The William Wood Extinguisher Watch (£995) is not your typical dive watch. It’s a timepiece with a story, a narrative woven into its very construction, and a clear homage to the bravery and dedication of firefighters. This isn’t just a watch; it’s a conversation starter, a piece of history on your wrist.
The most striking element of the Extinguisher Watch is undoubtedly its dial. Finished in varying shades of pearlescent white, it’s designed to evoke the image of fire extinguisher foam, creating a unique textured surface that plays with light and shadow. The effect is remarkably realistic, giving the impression that the dial itself has been through the heat of the moment. Adding to this distinctive aesthetic, the hour and minute hands are shaped like the handles found on fire extinguisher bottles, while the seconds hand mimics the nozzle. It’s a clever and subtle detail that reinforces the watch’s theme.
The 41mm stainless steel case, with its brushed sides and lugs, provides a robust and classic foundation. The unidirectional aluminium bezel features silver markers, adding to the watch’s functional dive watch credentials. A double-domed sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating and a subtle blue tint (a nod to William Wood’s “Blue Watch” shift pattern), protects the unique dial. The 49mm lug-to-lug measurement ensures a comfortable fit on most wrists.
Powering the Extinguisher is the reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement, a true workhorse of the watch industry. This movement offers a 41-hour power reserve, 24 jewels, and a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour, ensuring accurate and dependable timekeeping.
But perhaps the most compelling detail is the crown. Embedded within it is brass salvaged from a 100-year-old British firefighter’s helmet from the 1920s. This small but significant touch connects the watch to a tangible piece of history, a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of firefighters past.
The Extinguisher is presented on straps made from upcycled fire hose, further solidifying the watch’s connection to firefighting heritage.
These straps, fitted with quick-release levers for easy changes, add a unique tactile element to the watch. The watch is presented in a genuine Italian leather travel roll inspired by fire hoses, capable of holding up to three watches. With 100m of water resistance and a 3-year international warranty, the William Wood Extinguisher is more than just a stylish timepiece; it’s a tribute, a conversation piece, and a reminder of the bravery of those who run towards danger when others run away. Sources and related content
