Oris have released a new collaborative timepiece alongside their partner Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to celebrate the prestigious ground at Lord’s. Specifically, it’s inspired by the Father Time weathervane that is an iconic fixture of the ground, which is why the watch is called the Oris Father Time Limited Edition. It’s a stylish bronze Big Crown Pointer Date with a commemorative caseback.
Off the bat (for once an appropriate expression even if it originates from baseball rather than cricket), the Father Time Limited Edition is a watch that works because of how understated and classy it is. The 40mm bronze case with fluted bezel is refined without being dressy. Also, the fact that it’s made from bronze means it will develop a patina over time and begin to look weathered, which feels appropriate for a watch dedicated to Father Time.
The Father Time weather vane at Lord’s dates back to 1926, when it was gifted to the club as an apology for the late completion of the Second Grand Stand. It’s a cast iron figure measuring 1.5m in height, depicting Father Time stooped over some cricket stumps. The legend behind the piece is that it’s a reference to Law 12.3 of the Laws of Cricket, which states “After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets.” The rule which marks the end of play for the day.
You can see the mythical figure himself depicted on the stainless steel caseback along with the limited edition number out of 1926. Steel casebacks are actually an important quality of life aspect for full bronze timepieces because bronze can stain your skin after prolonged contact. I like that the collaborative, commemorative aspect of the limited edition is reserved for the rear of the piece because it allows the dial to be clean and stylish. Which it is, presented in white with black numerals and bronze hands.
Powering the Oris Father Time is the Oris 754 automatic calibre, based on the ETA 2824 with a 38-hour power reserve. It’s a work horse movement and nothing crazy, especially in comparison to other offerings like the in-house Calibre 400, but it gets the job done. It’s equipped with hours, minutes, seconds and pointer date complications.
It’s priced at £2,700 in a limited edition of 1926 pieces. Ultimately, I think this is a very safe collaboration timepiece. Perhaps a little bit too safe if truth be told. It is a nice rendition of the Big Crown Pointer Date but it’s little more than that. I doubt we’ll still be talking about this one in a year’s time, unlike the Oris ProPilot X Kermit, which for better or worse is a highly memorable watch.
Price and Specs:
Model:
Oris
Father Time Limited Edition
Ref:
01
754 7741 3161
Case:
40mm
diameter, bronze
Dial:
White
Water resistance:
50m
(5 bar)
Movement:
Oris
calibre 754, automatic, 26 jewels
Frequency:
28,800
vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve:
38h
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, date
Strap:
light
brown Cervo Volante deer leather with additional bronze bracelet with folding clasp
Price:
£2,700,
limited to 1,926 pieces
More details at Oris.
Oracle Time