Cricket is a sport that has been played for centuries and has gained immense popularity all around the world. It is officially the second most popular sport in the world, with an estimated 2.5 billion fans. The popularity of cricket can be attributed to multiple factors such as its long history, global reach, and exciting gameplay.

Lord's Cricket Ground with an Oris batOris

One of the main reasons for the popularity of cricket is its long-standing history. The sport originated in England in the 16th century and has since spread to various countries through colonization and globalization. It has evolved over time, but the basic rules and traditions have remained intact, making it a sport that is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Cricket is played in over 100 countries, with a strong presence in Commonwealth nations such as India, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. This widespread participation has made cricket a truly international sport, connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures through a shared love for the game.

MCC Lords StadiumOris

Lord's Cricket Ground, often referred to as the "Home of Cricket," is a historic cricket venue located in St John's Wood, London. It is owned and operated by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and has been the site of many iconic cricket matches and events since it was established in 1814. The ground is named after Thomas Lord, who founded the venue after moving his cricket equipment business from Dorset Square to its current location. Lord's is known for its iconic Victorian pavilion, which has become a symbol of English cricket. It also houses the prestigious MCC Museum, which showcases the rich history of the sport. The ground has a capacity of over 28,000 spectators and has hosted a range of international and domestic cricket matches, including the final of the Cricket World Cup in 2019. It continues to be a beloved destination for cricket fans around the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year to witness the timeless sport in action.

Oris and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owners of Lord's Cricket Ground, have come together to create a unique timepiece called the Oris Father Time Limited Edition. This timepiece represents more than just the intersection of horology and cricket. It symbolizes their collective commitment to community enrichment projects, aimed at fostering positive changes in society.

Oris Father Time Limited EditionOris

The Father Time weathervane, perched atop the clock tower at Lord's Cricket Ground, is more than just a wind direction indicator on the cricket field. This iconic figure is a symbol of the spirit of cricket, resonating with fans across the globe who associate it with the hallowed grounds of Lord's. The Oris Father Time watch draws inspiration from this emblem, translating its symbolic value into an intricate timepiece.

As the first official timekeeper of Lord's, Oris has meticulously designed the Father Time in bronze. This watch highlights the brand's formal role at the club and underscores the shared vision of Oris and MCC for societal improvement.

With a shared passion for community development, Oris and MCC have initiated a diverse range of events, including educational, social, and sports activities for their local communities. They also co-hosted an “Oris Change for the Better Day” last year, where they joined forces to remove plastic waste from the streets of London.

Oris is the first official timekeeper of Lord's Cricket GroundOris

Both Oris and MCC are dedicated to the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals, which promote local, social, and environmental action to drive global change. Therefore, the Father Time is more than just a watch – it is a celebration of the club, the game, and a shared commitment to a better future.

The design of the Father Time watch is a narrative in itself, tracing its roots back to the 1920s. This timepiece is a tribute to the Father Time weathervane, a gift to the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1926 by Sir Herbert Baker, the architect of Lord's second grand stand, as an apology for the late completion of the project.

This mythical character, Father Time, is believed to represent Law 12.3 of the Laws of Cricket, which signifies the end of the day's play. The name Father Time, therefore, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the limited-edition watch, representing the ongoing alliance between Oris and MCC.

Father Time Limited Edition's 40 mm case, fluted bezel, and crown are made of solid, naturally aging ... [+] bronzeOris

The Father Time Limited Edition watch is based on Oris's flagship Big Crown Pointer Date design, which has been a staple in the brand's collection since its introduction in 1938. The watch's 40 mm case, fluted bezel, and crown are made of solid, naturally aging bronze. It comes with both a bronze articulated bracelet and a sustainably sourced light brown deer leather strap from Swiss partner Cervo Volante.

The stainless-steel case back is engraved with an image of the Father Time weathervane and the limited-edition number. The watch is limited to 1,926 pieces, signifying the year Father Time was gifted to Lord's. Inside, it features the Oris 754 automatic movement, that powers its pointer date function, indicated by a central hand with a red, crescent-shaped tip.

Case back engraving with an image of the Father Time weathervane and the limited-edition numberOris

In an interview with Guy Lavender, MCC's chief executive, and secretary, he emphasizes the club's commitment to sustainability and the long-term future of cricket. Given that cricket is significantly affected by climate change, immediate action is required to protect it.

MCC has been proactive in its sustainability initiatives since 2009, when they appointed a full-time sustainability manager. They have since implemented several measures to reduce their carbon footprint, including using 100% renewable electricity since 2016 and reducing single-use plastics by 1.5 million pieces. Their recycling programs have ensured no waste goes to landfills since 2010.

Most recently, MCC committed to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and their strategy to become carbon neutral by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2040. This involves a significant program of de-gasification at Lord's and the transition from natural gas to renewable energy sources.

The Father Time limited edition watch serves as a reminder that the horological world and the sporting realm can come together to drive initiatives for a sustainable and inclusive future.