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    This Archive section contains archived content from watch manufacturers websites. Information and pictures of many models disappear from their website after they are discontinued. This information here is provided for future reference for aficionados interested in these watches.

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    • Admin
      £725
      The Trident Pro 600 is a bestseller for a reason. With a stainless steel case and scratch-resistant bezel, it's a classic diving watch with ground-breaking technical capabilities.
      Description
      A true CW bestseller, the Pro 600 combines modern dive watch looks with the robust build quality you'd expect of a Trident.

      The re-engineered 316L marine-grade stainless steel case now incorporates a zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic unidirectional bezel for scratch resistance, while the watch is watertight at depths of up to 600 metres (2,000ft) - twice that of its predecessor.

      The dial retains the guilloche wave pattern of the first Tridents but the new indexes are now deep-filled with SuperLuminova SLN T C1 for additional luminosity. Our new logo sits at 9 o'clock.

      The crown - embossed with our twin flag motif - is easier to use, while the backplate has the Trident motif deep-stamped and prominent. And if the self-winding movement is the same it's only because there's no better available mechanism for this watch.
      Movement
      Swiss movement manufacturer Sellita started as an outsourced manufacturer of ETA's 2824-2 movement. 

      Changes in the industry, and the expiry of IP rights associated with the 2824, led to Sellita developing its own virtually identical version, the SW200-1. The only real difference is the addition of a 26th jewel which sits just below the ratchet wheel and reduces friction associated with automatic winding.
      43mm - C60-43ADA2-S0KK0-B0 
      Technical
      Diameter: 43mm Height: 13.30mm Case weight: 104g Weight with 21cm bracelet: 203g Calibre: Sellita SW200-1 Case: 316L Stainless steel Water resistance: 60 ATM (600 metres) Vibrations: 28,800 per hour Timing tolerance: +20/-20 seconds per day Dial Colour: Black Lume: SuperLuminova SLN-T-C1 Strap width: 22mm Lug to Lug: 51.5mm 38mm - C60-38ADA2-S0KK0-B0
      Technical
      Diameter: 38mm Height: 12.70mm Case weight: 73g Weight with 21cm bracelet: 168g Calibre: Sellita SW200-1 Case: 316L Stainless steel Vibrations: 28,800 per hour Timing tolerance: +20/-20 seconds per day Water resistance: 60 ATM (600 metres) Dial Colour: Black Lume: SuperLuminova SLN-T-C1 Strap width: 20mm Lug to Lug: 45.5mm Features
      Swiss made Self-winding mechanical movement 38 hour power reserve Date calendar Central hacking seconds Anti-shock system Marine-grade, stainless steel case Embossed screw-in crown Unidirectional zirconia ceramic bezel 3.4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal Guilloche wave pattern dial Super-Luminova indexes and hands Signature Trident counter-balance on seconds hand Screw-down deep-stamped 3D backplate Unique engraved serial number Marine-grade stainless steel bracelet with micro-adjustable ratchet clasp Luxury presentation case and owner's handbook










    • Admin
      Capturing the look of iconic 1960s dive watches, the C65 Trident Bronze SH21 Limited Edition also incorporates a bronze case and bezel, as well as a hand-wound version of our groundbreaking in-house movement Calibre SH21. And if this unique dive watch wasn't special enough already, only 150 have been made.
      Description
      The C65 Trident Bronze SH21 Limited Edition: proof that good things come in threes. For this 150-piece limited edition combines the acclaimed retro visuals of our C65 Trident Diver with the popularity of the bronze material introduced in our Trident range; and then, if that weren't enough, adds the technical majesty of our in-house chronometer, Calibre SH21, into the equation.

      If the C65 Trident Diver infused a 60s dive watch aesthetic with the technological advancements of the present day, the SH21 Limited Edition expands that concept even further. A material omnipresent through maritime history, bronze was introduced into the Trident family in 2017; here, the C65's C5191 bronze (CuSn6) case houses Calibre SH21, our in-house movement that offers 120 hours of chronometer-certified timekeeping when fully wound. 

      The inclusion of a small second subdial roots the C65 in a more traditional era of horology, while a wealth of other detailing reaffirms this. The exterior of its baton-shaped hands have been plated with gold, and their centres filled with Old Radium SuperLumiNova®; the same vintage-themed lume then features across the dial's raised indexes and enlarged numerals at 12. But it's the contrast between case and dial that will leave a lasting impression, with the former's rich bronze hue specifically tailored to accentuate the blue of its dial and bezel further.

      The C65 Trident Bronze SH21 Limited Edition is a seamless cohesion of the old and new - and all in a case that will develop its own unique patina over time.
      Movement
      Featured here in hand-wound form, our in-house movement Calibre SH21 provides the dependable heart of the C65 Trident Bronze SH21 Limited Edition, where its second hand has been relocated to a subdial at 6 o'clock.

