A new multi-year deal sees Everton FC bring on British watch brand Christopher Ward as its official global timing partner. Tony McDonough reports

Everton has announced a multi-year commercial deal with British watch brand Christopher Ward.

This latest agreement with the leading mechanical watchmaker follows the record shirt sponsorship deal signed in early June with Stake.com. Christopher Ward will be Everton’s official global timing partner.

Christopher Ward “turned the traditional watch model on its head” in 2005. It became the world’s first online-only premium watch brand offering hand-crafted, Swiss-made mechanical watches at low prices.

Today it has customers in more than 100 countries. It is renowned for its pioneering approach to watchmaking. The firm’s range includes the first commercially viable mechanical watch movement from a British watch brand in over 50 years – the Calibre SH21.

Through the partnership, Christopher Ward branding will appear on official Everton channels and assets. This will include backdrops and LED screens at Goodison Park on matchdays.

Mike France, chief executive and co-founder of Christopher Ward, said: “Becoming Everton FC’s first global timing partner is a milestone for Christopher Ward. We have a mission to make the visceral pleasure of owning a premium mechanical watch accessible to the many – not just the few.

“I’m acutely aware of the club’s rich history, intensely loyal worldwide fanbase and bright future – as evidenced by the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. It’s the deep-rooted commitment to their local community that convinced us this could be a partnership with a purpose beyond purely commercial benefits.”

Richard Kenyon, Everton’s director of communications, revenue and international  growth, added: “We’re all looking forward to supporting Christopher Ward in achieving further growth during what is set to be a hugely exciting and historic time for the club.”