THE Watford Observer has teamed up with Watford Museum and its curator Sarah Priestley to take a journey back to the town’s past through items or places of historical significance.

The second item in ‘a history of Watford in 50 objects’ is the Watford Observer Clock, for many years a fixture at Watford FC's Vicarage Road stadium.

The Watford Observer Clock is an icon of the history of Watford Football Club and its bond with the Watford Observer and town. It once dominated the Rookery Stand at Vicarage Road and is still much loved by fans since finding a new home at Watford Museum.

Read more: A look back at Watford's history through 50 objects: Audentior

It was the ‘O’ of an advert for the Watford Observer on the old Rookery Stand, and is now on permanent display at Watford Museum.

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Fans summed up why it is so special. One said: “No design classic, no masterpiece, but a chunk of metal. OUR metal. An icon, not of minutes and hours, but of years. Glorious years of devotion, toil and unwavering love.”

Another wrote: “The clock was a constant presence in our home away from home, showing the link between town and club.”

Now it demonstrates the bond between Watford Football Club, the fans, the Watford Observer and Watford Museum, and our work together to celebrate football and community heritage.

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The Watford Observer Clock is also a finalist in the Hertfordshire Museums Object of the Year competition.

Voting is open. Search for @hyoc2020 Museum Object of the Year and vote for your favourite object here.

  • Watford Museum has reopened to the public. People can currently visit on Saturdays, with pre-booking essential. Housed in the former Benskins Mansion, the Grade II listed building holds treasures of Watford history from Cassiobury to printing to Watford FC. To find out more, visit www.watfordmuseum.org.uk