Christopher Ward, in collaboration with Everton Football Club, introduces a heartfelt homage to a place many call home: Goodison Park. As Everton prepares for its transition to a new stadium,
Christopher Ward has masterfully created "The Goodison" watch, a tangible piece of history that encapsulates the spirit and legacy of "The Grand Old Lady." This isn't just a timepiece; it's a vessel of memories, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the hallowed ground it represents. The watch serves as a bridge between the past and the future, honoring the traditions and moments that have defined Goodison Park.
The creation of The Goodison watch is a testament to the deep connection between the watchmaker and the football club. Mike France, CEO and co-founder of Christopher Ward, shares a personal bond with Goodison Park, having first visited the stadium at the tender age of three. His story is a familiar one among Evertonians, echoing the sentiments of generations who have found joy, heartbreak, and a sense of belonging within the walls of Goodison. This personal connection is woven into the very fabric of the watch, making it a poignant tribute to a place that holds countless cherished memories. The decision to incorporate a piece of Goodison Park itself into the watch elevates it beyond a mere commemorative item, transforming it into a relic of profound significance.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The Goodison watch is a limited edition offering, with only 1,892 pieces available, symbolizing the year Goodison Park was established. Each watch features a backplate crafted from a melted-down turnstile dating back to the 1930s, an actual piece of the stadium's physical history. This unique element connects the wearer directly to the countless fans who have passed through those turnstiles, sharing in the collective experience of match days at Goodison. The embossed diagram of the stadium on the backplate further enhances this connection, providing a visual reminder of the iconic venue. The design is a thoughtful and meaningful way to preserve a tangible part of Goodison Park's legacy.
The Goodison watch is notable for its precision and reliability. It houses a thermo-compensated quartz movement, the ETA G10.212 AD COSC, ensuring accuracy to within +/- 10 seconds per year. This level of precision places the watch among the most reliable timekeeping instruments available, a testament to Christopher Ward's commitment to quality. The chronograph functionality, with its range of stopwatch options, adds a practical dimension to the watch, making it suitable for everyday use as well as a collector's item. The movement’s frequency of 32,768 Hz and 38 months of power reserve complete the technical side of things. The technical specifications reflect a dedication to performance that mirrors the dedication of the players on the pitch.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The aesthetic design of The Goodison watch is steeped in Evertonian lore. The watch's face is rendered in the club's signature royal blue, a color that instantly evokes the image of the team's jerseys. The contrasting yellow of the stopwatch seconds hand, reminiscent of the club's away strip, adds a vibrant touch, while the different finishes between the subdials and the main dial create visual depth. The hands of the watch, filled with SuperLuminova C1 BL Grade X1 lume, provide excellent legibility in low-light conditions, a practical feature that also adds to the watch's visual appeal, and the hands of the watch pay tribute to the Littlewoods clock, which stood as a ticking witness to decades of memories
A subtle yet significant detail is the incorporation of Archibald Leitch's architectural design. The criss-cross pattern, characteristic of the Gwladys Street/Bullens Road balcony, is subtly etched onto the inside track of the dial. This nod to Leitch, the architect responsible for designing not only Goodison Park but also a number of other iconic British stadiums, adds a layer of historical significance to the watch. It's a detail that keen-eyed enthusiasts will appreciate, recognizing the tribute to the man who shaped the landscape of British football architecture. The detail connects the watch to a broader history, linking it to the legacy of stadium design in the UK.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The Goodison's case is a study in understated sophistication. Crafted from stainless steel, it measures 39mm in diameter, a versatile size that suits a wide range of wrist sizes. The case height is 12.3mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 45.8mm, contributing to a comfortable and well-proportioned fit on the wrist. The flat-top sapphire crystal provides excellent scratch resistance and clarity, ensuring that the dial remains easily readable. The screw-down crown and caseback contribute to the watch's impressive water resistance of 15ATM (150 meters), making it suitable for a variety of activities, from swimming at the beach.
Each Goodison watch comes with a special strap made from an authentic Everton team shirt, a unique feature that adds a personal touch to the timepiece. The first 100 orders will receive a strap made from a match-worn shirt from the 2024/2025 season, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and collectibility. These straps, produced by Liverpool-based strap maker Zulu Alpha, are backed with leather for comfort and durability. This thoughtful inclusion connects the wearer directly to the players and the action on the pitch, making the watch feel even more personal and meaningful. This collaboration with a local craftsman adds a touch of regional pride and supports the local economy.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The partnership between Christopher Ward and Everton Football Club extends beyond this commemorative watch. As Everton's Official Global Timing Partner, Christopher Ward will play a significant role in the club's future, particularly with the move to the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the 2025/26 season. The CW brand will be integrated into the "Dock On 1" hospitality space, which will feature a "world-first" watch showroom within a football stadium. This long-term partnership underscores the shared values and commitment of both organizations.
Beyond the commercial aspects, the collaboration between Christopher Ward and Everton also has a philanthropic dimension. Through Christopher Ward's "2% for GOOD" initiative, 2% of all sales from The Goodison watch will be donated to Everton in the Community, the club's charitable arm. This contribution will support the organization's efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of people across Merseyside, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility. This initiative connects the watch to a broader purpose, aligning it with the values of community and social responsibility.
Courtesy of Christopher Ward
The Goodison watch is available for pre-order starting March 19th. Given the limited production run of 1,892 pieces and the unique features of the watch, it is expected to be a highly sought-after item among Everton fans and watch collectors alike. The pricing starts at £595 for the watch on a leather strap, and from £750 on a bracelet, with all orders including the complimentary team shirt strap. This pricing positions the watch as an accessible luxury, reflecting the quality of its craftsmanship and the unique historical significance it carries. The opportunity to own a piece of Goodison Park history, embodied in such a meticulously crafted timepiece, is a compelling proposition for those connected to the club and its legacy.
Case: 39mm diameter, stainless steel. 12.3mm height, 45.8mm lug-to-lug. Flat-top sapphire crystal. Screw-down crown. Screw-down display caseback. Water resistant to 15ATM (150 meters).
Movement: ETA G10.212 AD COSC. Thermo-compensated quartz movement. Accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per year. 4 jewels. 38-month power reserve. Vibrations of 32,768 Hz.
Dial: Royal blue with contrast stopwatch seconds hand in 'away-strip yellow.' Different finishes between subdials and dial. Lume-filled hands (SuperLuminova C1 BL Grade X1). Criss-cross pattern on the inside track of the dial, inspired by Archibald Leitch's architecture.
Strap: Royal blue strap made from an authentic Everton team shirt, backed with leather. Additional free strap made from a team shirt, with the first 100 orders receiving a strap from a match-worn shirt. Produced by Zulu Alpha.
Price: Starting from £595 on a leather strap, and from £750 on a bracelet.
Notes: Limited edition of 1,892 pieces. Backplate crafted from a melted-down Goodison Park turnstile from the 1930s, embossed with a stadium diagram.