Though it doesn’t get much attention on U.S. shores, cricket is unequivocally one of the world’s most popular sports — being the second most-watched on the planet, trumped only by soccer. So, it didn’t come as a huge surprise when Swiss watchmaker Oris announced that it had linked up with the Marylebone Cricket Club last year, becoming the London-based squad’s official timing sponsor. To celebrate this partnership, the Hölstein horological outfit has now revealed a special run of cricket-themed bronze-cased timepieces christened the Oris Father Time Limited Edition Watch.
Based on Oris’ Big Crown Pointer Date, the Father Time Limited Edition Watch pays homage to the Marylebone Cricket Club’s stadium and headquarters, the Lord’s Cricket Ground London — also known as “The Home of Cricket.” Crafted around a 40mm bronze case, the timepiece more specifically honors the iconic Father Time weathervane at the stadium — a 2D cast iron statue that was donated to the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1926 by architect Sir Herbert Baker as an unofficial apology for finishing the stadium’s Second Grand Stand at Lord later than planned.
The watch ships with both an articulated solid bronze bracelet matching the case, as well as a sustainably-sourced deer leather strap made by Oris’ Swiss partner Cervo Volante. At the heart of the Father Time Limited Edition is Oris’ own Calibre 754 moment — a Swiss-made 26-jewel SW 200-1-based automatic item with a 38-power reserve. This movement powers the watch, while also regulating its signature pointer date function — a red-tipped fourth hand that displays the date by pointing to one of 31 days lining the perimeter of the vintage inspired watch’s dial.
Limited to only 1,926 units worldwide — a nod to the year that the Father Time weathervane was donated to the club — the Oris Father Time Limited Edition Watch is available now with pricing set at $3,100.
