William Wood Fire Exit US Version

William Wood Watches, a brand synonymous with resilience, bravery, and a deep-rooted connection to the firefighting community, has once again captured the attention of watch enthusiasts and collectors with its latest creation: the Fire Exit US Version. This is a one-of-a-kind piece unique watch, crafted not just as a horological masterpiece, but as a heartfelt tribute to the firefighters and residents of Los Angeles who were impacted by the devastating wildfires of 2025. This watch stands as a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to honoring the heroism of firefighters worldwide. The brand was named after the founder's late grandfather, William Wood, who served in the British Fire Service for over 25 years. He won commendations for his acts of bravery. William Wood Watches was established as a way to carry on his legacy, creating luxury timepieces that incorporate upcycled firefighting materials and draw inspiration from the courage and dedication of firefighters.



The Fire Exit US Version is a horological marvel, but beyond its technical specifications, it carries a profound message. It is a symbol of resilience, a reminder of the indomitable spirit of those who faced the inferno and emerged stronger. This unique timepiece is a testament to the enduring bond between the brand and the firefighting community, a bond forged in shared values and a mutual respect for courage and sacrifice. The Fire Exit US Version isn't just about telling time; it's about telling a story. It's a story of heroism, of communities rallying together in the face of adversity, and of the unwavering dedication of those who put their lives on the line to protect others.



The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires were a catastrophic event, etched in the annals of history as one of the most devastating natural disasters to strike the United States in modern times. The fires, fueled by a combination of dry conditions, strong winds, and high temperatures, spread rapidly across the region, engulfing entire neighborhoods and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Firefighters from across California and beyond worked tirelessly, battling the inferno day and night to protect lives and property. The fires served as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and community resilience. In the aftermath of the disaster, the city of Los Angeles came together to support the victims and begin the long process of rebuilding.



William Wood Watches has a long-standing tradition of supporting firefighters and their families. Since its inception, the brand has donated over £150,000 to firefighter charities in the UK, US, Australia, and Ukraine. This commitment to giving back is at the heart of the brand's ethos, and the Fire Exit US Version is a testament to this dedication. The brand's use of upcycled fire hose in its watch straps is a tangible connection to the firefighting community, a way of honoring the materials and the individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting others. The brand's dedication to giving back goes beyond mere monetary contributions; it's about building relationships, fostering a sense of community, and recognizing the sacrifices made by firefighters around the world.



The Fire Exit US Version is a remarkable timepiece, both in its design and its execution. The 41mm case, crafted from 316L stainless steel, is finished in a brushed dark gunmetal grey, giving it a rugged yet refined appearance. The unidirectional glass bezel, with its medium-smooth clicks, features printed lume markings that add to the watch's functional elegance. The 49.5mm lug-to-lug measurement ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. The case's 13.5mm thickness strikes a balance between presence and wearability, ensuring that the watch makes a statement without feeling overly bulky. The watch case resembles that of a firefighter helmet, a subtle yet powerful nod to the brand's inspiration.



The dial of the Fire Exit US Version is a striking tribute to the iconic US fire exit sign. Finished in the exact pantone color of the sign, the glass dial allows a glimpse into the day-date disc beneath. Applied fire exit arrow and baton indices, filled with C1 grade red lume, add a vibrant touch of color and ensure legibility in low-light conditions. The seconds track, finished in gunmetal grey to match the case, features white printed markers that provide a subtle contrast. The dial's curved design creates a sense of depth, with light playing off the different layers to create a captivating visual effect. The watch's hands, also filled with C1 grade lume, are designed to resemble fire exit arrows, further emphasizing the watch's theme.



The movement powering the Fire Exit US Version is the Swiss-Made Sellita SW220 Day Date movement. This self-winding movement, renowned for its reliability and accuracy, boasts a power reserve of up to 41 hours when fully wound. With 26 jewels and a beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the SW220 ensures precise timekeeping. The movement features a day-date complication, cleverly integrated into the design at 4 o'clock. The Sellita SW220 is a workhorse movement, known for its robustness and ease of service. Its widespread use in the watch industry makes it a practical choice for a watch that is meant to be worn and enjoyed, not just admired from afar.



One of the most captivating features of the Fire Exit US Version is the unique day wheel. The wheel, which sits beneath the glass dial, is finished in C1 grade lume with a fire exit sign man printed onto it. Each day of the week is represented by the man performing a different action, providing a whimsical yet relatable depiction of the average American's week. The first initial of each day is printed in the bottom left-hand corner of the date wheel window for clarity. The breakdown of the days is as follows: Monday - Stuck in traffic, Tuesday - Coffee at work, Wednesday - Taking work calls, Thursday - Exercise, Friday - Thank god it's Friday!, Saturday - BBQ, and Sunday - Sunday Night Football. This playful element adds a touch of personality to the watch, making it a conversation starter and a unique expression of the wearer's individuality.