      Just as impressive are Calibre SH21's technical capabilities, which can provide 120 hours of chronometer-certified timekeeping off one full charge. Every Calibre SH21 has been passed by Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, who test each in a variety of temperatures and positions. Only 6% of Swiss-made movements receive this certification, ensuring the C65 Trident Bronze SH21 Limited Edition sits in an exclusive arena occupied by few other small second watches.
      Technical
      Diameter: 41mm Height: 12.5mm Weight: 73g Calibre: Calibre SH21 hand-wound chronometer (COSC) with small second and date Vibrations: 28,800 per hour (4 Hz) Timing tolerance: -4/+6 seconds per day Case: Bronze C5191 (CuSn6) Backplate: 316L Stainless steel Water resistance: 15 ATM (150 metres) Dial colour: Blue Lume: Old Radium SuperLumiNova® Strap width: 22mm Strap colour: Blue Lug to Lug: 47.1mm Features
      Limited edition of 150 pieces Swiss made 27 jewel hand-wound movement 120 hour power reserve Hour, minute, small second, date Anti-shock system Bronze C5191 (CuSn6) case with stainless steel high definition "Trident" motif screw-down backplate Push-in crown stamped with twin flag motif Unidirectional bronze bezel with aluminium insert "Glass box" sapphire crystal Matte finish dial Azzure subdial finish Twin flags debossed at 12 o'clock Old Radium SuperLumiNova® indexes and hands Unique engraved serial number Premium quality canvas webbing strap with Christopher Ward buckle Luxury presentation case and owner's handbook


    • Admin

      CW C65 Trident Diver

      By Admin, in C65,

      A watch in the vein of the iconic dive designs produced during the mid-1960s, the C65 Trident Diver shares features in keeping with watches from that period - a hand-wound movement, a glassbox sapphire crystal - but builds on its vintage design cues with the finest modern day Swiss engineering.
      Description
      Does a watch need to have been constructed decades ago to be considered vintage? This was the question in the minds of all at Christopher Ward during the creation of the C65 Trident Diver, the latest addition to the C65 family - a range known for its blend of a diving, sporty aesthetic with dress watch stylings.

      Occupying a unique space in-between our dive and dress collections, the C65 Trident Diver adopts technical qualities typical of a dive watch made fifty years ago. Matching the case sizes of many '60s divers, the C65 too measures in at the sweet spot of 41mm - ensuring its place as a versatile piece that can be worn anywhere, anytime. Its marine-grade stainless steel case construction utilises a variety of polished and brushed surfaces, whose combined effect creates a watch that looks even thinner on the wrist.

      The presence of a glassbox sapphire crystal, combined with baton-shaped hands filled with Old Radium SuperLumiNova® (our dive range's Trident-shaped seconds counterbalance is of course also present) confirm the C65 Trident Diver's vintage credentials, regardless of whether you opt for either its black or blue colour scheme.

      Its 150m water resistance may have since been surpassed by other more technically advanced releases, but that's not the point of the C65; this is a watch that captures the authenticity of the analogue age - specifically, the look and feel of iconic dive watches prevalent throughout the 60s - but infuses it with the capabilities and technologies allowed by modern day horology.
      Movement
      Behind the Diver's trident-stamped caseback - there were no display backs during the 60s - a Swiss-made Sellita SW210 hand-wound movement keeps excellent time. A slim movement at only 3.35mm high, the Sellita 210-1 shares many of the same components as its self-winding cousin, the Sellita SW200-1. A classic frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (that's eight ticks a second) delivers 42 hours of continuous, accurate timekeeping once fully wound.

      Significantly, it has been also decorated with Christopher Ward's distinctive Colimaçoné pattern. It's a feature that few will ever see, but remains indicative of the commitment to detail throughout this special watch.
      Technical
      Diameter: 41mm Height: 11.55mm Weight: 65g Calibre: Sellita SW210 Case: 316L Stainless Steel Water resistance: 15 ATM (150 metres) Vibrations: 28,800 per hour (4 Hz) Timing tolerance: +15/-15 seconds per day Dial colour: Black Lug to lug: 47.1mm Strap width: 22mm Features
      Swiss made 19 jewel hand-wound movement 42 hour power reserve Christopher Ward 'Colimaçoné' finish on movement Brushed and polished marine-grade stainless steel case High Definition "Trident" motif screw-down backplate Push-in crown stamped with twin flag motif Unidirectional aluminium bezel "Glass box" sapphire crystal Matte finish dial Twin flags debossed at 12 o'clock Old Radium SuperLumiNova® indexes and hands Signature Trident counter-balance on seconds hand Unique engraved serial number Vintage oak leather strap with Christopher Ward-engraved dress clasp Luxurious presentation case and owner's handbook

    • Admin
      While the C60 Trident Bronze "Ombré" COSC Limited Edition's bronze alloy case will develop its own weather look over time, its artisan hand-finished dial promises a unique appearance from day one. Their aesthetics may differ, but each of the 300 made in this limited edition share something in common: world class levels of accuracy, reliably provided by the Swiss-made chronometer-certified movement at its heart.
      Description
      Since the arrival of the C60 Trident Bronze Pro 600, our bronze Collection has grown in both size and popularity as customers found a robust bronze diver that wouldn't have them gulping for air when they discovered its price. 

