Despite criticism from a small collective, Christopher Ward have gone from strength to strength since their re-brand back in 2016. Focusing on restrained style and retro-inspired cues, their C65 range is the embodiment of this design code, which seems to have won them a more dedicated following than ever.
The latest release in their vintage-inspired collection is the C65 GMT Worldtimer, the first in the C65 range to include a travel-focused Worldtimer complication.
For the direct-to-consumer brand this clearly wasn’t enough, deciding to pair the worldtimer complication with a GMT hand and enabling the wearer to read three time zones at a glance. Although the amount of people that need such a pairing is probably very few, the execution is flawless and makes for a unique looking watch which is simple to use.
The third and final ‘first’ for Christopher Ward is the colour scheme, in this case a contemporary yellow and black pairing. The black colour is reserved for the outer ring of the bi-directional 24 timezone bezel, matte dial and DLC caseback, while the yellow is used to help accent the GMT hand and the night-time section of the day-night indicator on the outer dial.
Although it retains some of its vintage charm with its ‘glass-box’ crystal it’s certainly less of a throwback than their other C65 models. This is no bad thing, as the culmination is a sporty tool-watch that wouldn’t look out of place with smart-casual work attire or even a relaxed streetwear vibe.
Although this watch is all about firsts, the worldtimer essentially uses the same base as the rest of range, including the slim 41mm stainless steel case, contrasting polished and brushed steel facets, screw down crown with twin-flag motif and their signature Trident counter-balance seconds.
The movement is unremarkable but solid, a Sellita SW330 which holds a 42-hour power reserve, beats at 4 Hz and features Christopher Ward’s ‘Colimacone’ finished rotor, though in this case hidden behind the screw down trident motif caseback. It’s not quite re-writing the rule book on travel watches but it’s a welcome addition to a solid roster.
Price & Specs:
Model Name: Christopher Ward C65 GMT Worldtimer
Case/Dial: 41mm diameter x 12.05mm height, stainless steel
Water resistance: 150m (15 bar)
Movement: Calibre Sellita SW330, automatic
Functions: Hours and minutes, dual-time GMT, date, central hacking seconds, worldtimer
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42h
Strap: Fabric, leather or bracelet
Price: £995
More details at Christopher Ward’s website.
