Christopher Ward’s C63 SH21 Blue Marine and Snow Leopard Support Environmental Protection

It was a topic of conversation in Oracle Time headquarters  just last week that Christopher Ward doesn’t produce enough textured dials. Don’t get me wrong, I really like Christopher Ward’s regular dials too, the C65 Dune is gorgeous but I feel like there’s an untapped potential in their textural outings. The C60 Trident Ombré Green was fabulous and we need more of it. Apparently Christopher Ward heard us because now they’ve launched the C63 SH21 Blue Marine and Snow Leopard.

The two watches here are technically the same despite having wildly different appearances due to their textured dials. The Blue Marine has a distorted wave pattern that seems to flow across the dial with the currents being impacted by dial elements such as the subdials. It’s a fun design, although perhaps it won’t be to everyone’s taste having a certain childish quality to it that makes it look like a toy.

Personally, I definitely prefer the Snow Leopard edition with its pure white leopard print texture. It simultaneously evokes images of the titular animal while also reminding me of a snow storm in a vein not dissimilar to the Grand Seiko Snowflake. Of course, there is a notable difference in the quality and execution between the two but considering that the CW is a fraction of the price, that’s to be expected.

On top of the new dials, these watches are extra special because they’re the first C63 Sealanders to house Christopher Ward’s calibre SH21 automatic movement. While it’s been around for a while, first debuting in 2014, its specs are still very impressive, touting a 5-day power reserve. It features hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator and date functions.

The SH21 is housed within a classic C63 Sealander case measuring 41mm in diameter made from steel with a matching steel bracelet. It’s relatively subtle with brushed finishing and a smooth bezel that really let the Blue Marine and Snow Leopard dials become the focus of the piece.

Both editions are limited to 150 pieces and priced at £1,595 with 5% of profits going to charity. The Blue Marine edition supports the Blue Marine Foundation in their fight to protect the world’s water sources from plastics and the Snow Leopard supports the David Shepard Wildlife Foundation in their endeavours to protect snow leopards in the wild.