      The C60 Trident Bronze "Ombré" COSC Limited Edition continues to uphold this trend, whilst also including a chronometer-certified Swiss mechanical movement inside its bronze alloy case. But this 300-piece limited edition's most intriguing feature, as well as its name, is drawn from its dial. Each has been constructed from brass, with an artisan's hand delicately applying a series of distressed markings to ensure all possess their own distinctive character. This rough-hewn finish fades into a black varnish around the dial's exterior, linking smoothly with the colour and texture of the sandblasted ceramic bezel insert around it.

      Water-resistant to depths of 600m, and bearing the hallmarks of our bestselling dive range - our signature trident is present on the "Ombré's" second hand counterbalance and is deep-stamped into its stainless steel backplate - the C60 Trident Bronze "Ombré" COSC Limited Edition is a bronze model that, somehow, manages to be even more one-of-a-kind than the rest. 
      Movement
      Inside the Ombré, a chronometer-certified version of Sellita's SW200-1 automatic movement provides world-class levels of accuracy, as well as the guaranteed levels of reliability that have made it such a popular choice for watchmakers throughout the industry. 

      Tested by the Swiss institute Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres to confirm a timekeeping tolerance of -4/+6 seconds per day in a number of positions and temperatures, the SW200-1 also features an Incabloc shock system - a necessity for a watch as suited to the ordeals of an active lifestyle as the Ombré. 

      The SW200-1's 38-hour power reserve also means the Ombré can withstand being left unworn for over a day; but with its striking bronze case and meticulously prepared dial, why would you want to spend that much time away from it anyway?
      £995
      Technical
      Diameter: 43mm Height: 13.3mm Case weight: 107g Calibre: Sellita SW200-1 Vibrations: 28,800 per hour (4Hz) Timing tolerance: -4/+6 seconds per day Case: Bronze C5191 (CuSn6) Backplate: 316L stainless steel Water resistance: 60 ATM (600 metres) Dial Colour: Ombré Lume: TC-1 SuperLumiNova® Strap width: 22mm Strap colour: Brown Lug to Lug: 51.5mm Features
      Swiss made 25 jewel self-winding chronometer-certified movement 38 hour power reserve Date calendar Central hacking seconds Anti-shock system Raw bronze C5191 (CuSn6) case with screw-down deep-stamped 3D backplate Embossed screw-down crown Unidirectional raw bronze C5191 (CuSn6) bezel with sandblasted ceramic insert 3.4mm anti-reflective flat top sapphire crystal Ombré finish dial with black varnish exterior SuperLumiNova®-coated indexes and hands Signature Trident counter-balance on second hand Unique engraved serial number Italian handcrafted distressed vintage oak leather strap with bronze Christopher Ward buckle and quick-release pins for easy changing Luxurious presentation case and owner's handbook
    • Admin
      £730 - £795
      Undoubtedly our most striking C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition yet, this modern dive watch reveals a powerfully contrasting black and steel theme along with electric yellow detailing. Water resistant to 600m, just 316 have been made – a reference to the 316L steel alloy used in this Trident’s case and bezel.
      Description
      In a series known for its use of bold colours, this new C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition mostly turns its back on that trend - and still emerges as the most striking addition to the 316L family yet.

      A matte black dial serves as a sleek canvas upon which a mixture of colour and texture can be applied. The signature hour and minute hands synonymous with our Trident Collection, along with baton-shaped indexes, are all present; filled with green-emission SuperLumiNova SLN-T-C1, they'll provide excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.

      Yet it's the addition of the colour yellow - found in detailing such as the 316L's printed markers and on its seconds hand and trident-shaped counterbalance - that provide this Trident its spark. Factor in the brilliant contrast between the black of its dial and the 316L steel alloy used in its unidirectional bezel and case, and it quickly becomes evident that this 316-piece limited edition is the dark horse of our dive collection.

      Water-resistant to depths of 600m and powered by an ever-dependable Swiss-made automatic movement, the C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition's appearance is just as stunning as its performance in just about any environment you could expose it to.
      Movement
      With 26 jewels and an anti-shock system (necessary for ensuring smooth timekeeping throughout everyday use), the Sellita SW200-1 is an industry-revered movement. Dependable and accurate, it features a self-winding mechanism and a 38 hour power reserve, while a date wheel sits at 3 o'clock.

