Our Story

MESSAGE FROM
OUR FOUNDER

Dear Reader,

When I set out on this journey in 2016 I had one goal in mind. To build beautiful watches in honour of my grandfather’s legacy that represent firefighters and first responders around the world. I never knew how far this journey would take us. Today, whilst writing this message, we are in the top 10 independent watchmakers in Great Britain, have donated over £113,865 to firefighting charities, and are stocked nationwide in Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb in the UK and US.

We have had the privilege of being featured in the world’s leading publications such as the New York Times, Forbes and Financial Times. We have produced watches for fire departments around the globe, including the largest fire department in the world, the New York Fire Department. One of my proudest moments was seeing this very watch, with my grandfather’s name on the dial, displayed in the FDNY Store in the Rockefeller Centre, Manhattan. Sadly my grandfather past away in 2009, and never got to see William Wood Watches. But I am sure he has been with us on this journey in spirit.

The best part of the journey for me is being able to see you, the enthusiast, the firefighter, the father, the son, enjoy our watches and share the story of our brand with your family and friends.

We have grand plans ahead to bring our watches to a city near you and I hope that you join us as we look to set the world alight.

Best,

Jonny Garrett

Grandson, Founder & Chief Executive

GRANDFATHER & FIREFIGHTER

WILLIAM WOOD

William Wood was the name of our Founder’s late grandfather. He served in the British Fire Service for over 25 years winning commendations for his acts of bravery. He was stationed in the Newcastle & Gateshead Fire Brigade on the Blue Watch. He passed away in 2009 but his legacy lives on in our watches.

LOOKING AHEAD

OUR VISION

Our vision is to convert a closed British Fire Station into our HQ and Concept Store. Once inside the store you will be able to try on our watches and witness our upcycling in action. We will also refurbish an old fire engine into our commercial vehicle parked out front.

VIEW FIRE STATION PLANS

LISTEN TO AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR FOUNDER JONNY

Worn & Wound

PHILANTROPHY

CHARITY

We are proud to have donated over £113,865 to firefighting charities around the world who support our firefighters through physical, physiological and social support. Our support reaches firefighters around the globe with donations made to The Fire Fighters Charity UK, New York Fire Department Foundation and The Australian Bushfire Fund.

We also support firefighters at a grass roots level providing the kit and equipment to the London Fire Brigade Boxing Club, London Fire Brigade Rugby Club and Welsh Firefighter Rugby Club.

Photographed here is the world’s first William Wood Watches Motorcycle, built in collaboration with Saltire Motorcycles in Scotland. The motorcycle was built using upcycled firefighting materials and William Wood watch parts. We raffled the motorcycle off for charity and are proud to say that a career firefighter in the Dublin Fire Service won it.

EXPLORE OUR CHARITABLE WORK

WHO’S WEARING

We are proud to have some talented Actors, Celebrities and Athletes wearing our brand. Featured here is the Australian Comedian and Channel 4 Last Leg Presenter Adam Hills proudly wearing his Red Valiant Yellow Fire Hose.

FIRE DEPARTMENT WATCHES

We are proud to have produced Commemorative Watches for Fire Departments, Foundations and Unions right around the world. Take a closer look at our previous projects here.

BRITISH WATCHMAKERS ALLIANCE

We are a member of the British Watch & Clock Members Alliance. This is an official body that brings together the British horological industry by sharing ideas, best practices and talent.