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| Hands-On Debut: The Sparkling Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase |
Christopher Ward has taken the watch world by storm with its latest release, the Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase. This exquisite timepiece builds on the brand's earlier success with the C1 Moonglow, emphasizing the allure of moonphase complications. The result is a watch that's poised to become a standout in the horological landscape.
The new Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase maintains the beloved form factor of the C1 Moonglow but with some dimension adjustments. Its stainless steel case, measuring 40.5mm in diameter, strikes a perfect balance between brushed and polished finishes, avoiding an overly formal appearance. Slightly thicker at 13.3mm and with a shorter 47.9mm lug-to-lug dimension, this watch exudes a comfortable wear, never feeling bulky in any direction. The inclusion of a box sapphire glass provides ample space for the dial, ensuring a clear view.
The watch boasts 30 meters of water resistance, suitable for everyday wear. The deep blue quick-release leather strap complements the dial's hue, while the folding deployant clasp ensures both convenience and comfort. Additionally, the Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase can be paired with the brand's 7-link Consort bracelet for those who prefer a sportier look, although it might not be the ideal match for this elegant timepiece.
The use of aventurine for the dial is a masterstroke. Aventurine's starry appearance is best showcased without the distraction of indices or excessive dial printing. Here, the dial remains almost entirely sterile, allowing the aventurescence to shine. The polished hands, which are minimally adorned, take a backseat, contributing to the dial's overall aesthetics. The result is an entrancing visual experience that captures the viewer's attention with the shimmering specks in the aventurine.
What makes this watch truly exceptional is its oversized moonphase feature, occupying a substantial portion of the dial, around 25% larger than the Moonglow's moon. The luminescent moon, coated with Super-LumiNova, is set against a rotating aventurine plate. During the new moon phase, the moon becomes nearly invisible, blending seamlessly with the aventurine dial. As the moon waxes and wanes, it takes center stage, overshadowing even the watch's hands. While this might seem like an unconventional choice, it adds to the allure and uniqueness of the watch.
The Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase is powered by an elaboré grade Sellita SW200-1 base, accompanied by the brand's in-house JJ04 moonphase module. This combination transforms the three-hand SW200 into a proper moonphase watch. The movement boasts a custom black rotor featuring Christopher Ward's twin flag motif. With a quoted accuracy of -20/+20 seconds per day, a 38-hour power reserve, and a beat rate of 28,800 vph, it delivers reliable performance.
Considering the success of the C1 Moonglow, the popularity of aventurine dials, and the resurgence of dress watches, one might wonder why this watch wasn't introduced earlier. Nevertheless, its arrival is a welcome one, as it embodies beauty and sophistication. The Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase is available at a price of $2,325 USD on a strap, the same as the C1 Moonglow, and $2,475 USD on a bracelet. Explore this celestial masterpiece on the brand's website for more details.
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