      Boasting a classic frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (that's eight ticks a second), the SW200-1 powers the C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition with supreme precision.
      Technical
      Diameter: 43mm Height: 13.3mm Weight: 102g Calibre: Sellita SW200-1 Case: 316L stainless steel Water resistance: 60 ATM (600 metres) Vibrations: 28,800 per hour (4Hz) Timing tolerance: +/- 20 seconds per day Dial colour: Black Lume: TC-1 SuperLumiNova Lug to lug: 51.5mm Strap width: 22mm Strap colour: Black/yellow Features
      Swiss made Limited edition of 316 pieces 26 jewel self-winding mechanical movement 38 hour power reserve Date calendar Central hacking seconds Anti-shock system Screw-in crown Unidirectional brushed steel (316L) bezel 3.4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal Matte finish black dial SuperLumiNova- coated indexes and hands Signature Trident counter-balance on seconds hand Screw-down deep-stamped 3D backplate Unique, engraved serial number Soft-touch leather strap with engraved dress clasp and quick-release pins for easy changing Luxury presentation case and owner's handbook
    • Admin
      £730 - £795
      C60-43ADA2-S00Y0
      With a marine-grade stainless steel bezel framing a matte yellow dial, the C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition takes legibility – and looking good – very seriously. Whether you’re planning on wearing it over a wetsuit, or under a suit jacket at the office, this versatile Trident can take them all in its stride. Matching the 316L steel alloy used in its case and bezel construction, just 316 of these Tridents have been made.
      Celebrated for its anti-corrosive qualities and exceptional performance in a variety of conditions, using 316L stainless steel is a natural choice for many watchmakers. As a tribute, the bezel of this limited edition Trident - of which 316 were made, obviously - is made from this indefatigable marine-grade alloy, while its bright yellow dial will add flair to any wrist.
      Description
      Just in time for summer, this new C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition will make an immediate impression. Our most extravagant looking Trident yet, its unidirectional bezel - constructed from the 316L alloy that gives the watch its name - contrasts beautifully against the vivid yellow tone of its matte dial. 

      Matching its flamboyant visuals with outstanding technicality, the 316L has the high-end specifications and robust build quality you'd expect of a Trident. Like the bezel, its 43mm case is made of marine-grade stainless steel, while also being water-resistant to a depth of 600m. Other hallmarks of our best selling dive range - the Trident on the seconds hand counter-balance, and deep-stamped into its backplate - make their customary appearance.

      Limited to 316 pieces, the C60 Trident 316L LE will inject sunshine into any collection.
      Movement
      With 26 jewels and an anti-shock system (necessary for ensuring smooth timekeeping throughout everyday use), the Sellita SW200-1 is an industry-revered movement. Dependable and accurate, it features a self-winding mechanism and a 38 hour power reserve, while a date wheel sits at 3 o'clock.

      Boasting a classic frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (that's eight ticks a second), the SW200-1 powers the C60 Trident 316L Limited Edition with supreme precision.
      Technical
      Diameter: 43mm Height: 13.3mm Weight: 102g Calibre: Sellita SW200-1 Case: 316L stainless steel Water resistance: 60 ATM (600 metres) Vibrations: 28,800 per hour (4Hz) Timing tolerance: +/- 20 seconds per day Lug to lug: 51.5mm Dial colour: Yellow Strap colour: Black/yellow Strap width: 22mm Features
      Swiss made Limited edition of 316 pieces 26 jewel self-winding mechanical movement 38 hour power reserve Date calendar Central hacking seconds Anti-shock system Screw-in crown Unidirectional brushed steel (316L) bezel 3.4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal Matte finish yellow dial SuperLuminova® dial, indexes and hands Signature Trident counter-balance on seconds hand Screw-down deep-stamped 3D backplate Unique, engraved serial number Soft-touch leather strap with engraved dress clasp Luxury presentation case and owner's handbook
    • Admin

      C8 UTC Worldtimer - Christopher Ward

      By Admin, in C8,

      Bringing the worlds of military and civilian aviation design into one watch, the C8 UTC Worldtimer puts the wearer directly in touch with cities around the globe thanks to its two-piece worldtimer dial and 'UTC' functionality.
      £975
      Description
      Named after Universal Coordinated Time - a term preferred in aviation over 'GMT' - the C8 UTC Worldtimer offers the wearer near-unlimited timing possibilities. 

      The watch takes its design cues from the rest of the C8 Flyer Collection, which references the Smith's Mark II A clock used in Spitfires during World War II. All carry engravings of the historic aviation wind tunnels in Farnborough where the aerodynamics of British aircraft like the Spitfire and Concorde were honed. 

