William Wood Watches Recognizes Firefighting Heroism

London-based William Wood Watches is bold and clear about the mission: support and honor firefighters not only through proceeds but also the design and execution of high-quality watches. The brand has a robust online boutique featuring models like the Heat Edition (a watch that none other than Russell Crowe will be wearing in his upcoming sport action drama The Beast In Me) and Dunkirk. But today we will be focusing on two new models that, while different in aesthetic and inspiration, are inexorably united in their ambition to pay homage to firefighters in the UK, Australia, and Ukraine. Introducing the William Wood Triumph Vintage Edition and Go You Big Red Fire Engine Watch.

First up, the Triumph Vintage Edition Watch. On paper, it is a 41mm wide (49.5mm lug to lug) gold plated two-register chronograph with large pushers. It features a date window at six o’clock thanks to the Sellita SW510 chronograph movement inside, which has 48 of power reserve and an accuracy rated to +/- 12 seconds a day. Even at a glance, it is obvious that there has been a lot of attention paid to the dial of the Triumph Vintage: the champagne dial is diamond cut with applied polished gold hour markers, and the unique subdials at three and nine o’clock for running seconds and chronograph minutes are inspired by vintage pressure pump gauges from fire hose valves. The fire helmet at twelve and appropriate caseback decoration round out a watch that is classic in design and tastefully implements references to the brand’s cause. Oh, did we mention the 20mm strap is made of upcycled fire hoses and gear?

In contrast, the Go You Big Red Fire Engine Watch is a completely different type of tool watch. Don’t mistake this for your standard issue stainless steel diver, however. It has been designed in collaboration with Australian comedian Adam Hills, whose story and inspiration behind the watch’s name is enclosed with each watch in the form of a letter. The GYBRFEW (how’s that for an acronym) has a 316L case that measures 41mm wide, 15.5mm thick including the crystal, and 49mm long. The two-tone colored dial and bezel are inspired by Australian fire engines, while the distinct hour markers are reminiscent of said vehicle’s wheel lug nuts. Even the checkered pattern on the dial is an exact reproduction from the truck. These are just a few of the many design cues that William Wood and Adam Hills have included in this watch and it, like the Triumph Vintage, is paired with a special 20mm “fire hose” strap.

In an ever-increasingly crowded scene of tool watches, William Wood stands out for its mission to design and create watches that work both as daily wearables while featuring meaningful nods to firefighters around the world. Its commitment to that cause has earned it the spotlight on several occasions, including an upcoming feature in the MMA-action film The Beast In Me starring Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe. Whether it’s on the silver screen or your wrist, these watches are sure to strike a cord with anyone who has an eye for something a little different and a big heart for the heroes all around us. You can purchase these watches today online at williamwoodwatches.com or visit the William Wood booth at the upcoming Windup Watch Fair in New York City this weekend from October 17-19.