Driving forward
Oris and MCC introduce the Father Time Limited Edition, a watch symbolising the community projects organised through the collaboration to bring Change for the Better
At Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, there’s a clock tower overlooking the pitch. Atop sits a weathervane, indicating just one of the many factors that affects decisions players make during a game of cricket.
But it’s so much more than a weathervane. It’s known as Father Time, and it’s one of the most iconic images in world cricket – and in sport. Cricket fans all over the world identify it with Lord’s and with the spirit of the game.
As a proud partner of MCC and the first Official Timekeeper of Lord’s, Oris is delighted to have created the Father Time Limited Edition, a bronze watch.
that highlights both our formal role at the club, and also Oris and MCC’s shared vision to bring Change for the Better.
MCC is the world’s most active cricket club, the owner of Lord’s and the guardian of the Laws of the game. Like Oris, the club believes passionately in working for the benefit of its communities, both local to Lord’s and abroad. Together, we’re running a diverse programme for change including educational, social and sports events for the local community. Last year, we also co-hosted an Oris Change for the Better Day, teaming up to collect polluting plastic waste from London’s streets.
We also share a commitment to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which encourage local, social and environmental action to deliver global change.
The Father Time Limited Edition celebrates the club, the game and the goals we share. Together, we can bring Change for the Better.
The call of time
At 40 mm and cast in solid bronze, the Father Time Limited Edition tells a story that began almost a century ago – and continues today.
The story of the Father Time weathervane began in the 1920s when Sir Herbert Baker, the architect of Lord’s Second Grand Stand, gifted it to the ground’s owners – Marylebone Cricket Club – to apologise for the late completion of the building project. The year was 1926.
Father Time, a cast iron figure measuring almost a metre and a half and seen stooping over cricket stumps, is a mythical character said to watch over the passage of time.
It’s thought he represents Law 12.3 of the Laws of Cricket, held by MCC, which says that “After the call of Time, the bails shall be removed from both wickets.” This signals the end of the day’s play.
What better name to attach to a limited-edition watch created to mark the continuing collaboration between Oris and MCC, parties united by a common belief in their responsibility to bring Change for the Better?
The new watch is based on our Big Crown Pointer Date, a signature design characterised by its oversized crown that has been in constant production since 1938 when it was introduced as a pilot’s watch.
Its 40 mm case, fluted bezel and crown are made of solid, naturally ageing bronze, and it comes with both a bronze articulated bracelet and a light brown leather strap made from sustainably sourced deer leather produced by our Swiss partner Cervo Volante.
The case back is stainless steel and engraved with an image of the Father Time weathervane and the limited-edition number (see page 12). The watch is limited to 1,926 pieces to mark the year Father Time was gifted to Lord’s.
Inside it is Oris Calibre 754, a Swiss Made automatic that equips the watch with its pointer date function, indicated by a central hand with a red, crescent-shaped tip.
Going into bat
Lord’s, MCC and cricket must contribute to a sustainable future, says Guy Lavender, MCC chief executive and secretary.
What makes Lord’s and MCC so special?
There’s a number of answers to this question and I believe ultimately it depends on your relationship with the Club and the Ground.
As a cricket club, our players take part in over 500 matches a year and for our non-playing members we have a whole host of member events and activities to get involved in, not least, of course, access to watch the widest range of cricket at any ground in the UK. From international matches featuring England’s men’s and women’s teams to fixtures in The Hundred, the Vitality Blast, the County Championship and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, as well as a full schedule of other matches, including several finals days for clubs, schools and universities, there’s a format for every member to enjoy.
For supporters and spectators who come to watch cricket at Lord’s, they experience the thrill and excitement of the match, being surrounded by fellow fans following the ebb and flow of the game, which is wrapped in the history and tradition that make your hair stand on end when you walk through
the gates. It’s an intriguing and somewhat fascinating place that we are very eager to open up to more people whenever we can.
What’s your vision for MCC as its CEO?
For Lord’s to be the finest cricket ground in the world, and for MCC to play its part in ensuring cricket is a game that’s open to everyone. Whether you play it, watch it, listen to it or work in it, there should be no barriers to participating in the game. Ultimately, we want everything we do to be for the good of the game and to ensure cricket is a sport future generations will love as much as they do in the present and did in the past.
How is this vision being realised?
Our vision is effectively being funnelled through many different strands of activity. Our Cricket Strategy 2022-24 contains objectives and plans focused on how we can positively impact and grow the game at all levels.
Our community work ensures those closest to us can benefit from our presence.
