universally recognizable fire exit sign that is visible in most buildings, offices, and methods of transport worldwide.
William Wood Fire Exit Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
To add to the surprise element of this delightful timepiece, the ‘fire exit sign man’ has been cleverly brought to life, meaning watch fans can revel in the relatability of the little figure as he takes centre stage throughout the design. Portrayed carrying out seven dynamic actions on the creatively enhanced day wheel in the centre of the dial, the little green man tells a new story with each glance at your wrist. On Monday he’s late for work, Tuesday working hard, Wednesday commuting, Thursday exercising, by Friday he’s celebrating the weekend, partying on Saturday and, naturally, having a well-earned rest on Sunday.
William Wood Fire Exit Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
C1 grade Super-LumiNova has been applied generously to each day of the week, the indices and hands, bezel, caseback and even the fire exit arrow buckle, allowing the wearer to be ‘guided to the nearest exit’ day or night.
William Wood Fire Exit Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
In another dynamic and well-thought-out touch, the caseback features a captivating, spinning disc that illustrates the fire exit sign man briskly escaping a fiery scene. As the disc spins, the passage of time is symbolized and so is the brand’s commitment to paying homage to the heroic work of firefighters.
William Wood Fire Exit Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
Repurposing materials in an environmentally conscious manner is imperative to the brand’s values but also adds a distinguishing aesthetic touch to their timepieces. The straps have been cleverly crafted from upcycled British racing green fire hose and with each cut of fire hose being completely unique, every owner is sure to receive an inimitable timepiece with its own texture and patina.
William Wood Fire Exit Watch. Credit: William Wood Watches.
The Fire Exit Watch will be released on a limited-edition run of only 300 pieces. Priced at £1,495, this timepiece reflects William Wood Watches’ commitment to honouring their heritage with creation’s as functional as they are fun.
