New C65 Aquitaine for Summer 2022

Frank W · January 9, 2022

This was posted in Loupe magazine in November last year. Looking forward to the new models and design changes. The original Mk1 seem to have been very succesful for CW as there have been many different models and variations in the C65 range.

The C65 range of retro dive watches has been one of the essential collections at Christopher Ward over the last few years. From the ultra-sophisticated C65 Trident Auto to the groundbreaking C65 Super Compressor, the winning combination of vintage design and contemporary (and reliable!) mechanics has brought in a slew of stylefocused fans to CW. And while this is something that’s been wonderful to behold, constant improvement is what drives Christopher Ward.

As the life cycle of each watch generation is around four to five years, the CW design team has begun work on a second iteration of the C65. As in the first models, influences come from the golden age of dive watches, released between 1950- ’70 – though the level of engineering and innovation is distinctly 21st century. Christopher Ward product designer Will Brackfield says some of the new designs are focusing on the diving bezel.

“I can’t go into too much detail, but we’ve been looking at improving the bezel, and experimenting with different materials, colours and widths. Nothing is set in stone yet, but one thing I can say is that every element of the C65 will be radically improved.” Can he not be more specific than that? “We’ve had a lot of interesting conversations about the case, and there’s also been early work on the lugs. How can we make them better? More comfortable?

There’s a lot to wrestle with but it’s an incredibly exciting project to work on.” In terms of models, an automatic and GMT are confirmed, while a ‘range topper’ will almost certainly see the light of day. Already, 3D case designs have been sent from the CW atelier in Switzerland, and they’ve been met with approval by senior staff. If all goes to plan, the new C65 watches should see the light of day by summer 2022.

Frank W · April 11, 2022

From the Spring 2022 edition of the CW magazine Loupe.

In the last issue, we revealed early details about the second iteration of the C65 Trident range. If you’re not familiar, our C65 timepieces pay tribute to the iconic diving watches of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Think chic mid-century design, pared-down dials and, when occasion demands it – as on the C65 Super Compressor – elite-level, technically-advanced watchmaking.

Work on the second C65s has been taking place at Christopher Ward’s Swiss HQ in Biel, where product manager Jörg Bader Jr is overseeing manufacture. He’s cagey about what’s to come but insists there’s plenty for lovers of retro watches to get excited about. “The watches are looking very 1960s, but there are also contemporary touches,” he says. “Inspiration comes partly from the original Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, but that’s just one influence.”

Designer Will Brackfield has been involved in the project, too. “The C65 MkII is a huge step up in quality,” he says. “We took everything we learned on the Trident 3 and applied it to the new C65 in terms of design, engineering and quality. One key addition completely changes the watch’s character – and how it interacts with the light.” Christopher Ward CEO Mike France is enthusiastic, but unwilling to give too much away.

“We want the new C65 collection, which will be launched under a new name, to be the best vintage-inspired dive watch in watchmaking,” he says. “And I think our talented teams in Switzerland and Maidenhead have created something very, very special.” The new C65 collection will be released in April