      Perhaps the most striking feature of the timepiece is the two-piece dial, which features a crown-operated worldtimer bezel showing prominent international cities, meaning the wearer can immediately work out the time anywhere on Earth. For those looking to keep track of one timezone in particular, the 24-hour GMT hand will be an invaluable tool. 

      The military feel is continued with the large Arabic numerals, raised indexes and 'pipette' hands, all of which are coated with Superluminova for visibility at low light. Meanwhile, the 44mm case is available in stainless steel or with a black DLC finish.
      Movement
      This fine ETA calibre ('calibre' is the fancy word in the watch industry describing a movement) with dual-time functionality allows for the time to be told in two time zones simultaneously - hence its use on 'GMT' watches. 

      When fully wound, it delivers 42 hours of continuous power, while vibrating at a rate of eight times per second (28,800 times an hour). 

      This frequency allows for excellent accuracy when regulated by a Christopher Ward expert.
      Technical
      Diameter: 44mm Height: 11.5mm Weight: 88g Calibre: ETA 2893-2 Water Resistance: 5 ATM Strap: 22mm Vibrations: 28800 per hour Timing tolerance: +20/-20 seconds per day Lug to Lug: 53.2mm Features
      Swiss made Self-winding mechanical movement with GMT function 42 hour power reserve Date calendar Central hacking seconds Anti-shock system Marine-grade stainless steel case Screw-in back plate with Farnborough wind tunnel design Large twin crowns Anti-reflective sapphire crystal Multi-directional rotating internal bezel displaying international destinations Gunmetal hands T-C1 Super-Luminova coating on hands and indexes Vintage finish leather strap with hand-sewn whip stitch
    • Admin
      Bold and legible in both its steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) case configurations, the C8 Flyer Automatic is a strong entry point into the world of Christopher Ward's mechanical aviation watches.
      Description
      Introducing a Sellita SW200-1 movement to our aviation range, the C8 Flyer Automatic shares the same case and aesthetic as pieces like the C8 Power Reserve and UTC Worldtimer, without any sacrifice made in the attention to detail and design. 

      Inspired by the Spitfire's dashboard clock, legibility is key. Gunmetal indexes, hands and double-sized numerals are filled with SuperLuminova, contrasting strongly against the Automatic's matte black dial; its baton markers have also been cut away, with depth provided elsewhere by a sloped and fully tracked outer minuterie ring. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures minimal reflections in all conditions.

      The Automatic's 44mm case references the larger sizes worn by fighter pilots - for example, the enlarged crown is a nod to those who had to operate theirs whilst wearing thick flying gloves. On the reverse, the backplate has been deep-stamped with an image of the Farnborough wind tunnels, used to develop icons of British aviation including the Spitfire and the Concorde.

      British by design and British by nature - this is a watch that isn't afraid to declare its roots in a heroic period of the RAF's history - the C8 Flyer Automatic's precision is assured by its robust Swiss-made movement. Available with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) or brushed and polished steel case, which one will you choose?
      Movement
      With 26 jewels and an anti-shock system (necessary for ensuring smooth timekeeping throughout everyday use), the Sellita SW200-1 is an industry-revered movement. Dependable and accurate, it features a self-winding mechanism and a 38 hour power reserve, while a date wheel sits at 3 o'clock.

      Boasting a classic frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (that's eight ticks a second), the SW200-1 powers the C8 Flyer Automatic with supreme precision.
      Technical
      Diameter: 44mm Height: 12.05mm Weight: 96g Calibre: Sellita SW200-1 Case: 316L stainless steel Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 metres) Timing tolerance: +20/-20 seconds/day Dial colour: Black Lume: T-C1 SuperLuminova Strap width: 22mm Strap colour: Camel Lug to lug: 53.2mm Features
      Swiss made 26 jewel self-winding mechanical movement Brushed and polished stainless steel case Multi-layered dial with lume-dipped hands Deep-stamped screw-down backplate Push-down crown with serrated teeth and deep-stamped wind turbine motif Anti-reflective flat sapphire crystal Date window with black disc White SuperLuminova numerals and indexes Unique engraved serial number Vintage finish Tiber leather strap with hand-sewn whip stitch








       
    • Admin
      Bold and legible in both its steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) case configurations, the C8 Flyer Automatic is a strong entry point into the world of Christopher Ward's mechanical aviation watches.
      £595
      Introducing a Sellita SW200-1 movement to our aviation range, the C8 Flyer Automatic shares the same case and aesthetic as pieces like the C8 Power Reserve and UTC Worldtimer, without any sacrifice made in the attention to detail and design. 

      Inspired by the Spitfire's dashboard clock, legibility is key. Gunmetal indexes, hands and double-sized numerals are filled with SuperLuminova, contrasting strongly against the Automatic's matte black dial; its baton markers have also been cut away, with depth provided elsewhere by a sloped and fully tracked outer minuterie ring. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures minimal reflections in all conditions.

