The Oris Father Time Big Crown Limited Edition Cricket Watch
Thursday - 18 January 2024
On the top of the clocktower at Marleybone Cricket Club is a very iconic weathervane. A symbol that captures the spirit of cricket. Perched at the top of the tower, the Father Time weathervane was gifted to MCC by Sir Herbert Baker, an architect who designed the second Grand Stand in 1926. More than just a wind director, the iconic figure resonates with fans across the globe. It has also served as the inspiration behind Oris’ new Big Crown Pointer Date watch.
For the first time in the history of Marleybone Cricket Club’s success, the club appointed an official timekeeper in 2022. The watchmaker of choice was no other than Oris – a manufacturer synonymous with ocean conservation, a very famous red rotor design and, of course, the world of tennis. This alliance sparked a three-year partnership between the two and a watch collaboration made from bronze.
The Mythical Figure of Time
The Father Time watch by Oris is christened this name in honour of the iconic weathervane, overlooking Lord’s Cricket Ground. The limited edition design has been released in a series of 1,926 pieces, commemorating the year that it was gifted to the club. The mythical figure overlooks the passage of time in its life-size state cast from iron. The cloaked, bearded man holds a golden scythe over his shoulder as he removes bails from the wicket. The figure is often considered a significant reference to Law 12.3 of the Laws of Cricket, which signals the end of the match. It reads; “After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets”.
Now, since Oris has become an official timekeeper for the club, the brand’s logo can sit alongside the weathervane. The new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Father Time Limited Edition watch is released just before the cricket season gears up once more.
The New Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Father Time Limited Edition watch
The new Father Time watch in bronze by Oris belongs to the Big Crown Pointer Date watch collection that was first launched back in 1938. Initially designed for pilots, its design is characterised by an oversized crown at 3 o’clock. The idea of the design was to make the crown easily accessible under the fingertips of pilots wearing warm gear in the cockpit. Its red-tipped hand would highlight the date, indicated around the edge of the dial. The Big Crown Pointer Date is an important watch for another reason too, however. Back during the time of the quartz period in the 1970s, it was the brand’s only mechanical timepiece that kept the manufacturer afloat.
The first bronze version of the Big Crown Pointer Date was released back in 2019. Known for its vintage allure, bronze has long been the material of choice for those looking to enjoy a touch of retro charm. Then, in 2022, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date in bronze returned, this time with a full bronze bracelet. Similar to that model, the new Father Time Big Crown Pointer Date also features a bronze bracelet. In addition to this, you get to enjoy a brown leather band made from deer leather. You can easily swap the bands over depending on the occasion.
The new Oris Big Crown Pointer Father Time Limited Edition watch measures a diameter of 40mm. The special bronze alloy patinates over time, forming a character and personality of its own – yet another reason why bronze watches are such a popular choice. To prevent any discolouration of the skin, Oris experts have chosen to craft the back of the case from stainless steel. Behind this caseback is the Calibre 754, based on the Sellita SW200-1. Equipped with a 38-hour power reserve, it’s a pretty easy-to-maintain engine and has been modified with a red biridrectional rotor from Oris. The steel caseback has also been engraved with a decoration depicting the Father Time weathervane from which the watch takes its inspiration.
Other features of the new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Father Time Limited Edition watch include a 50-meter water resistance and a distinctive coin-edged bezel. The dial of this watch is protected by a domed sapphire crystal glass front where crisp black Arabic numerals can easily be read. The legible dial also features the familiar red pointer date hand, a date ring around the edge of the dial and gold cathedral-shaped hands. These elements are textbook old-school features of the original pilot’s watch style. The layout of the dial alone is true to the patented A. Hammerly design from 1915. The white dial is also home to light green minute markers and beige Super-LumiNova-treated hands.
All in all, the new Father Time watch by Oris is a 2024 collectable that will appeal to cricket fans and dedicated followers of the Big Crown Pointer Date watch. The articulated links of the bronze bracelet are a nice touch. Yet, if the occasion calls for something more relaxed, you can swap it over with the stylish Cervo Volante strap and pin buckle option without a fuss.
If you’d like more information on this new limited edition Oris Big Crown Pointer Date watch, why not head over to our online store and check out the spec details on the watch here? Alternatively, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 or email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk
