Christopher Ward seemingly cannot be stopped: They’re back with yet another phenomenal looking watch. Admittedly, it was only a matter of time before the brand came out with a chronograph in their amazing C65 case. We’ve reviewed the C65 Worldtimer and the C65 Trident SH21, both of which feature what Christopher Ward call its “light catcher” case. What they’ve presented, available today on their website, is another mark in the win column for the brand: the C65 Chronograph. We’ll be going hands-on once the watch arrives at Time Bum HQ, but let’s take a peek at the new model with the help of the press kit.
The C65 Chronograph has the same excellent lines as the rest of the C65 family, but to accommodate the chronograph movement–the automatic Sellita SW510 BHa–the 41mm case arrives in its thickest form yet at 15mm. But if it wears like its siblings (which I expect it will), it won’t feel that thick at all.
The dial features a colorful design that harkens back to the good old days of the 1960’s and 1970s, when watch brands made engaging, bold chronograph dials with more than two colors. The colorway here features a very seaworthy red white and blue, with matched datewheel, and plentiful texture.
Furthering the chrono-diver look is a unidirectional bezel and screw down crown and pushers. The watch will allow for up to 150m of water resistance, ample for most water use. In the copy we received, the brand was clear this is not primarily a diving watch, but the color scheme and functionality certainly make it amenable to more than just a splash. That said, in everyday life, most chronograph timings occur on a whim. And there’s nothing to kill the moment like having to pause to unscrew your start/stop pusher.
Completing the package is a number of strap choices: bracelet, black leather, brown leather, and rubber. While I can’t speak directly to the rubber strap, I have had the chance to try Christopher Ward’s leather and bracelet. Both are top quality, and the bracelet features a sleek ratcheting clasp and quick-release fitted endlinks.
I won’t say that Christopher Ward has broken the mold here. But you don’t always have to break the mold to make a great watch, and it looks to me that they’ve done just that. The vintage inspired colors with the fan-favorite C65 case is going to be very popular. And while it’s not squarely in the affordable range, at around $2,100, it’s priced very well for what it is, especially at the quality we’ve become used to from the brand. The watch is available now, and we’ll have a hands-on review quite soon, so don’t forget to check back.⬩