      The Automatic's 44mm case references the larger sizes worn by fighter pilots - for example, the enlarged crown is a nod to those who had to operate theirs whilst wearing thick flying gloves. On the reverse, the backplate has been deep-stamped with an image of the Farnborough wind tunnels, used to develop icons of British aviation including the Spitfire and the Concorde.

      British by design and British by nature - this is a watch that isn't afraid to declare its roots in a heroic period of the RAF's history - the C8 Flyer Automatic's precision is assured by its robust Swiss-made movement. Available with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) or brushed and polished steel case, which one will you choose?
      Movement
      With 26 jewels and an anti-shock system (necessary for ensuring smooth timekeeping throughout everyday use), the Sellita 
      SW200-1 is an industry-revered movement. Dependable and accurate, it features a self-winding mechanism and a 38 hour power reserve, while a date wheel sits at 3 o'clock.

      Boasting a classic frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (that's eight ticks a second), the SW200-1 powers the C8 Flyer Automatic with supreme precision.
      Technical
      Diameter: 44mm Height: 12.05mm Weight: 96g Calibre: Sellita SW200-1 Case: 316L stainless steel Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 metres) Timing tolerance: +20/-20 seconds/day Dial colour: Black Lume: T-C1 SuperLuminova Strap width: 22mm Strap colour: Camel Lug to lug: 53.2mm Features
      Swiss made 26 jewel self-winding mechanical movement Brushed and polished stainless steel case Multi-layered dial with lume-dipped hands Deep-stamped screw-down backplate Push-down crown with serrated teeth and deep-stamped wind turbine motif Anti-reflective flat sapphire crystal Date window with black disc White SuperLuminova numerals and indexes Unique engraved serial number Vintage finish Tiber leather strap with hand-sewn whip stitch


    • Admin
      50-piece Limited Edition - GBP 2995 - US$ 2850
      An icon of the skies, Concorde revolutionised air travel through its ability to reach Mach 2.04 - over twice the speed of the sound. Its legacy is celebrated in the C8 M2.04 Limited Edition, a watch whose design mimics the unique cockpit instrumentation that helped enable supersonic flight. A piece of metal from Concorde G-BOAB sits in the backplate of this 50-piece limited edition, while our in-house chronometer Calibre SH21 offers world-class levels of efficiency - much like the plane that inspired it.
      Description
      Without a doubt, Concorde remains one of the crowning technological achievements of the 20th century. Capable of travelling faster than a rifle bullet, its pioneering spirit is celebrated in the C8 M2.04 Limited Edition – a 50-piece limited edition built to mark this beautiful plane’s 50th anniversary.

      The M2.04’s 44mm grey DLC (diamond-like carbon) case and dial reference the instrumentation found inside Concorde’s cockpit – distinctly different in appearance to those found in other aircraft due to the complex nature of Concorde’s various systems that enabled supersonic flight. Most distinctive are its hour and minute hands, influenced by those found on the airspeed indicator panel (the alignment of these two hands indicating Concorde’s optimum speed). A clever fusion of design and functionality also arrives in a power reserve subdial present at 9 o’clock: it features the same intersecting red zone found in the Concorde’s Machmeter – this time to warn the user of their watch’s remaining power reserve – with bold yellow detailing to denote both the top and bottom of its Calibre SH21 movement’s 120-hour power reserve.

      Yet the real occasion of this watch is found around the C8’s exhibition window, which contains a piece of valuable metal sourced from Concorde G-BOAB. Most notable for flying in formation with the Red Arrows down the Mall and over Buckingham Palace to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, a piece of its rudder metal has been melted down, cut into a ring shape and engraved with the message ‘Rudder metal VW23 from Concorde 102, G-BOAB, 1969-2019, 50 years’.

      From front, to back, to within, the C8 M2.04 Limited Edition is a watch indebted and inspired by the miraculous feat of engineering that is Concorde.

      Listen to the interview with Mike Bannister, Chief Pilot, BA Concorde fleet for 22 years.
      Movement
      As a plane that could travel faster than the speed of the Earth’s rotation, Concorde was marketed as the ultimate method of transport for the time-conscious businessperson. With passengers taking off from London at 11am actually arriving in New York before their flight’s initial take-off time – they’d land at 9.20am in the Big Apple – the possibility of whirlwind business trips meant punctuality was crucial to Concorde’s operation.

      It was only appropriate, then, that the M2.04 be powered by a hand-wound version of Christopher Ward’s in-house movement, Calibre SH21 – a chronometer-certified movement that rivals Concorde’s efficiency with a timing tolerance of just -4/+6 seconds per day. The first commercially viable movement from a British watch brand in over 50 years, Calibre SH21 is just as momentous for its 120-hour power reserve, monitored through the themed indicator on the C8’s dial. A small second complication only adds to the aeronautical theme.