The caseback of the Fire Exit US Version is as intriguing as the dial. It features a rotating disc with a dynamic animation of the fire exit sign man running away from a fire. As the watch is turned over, a fire exit doorway reveals the moving disc, creating a sense of movement and intrigue. The caseback also includes the words "fire exit" in printed lume, further emphasizing the watch's theme. The caseback is closed with a glass, allowing a glimpse of the rotating disc and adding to the watch's overall visual appeal. The screw-down caseback ensures water resistance up to 100 meters, making the watch suitable for a variety of activities.



The Fire Exit US Version is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal that has an applied anti-reflective coating. The crystal is completely scratch-resistant and tinted with a medium blue color, a tribute to William Wood's 25 years of service on the "Blue Watch" shift pattern for the Newcastle & Gateshead Fire Brigade. The glass bezel harmonizes with the crystal, creating a seamless and visually appealing transition between the two elements. The sapphire crystal is a hallmark of high-end watches, known for its durability and clarity. Its scratch-resistant nature ensures that the watch will retain its pristine appearance for years to come.



William Wood Watches is renowned for its use of upcycled fire hose in its watch straps. The Fire Exit US Version is no exception, featuring a strap made from upcycled red fire hose sourced from the London Fire Brigade. The hose is sewn into a rubber strap mold, with the words "Made from rescue materials" pressed into the back. The strap's 20mm lug width is compatible with all William Wood watch collections, and the quick-release levers allow for easy strap changes without the need for tools. The brand offers a Four Strap Fire Hose Bundle, which includes four interchangeable upcycled fire hose straps for the price of three, providing a range of options for the wearer. Each strap is a unique piece of history, carrying the scars and stories of its previous life in service. The use of upcycled materials is a testament to the brand's commitment to sustainability and its desire to create watches that are both beautiful and meaningful.



The buckle of the Fire Exit US Version is a custom design, shaped like a fire exit arrow. The base of the buckle features the arrow shape, while the tongue that goes through the strap includes the red arrow marker. The red arrow is filled with lume, and the buckle is finished in a brushed dark gunmetal grey to match the case. This attention to detail extends to every aspect of the watch, creating a cohesive and visually striking design. The custom buckle is a small but significant detail that sets the Fire Exit US Version apart from other watches. It's a testament to the brand's commitment to creating unique and meaningful timepieces.



The Fire Exit US Version is presented in a genuine Italian leather British racing green presentation box inspired by a fire exit sign. The box features a transparent display window that looks directly through to the watch, with the words "Keep Clear Fire Exit" printed on it. The case can hold up to three watches, making it a practical and stylish travel companion. The presentation box is a fitting home for such a special timepiece. Its design echoes the watch's theme, creating a cohesive and memorable unboxing experience.



William Wood Watches offers a 3-year international warranty on all of its watches, providing peace of mind to buyers. The brand has three repair centers located in the UK, USA, and Asia, ensuring international support if needed. This commitment to customer service underscores the brand's confidence in the quality and durability of its timepieces. The warranty covers all associated costs, including shipping, in the event of a repair. However, it's important to note that water damage is not covered under the warranty, so it's crucial to ensure that the crown is firmly secured against the case before exposing the watch to water.



The Fire Exit US Version is a piece unique, meaning that only one example of this watch will ever be produced. It was created specifically for an auction to raise funds for the Los Angeles Fire Foundation, with all proceeds from the sale going to support firefighters and residents affected by the 2025 wildfires. The auction took place on February 1st, 2025, and was open for 24 hours. The highest bidder won the watch, along with the fire alarm presentation box, antique brass cufflinks, and a bundle of fire hose straps, including an orange fire hose strap sourced from Californian firefighters.



Case: 41mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness, 49.5mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. 316L stainless steel, brushed dark gunmetal grey finish. Unidirectional glass bezel with printed lume markings. Screw-down caseback with fire exit door-shaped opening and rotating disc. Water resistant to 100M / 10ATM.



Movement: Swiss-Made Sellita SW220 Day Date. 41-hour power reserve. 26 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. Self-winding with ball bearing. Hours, minutes, sweep second, day and date at 4 o'clock.



Dial: US fire exit sign pantone color. Glass dial with view to day-date disc. Applied fire exit arrow and baton indices with C1 grade red lume. Curved dial and indices. Gunmetal grey seconds track with white printed markers.



Strap: Upcycled red fire hose from London Fire Brigade. Sewn into rubber strap mold. "Made from rescue materials" pressed into back. Quick-release levers. Fits wrist sizes between 5.5 and 9.5 inches.



Notes: Piece unique (1 of 1). Auctioned to benefit Los Angeles Fire Foundation. Day wheel depicts fire exit sign man in seven different daily scenarios.