A funky new Trident that harks back to the golden era of the diving chronograph...
For those of you who’re unfamiliar with Christopher Ward, the British brand started in 2004 as the world’s first online-only watch company. Since then, they’ve gone from strength to strength, and continue to bring out several new models a year.
One of these is the new C65 Chronograph. It’s a bicompax mechanical chronograph that takes its inspiration from the diving chronographs of the late Sixties and early Seventies.
The new Christopher Ward C65 Chronograph - Image Credit: Christopher Ward
The watch itself is a clear evolution of the C65 Trident line. It retains common elements from earlier models, such as the iconic light-catcher case, narrow aluminium bezel, and boxed sapphire crystal. However, whilst there is a good deal of the design that looks familiar, Christopher Ward have also taken the opportunity to add a host of new elements.
One notable addition is that the crown and pushers are screw-down. This is a welcome change as most other C65 Tridents don’t have this. Combined with the watch’s 150m water resistance, the C65 chronograph is a fully capable diver. Similarly the lume used isn’t faux patinated. This is a refreshing change in a time where every watch company seems to think vintage inspired models need fauxtina.
The new Christopher Ward C65 Chronograph - Image Credit: Christopher Ward
Specifications
Reference: C65 Chronograph
Case width: 41mm
Thickness: 15mm
Movement: Sellita SW510 BH a - 27 jewel self-winding mechanical chronograph
Functions: Hour, minute, small second and date calendar with central second and 30 minute indicators.
Power reserve: 48 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Water-resistance: 150m
Dial: Blue
Lume: Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 GL C1 hands and indexes
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet, tropic rubber strap, or leather strap.
Price: £1,695 on either leather or rubber. £1,800 on a bracelet.
Availability: Available now from Christopher Ward’s website.
The new Christopher Ward C65 Chronograph - Image Credit: Christopher Ward
First Thoughts
I make no secret of the fact that I’m a big fan of Christopher Ward, and the new C65 Chronograph looks to be a great interpretation of a vintage diving chronograph. The bold orange hands, along with the blue and red sectors on the 30 minute register, add a funky pop of colour that gives the watch a playful note.
Automatic chronographs tend to be rather tall, and whilst the C65 is no exception to this, I know that the light-catcher case will make the watch wear slimmer than it really is. It’s also nice to be able to view that decorated movement through the display case back.
The new Christopher Ward C65 Chronograph - Image Credit: Christopher Ward
I think the only thing that worries me about the C65 Chronograph is that it will look too busy. There’s a lot going on with the watch overall, so it could look quite cluttered in the metal. That said, I had the same concern about the C65 Worldtimer, and that was fine to wear.
Overall the C65 Chronograph is an intriguing new release from Christopher Ward. It’s nice to see the brand building on its previous designs; making changes and improvements to keep things fresh, rather than sticking with the same formula time and again.
For more information on the C65 Chronograph, visit Christopher Ward’s website here.