      Visible through the C8’s reverse exhibition window, a fuselage-inspired bridge reveals SH21’s twin barrels, here decorated with a silhouette of the Farnborough wind tunnels that helped develop Concorde, as well as other aeronautical greats including Spitfire.
      Technical
      Diameter: 44mm Height: 11.9mm Weight: 87g Calibre: Calibre SH21 hand-wound chronometer (COSC) Case: 316L stainless steel Vibrations: 28,800 per hour (4Hz) Timing tolerance: -4/+6 seconds per day Water resistance: 5 ATM (50 metres) Dial colour: Black Lume: TC-1 SuperLumiNova Strap width: 22mm Strap colour: Black/yellow Lug to Lug: 53.2mm Features
      Special limited edition of 50 pieces Swiss made Ring of Concorde G-BOAB metal with "Rudder metal VW23 from Concorde 102, G-BOAB, 1969-2019, 50 years" engraving embedded below museum-grade sapphire 27 jewel in-house Calibre SH21 hand-wound COSC movement with small second and power reserve complications 120 hour power reserve Decorated twin barrels of SH21 visible through exhibition caseback Bridge engraved and finished in black PVD Marine-grade grey diamond-like carbon (DLC) sandblasted stainless steel case Original Concorde instrument panel inspired dial and hands with TC-1 SuperLumiNova markings Instrument-themed small second subdial at 6 o'clock Museum grade anti-reflective sapphire crystal Sandblasted crown stamped with Farnborough wind tunnel profile Unique engraved individual serial number Deluxe presentation case and owner's handbook with signed Certificate of Provenance
    • Admin
      Watch design trends are not particularly fast moving – or they usually aren’t. The renewed interest in mechanical calibres is decades old. And the desire for smaller watch cases is at least fve or six years old, with 40/41mm the current sweet spot – far larger than vintage watches of the ’50s and ’60s, of course, but tiny compared to the behemoths of the last couple of decades.
      Both of these – as well as smaller micro trends, like blue dials or three hand faces – are all part of a larger trend, however, one that says ‘away with the bling’ and concentrates on more of a back-to-basics, honest craftsmanship type approach. These days watchmaking – like much of the wider culture – seems obsessed with the authentic, the analogue and the ruggedly individual, and over the last half-decade, in particular, this has manifested itself in two new ways. One is the fresh enthusiasm for retro, vintage-style design, and the other is the seemingly unstoppable march of bronze.
      “When we launched our frst bronze cased watch last year, it was a version of our best-selling C60 Trident,” says CW co-founder Mike France. “And though we hoped and believed it would do quite well, it was really something of an interesting experiment. We were totally unprepared, certainly, for just how quickly it took off. And if bronze was hot back then, it’s become even hotter since. The use of bronze for watch cases is a trend that shows no signs of stopping any time soon – or even of slowing down.” Bronze is, of course, an alloy of copper and tin – usually around 12% tin, occasionally with small amounts of other metals (from aluminium to zinc, nickel to manganese) mixed in. It was frst created six or seven  thousand years ago, gave its name to The Bronze Age in the Near East (and, later, Europe) in the three millennia before Christ, and has been used for statues and weapons, mirrors and coins, music instruments and ship fttings. Until very recently, though, it was never used for watches.
      Part of the reason, of course, is to do with its intrinsic qualities. It’s a little more brittle than stainless steel, and a little heavier, but the main difference is that it rapidly takes on a vintage-like matte patina on exposure to moisture (not necessarily buckets of water, but just the stuff it absorbs from the atmosphere and your skin). This protects it from corroding beautifully – hence its use on ship propellors and the like – but gives each example a unique, ever-changing mottled appearance over time. This was a look that held little appeal to many in the past, but seems thrillingly personal, old-school and honest now.

