Wristwatch Journal
I’ve said it many times over the years – dive watches are a dime a dozen. Established brands and microbrands alike have already mastered the basics, so standing out in a very crowded field is certainly a challenge. William Wood has found a unique angle with The Red Watch that pays homage to the British fire service and consequently the founder’s late grandfather, William Wood himself, a 25-year fire service veteran. The London-based microbrand focuses on sustainability by upcycling old fire helmets and hoses, and it all comes together in a unique and accessible timepiece.
The brushed stainless steel case is 41mm in diameter and 16mm in height, contemporary yet manageable for daily wear, and water resistance is 100 meters. The rotating red bezel has Arabic numerals at 20, 30, 40 and 50 minutes, skipping 10 for the 15-minute scale. The 12 o’clock dot marker is filled with Super-LumiNova. The dial is covered by a double domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating and blue tint, while the exhibition case back displays either an ETA or Seiko automatic movement. The crown has machined slots to form a relaxed knurled pattern, while there’s a brass inset from a 1920’s British firefighter’s helmet. This casting is done in London’s jewellery district of Hatton Garden with an engraving of William Wood’s firefighter helmet logo.
The domed black dial is loaded with references to early 20th century British firefighting. The double-line index at 12 o’clock represents the markings on the collar of a Crew Manager. A checkered pattern spanning the outermost perimeter is identical to what was painted on the side of British fire engines. The brand’s vintage firefighter helmet logo sits at the top, while the lollipop seconds hand resembles the chime from a fire engine bell. The indices are cut-outs with an underlying layer painted with Super-LumiNova. The hour, minute and seconds hands have Super-LumiNova inserts as well. A date window sits at 3 o’clock.
There are two movement options available, an ETA 2824-2 or Seiko NH35, and this allows for two different price points. For our photos, we had the ETA version. Both are automatic and among the most proven and ubiquitous workhorses in the accessible market. The ETA 2824-2 has 25 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) with a 38-hour power reserve, while the Seiko NH35 has 24 jewels, beats at a slower 21,600vph (3Hz) with a 41-hour power reserve. Both have central hours, minutes and seconds, and a date at 3 o’clock. You’ll pay GBP 300 more for the Swiss option, but both are very reliable, shock resistant and accurate.
There are several 20mm strap options, including a brushed stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp, NATO and black rubber, but the most interesting are the up-cycled fire hose straps. These are produced from Angus Duraline British fire hose rubber and rumour has it that you can still smell the smokiness in the material. Three fire hose colour options are red, yellow and military green, and come with quick-release levers. The others have exposed spring bar ends for easy removal with a supplied tool.
The Red Watch from William Wood is limited to 250 pieces with your specific number engraved on the back. Prices start at GBP 695 for the Seiko movement and firehouse strap, and GBP 995 for the ETA movement. Four bezel and three dial colours are also available, providing a lot of customization options when ordering. All watches come with a three-year warranty and deliveries begin in August. For more information and to place an order, visit William Wood’s website.
Technical specifications – William Wood Valiant Red Watch
Case:
41mm diameter and 16mm height – 316L stainless steel (brushed) – double domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and blue tint – exhibition case back – knurled crown with brass inset – red rotating bezel with Super-LumiNova dot marker at 12 o’clock – 100m water-resistant
Dial:
black sandwich domed – cut-out indices with underlying layer painted with Super-LumiNova – hour, minute and seconds hands have Super-LumiNova inserts – seconds hand resembles chime from a fire engine bell – checkered pattern at outermost perimeter identical to painted sides of vintage British fire engines – fire helmet logo under 12 o’clock – double index at top represents markings on the collar of a Crew Manager – date window at 3 o’clock
Movement:
Two options: ETA 2824-2 – automatic – 25 jewels – 28,800vph (4Hz) – 38-hour power reserve or Seiko NH35 – automatic – 24 jewels – 21,600vph (3Hz) – 41-hour power reserve – central hours, minutes, seconds and date at 3 o’clock for both
Strap:
up-cycled Angus Duraline British fire house straps in red, yellow or military green with quick-release levers – NATO, black rubber or brushed stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp also available
Price:
GBP 695 (Seiko movement, fire hose strap)
GBP 995 (ETA movement, fire hose strap)
