Christopher Ward is first and foremost known for creating watches that punch well above their price in terms of design and technology. Something they’re keen to build on with adventures into new levels of finishing, like with the Christopher Ward C60 Concept, and exploring different materials. To that end they have announced the first ever bronze Sealander with the C63 Sealander Bronze COSC and a new limited edition bronze C60 Trident.
C63 Sealander Bronze COSC
Up first and arguably the more intriguing of the pair is the C63 Sealander Bronze COSC. With this watch, Christopher Ward are attempting to prove that bronze has a wider application in watchmaking beyond retro dive watches. I’m not entirely sure why that was their aim considering Oris have been producing non-diving watches in bronze for years, including the new full bronze pointer date. However, regardless of whatever motivated the project, the outcome is certainly intriguing.
The C63 Sealander is an all-round sports-cum-tool watch, designed with a go anywhere attitude that suits the robust qualities of bronze. Compared with the design of the regular stainless steel case, the new bronze one is practically identical with a 39mm diameter and a smooth finish across the bezel and gently sloping lugs. But what really makes the watch interesting is the dial.
Christopher Ward have given it a tinted sapphire crystal dial, the first time in history a bronze watch has been given a dial like this by a manufacture. It allows you to view the movement below the dial without technically being skeletonised, so you can watch the mechanisms at work. And that’s important for the C63 Sealander Bronze COSC because it has a new movement for the model, housing the top grade Sellita SW200 COSC chronometer certified calibre.
So to list the C63 Sealander Bronze COSC’s achievements, it’s the first bronze Sealander, the first bronze watch with a tinted sapphire dial and the most accurate Sealander to date. All for the ridiculously accessible price of £895.
C60 Bronze Ombré Green COSC LE
Completing the pair of new bronze watches is the C60 Bronze Ombré Green COSC LE, a limited edition version of the C60 Trident with 500 pieces available. The first point to note is how bizarre it is that after making claims about using bronze on non-diving watches they’ve gone and done exactly that. But again, that can be overlooked because it’s a cool watch.
As with the C63 there has been no compromise to the watch’s baseline capabilities. It retains the Trident’s 600m water resistance and still measures 42mm in diameter. It’s just bronze now and comes with all the retro style associated, since bronze is heavily associated with vintage diving gear.
Again, where things get arguably more interesting is the dial. It has a green ombré gradient that looks lovely, especially because it also has a handmade weathered finish. The fact the scratches are handmade means each dial is unique, as unique as the patina that will build up on the bronze case. Inside it also houses the Sellita SW200, although in this instance that’s a staple movement for the collection. Meaning it’s not quite so remarkable as the fact the C63 uses it.
In terms of price, it’s pretty middle of the pack for the C60 Trident at £950. There are models as low as £740 but there are also models in the couple thousand bracket too. So on the whole it’s still super accessible, a Christopher Ward signature.
Price & Specs:
Model: Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Bronze COSC and C60 Bronze Ombré Green COSC LE
Reference: C63-39ADC3-B00K0-VT (C63 Sealander Bronze), C60-42ADC3-B00V0-WV (C60 Bronze Ombré Green)
Case/dial: 39mm diameter x 11.25mm height, bronze case, Smoked sapphire crystal dial that is openworked (C63 Sealander Bronze)
42mm diameter x 13.40mm height, bronze case, ombré green (C60 Bronze Ombré Green)
Water resistance: 150m (15 bar) (C63 Sealander Bronze)
600m (60 bar) (C60 Bronze Ombré Green)
Movement: Sellita SW200, automatic, COSC-certified chronometer, 26 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 26h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: Brown leather (C63 Sealander Bronze), green canvas webbing (C60 Bronze Ombré Green)
Price/availability: £895 (C63 Sealander Bronze), £950 (C60 Bronze Ombré Green, limited to 500 pieces)
More details at Christopher Ward.
