What's going on with these William Wood Fire Watches?

Coming this September 2024, William Wood London will be releasing their Fire Exit Watch. They are now available to pre-order and I'm putting this one right up there on my wish list. 

The SW220 movement displays the fire exit sign man carrying out a different action for all seven days of the week, and the bezel and glass dial is finished in the exact green of a fire exit sign. I'm a fan of narrative. I love telling stories about the garments and accessories I wear. It's a conversation stimulator and I love having something unique to tell people. When William Wood released the Fire Extinguisher watches last October 2023, I was enamoured with the novelty of the designs. They looked like they had literally been pulled from the ruins of a burning building. 

I agree with Michael Sonsino of the Oracle Time who wrote, 'For William Wood they’re pretty out there and daring designs, which I think is something to be celebrated.' The minute I saw that bent second hand, with the melted dial face, I knew these guys were trying something that would naturally draw the eye. 

With the new Fire Exit Watch they have gone one step further by making the straps made from decommissioned British racing green fire hose. It has echoes of the Freitag bags that make their carry straps from seat belts, and fashion their designed arounds up-cycled haulage canvas. I used to own before it got destroyed on an airport conveyer belt flying back from the States. 

Aesthetics wise I'm still putting the Dunkirk watch top of my list. There is something retro, and instantly desirable about that watch. The Telegraph Dial a one-of-a-kind dial in bronze, black, and red was inspired by the unique twin telegraphs of the Massey Shaw, which are used to operate both the fire pumps and the main engines of the ship. Moreover it just looks f**king cool. 

The Fire Exit watch is beautifully presented in their genuine luxury fire exit sign case that can hold up to 3 watches. Pre-order now for deliver in September 2024. (£1495).

About William Wood 

The William Wood Watch Company founded by the firefighters grandson, Jonny Garret, traces its inspiration back to the founders grandfather a decorated firefighter in the NE of England who served as a firefighter 25 years. If anyone from the brand would like me to come and interview the founder in person or take a trip to their production facilities please do get in touch.