      The frst bronze luxury watch is generally considered to be Gérald Genta’s Gefca of 1988, and it took a while for the idea to catch on. Initially its use was limited to expensive, low-run models from the more risk-taking and smaller-scale end of the luxury watch spectrum, but over the last couple of years – and particularly with the launch of what’s rapidly growing into an extensive Christopher Ward Bronze Collection – things have been changing at quite a pace.
      “Bronze watches are a perfect example of the low key, keeping-it-real aesthetic so many of us embrace these days,” Mike says. “And the way they develop a patina with age is endlessly fascinating. It gives them an individual edge few things can match. People tell us that their bronze Tridents have become their most treasured watches, and a big reason why is that your watch becomes unique to you.”
      With the immediate success of the frst bronze Tridents, then, Christopher Ward wasted no time in widening the range to four. That the bronze case should now be made in both Trident sizes – the regular, fairly large 43mm case and the more modest and versatile 38mm – was something of a no-brainer, but then came a rather more radical thought. Why not offer each of these in two versions?
      One would be ‘raw’, with the bronze unmarked and untouched, ready to develop its own unique patina on the owner’s wrist, and the other would be pre-patinated, so the wearer wouldn’t have to wait weeks or months to enjoy the full extent of bronze’s unique oxidising properties. “Achieving this meant experimenting endlessly with the properties of bronze,” says senior designer Adrian Buchmann, “but we eventually came up with a new process to oxidise the surface at high speed, quickly ageing the copper in the metal to bring out the blackness.
      We experimented with pre-aging the cases before constructing the watches, and how long we should pre-age them for – it was all a bit of an adventure – until we arrived at the process that seemed best. We now force-age the complete watch – so the matching buckle enjoys the same process, and it’s only the exterior of the bronze case that starts to oxidise, not the inner surfaces – and we only do it long enough to get the process going, not so much that it goes very dark and doesn’t allow the owner to add their own patina through use.”
      Though how quickly a bronze watch case will change colour depends very much on your skin type and where you live – hot, humid Singapore versus cold, dry Norway, say – these watches now come to their owners with something like four months worth of wear already ‘built in’. “Right now we’re probably selling around 30% of our bronze watches patinated, and the rest in their raw, untouched state,” Mike says. “And the plan is to offer both options with every bronze watch we sell from now on.”
      The C60 Trident Bronze Pro 600s are an open series, but their success has seen Christopher Ward start to offer a number of additional new bronze models, all dive watches of one type or another, and all on limited edition runs. “Even so,” says Mike, “we now offer perhaps the widest, most cohesive Bronze Collection available anywhere, with additional models being considered all the time.”
      Next up, for instance, is the striking C60 Trident Bronze Ombré COSC Limited Edition, which answers a new question that few had thought about before bronze became so popular. With the case developing such an interesting patina, a striking contrast between that and the pristine face beneath the sapphire crystal starts to develop. For many that’s interesting and enjoyable, but what if you wanted a watch where the collar and cuffs match, so to speak, and the face has the same aged look as the rest of the case?
      The answer is the Ombré COSC LE, which achieves its more unifed feel through a specially made dial, which is painted and then hand scratched – so no two are the same, just as no two cases will be – and gives you perhaps the ultimate in bronze individuality. “We’re bringing the outside inside, if you like,” says Adrian, “and it took quite a bit of experimentation to get to the perfect solution for this. The results, though, are extremely striking – while remaining resolutely anti-bling. In fact, this is perhaps the most individual watch of all, as both your dial and your case are unique. Only a handful of watch brands – Zenith and Anonimo spring to mind – have experimented with anything similar, so you’re almost certain to never see another watch like this.”
      But that’s not all. Already available are a couple of other bronze models too. The C60 Trident Bronze GMT 600 Limited Edition runs an ETA 2893-2 movement, and marks the frst time we’ve seen a GMT complication in a bronze watch case. Interest in this particular watch is sky high, we’re told, and it looks likely to be another that will sell out rather quickly. “It’s particularly good looking, with the GMT hand in a nice light blue, which contrasts brilliantly with the bronze,” says Adrian. “It looks great on a leather or canvas strap, and comes in at £995, great value for a GMT.”
      And then there’s the last of the Bronze Collection so far, the C65 Trident Bronze SH21 Limited Edition. This one’s been so popular, every one of the 150 made has already been snapped up, so finding one will be like hunting for hen’s teeth. “This is a very special watch, with a special look – not just the bronze case, but the fact that it has a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, unique amongst C65s,” says Mike. “It’s also the first  C65 Trident Diver to run our in-house SH21 movement. Even so, though, we were surprised it sold out quite as quickly as it did. I suppose that, in retrospect, the triple whammy of the bronze case, the winning C65 aesthetic and it being a limited edition should have given us a clue!”

      So what is the future for bronze watches? Interest is still on the up, it seems, and part of the appeal is that this metal looks so different to  anything else, and yet – unlike gold or platinum, or even something like ceramic – doesn’t cost too much more than regular stainless steel. Plus, of course, it suits today’s authentic vibe brilliantly. “We’re always interested in new case materials,” says Mike, “but not since titanium has anything seemed to work this well for watches. In fact, I think bronze has an even wider appeal.”
      It must have some sort of downside, though, surely…? “Only that it seems to suit the more rugged, outdoorsy watches best. That’s why it works so well on Tridents, and why we haven’t yet attempted a bronze dress watch. For one thing, it would risk making your white dress shirt cuffs go green.” A minor issue, then, and easily fixed by a wardrobe of dark-coloured shirts. And anyway, small idiosyncrasies are all part of the appeal of bronze. These are not watches designed to be all things to all men – far from it – but instead to have a striking, unusual, inherently casual and highly personal allure. A bronze Trident – whatever the model – is a Trident that’s unique to you.
      Source: Loupe Magazine - Issue 11 - Winter 2018

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