A beautiful dial. That’s, pretty much, the first thing we look at when buying a new watch, since the face is always the most prominent part of any timepiece. And while the dial does serve as a showcase for the Christopher Ward C8 Power Reserve Chronometer, beneath it lie an advanced mechanical complication that can hold an impressive five days of power.
Created in conjunction with Synergies Horlogeres, the new Swiss-made movement is a hand-wound version of Christopher Ward’s Calibre SH21, which the outfit claims deliver accuracy, reliability, and robust operation. It boasts a new bridge that provides a better view of the twin barrels from the rear, allowing folks to better appreciate wind turbine motif that’s a nod to the Farnborough wind tunnels.
Based on traditional British aviation timepieces, the Christopher Ward C8 Power Reserve Chronometer has a dual-layer dial in a non-reflective matte black finish, with raised indices every quarter hour, an altimeter-inspired date calendar at the 3 o’clock position, and a seconds sub-dial at the six o’clock. It has a COSC-certified chronometer movement, so this should make for precise and accurate timekeeping, with a sub-dial at the 9 o’clock allowing you to keep track of the remaining power.
Features include a 44mm DLC case with a sandblasted finish, museum-grade sapphire crystal both front and rear, SuperLuminova “Old Radium” for nighttime visibility, and an oversized crown for easier winding. It comes in one of three leather straps, black, tan, and brown.
Slated to come out in October, the Christopher Ward C8 Power Reserve Chronometer is priced at £1,550.