Today marks a new collaboration between two British watch brands – Christoper Ward and Mr. Jones Watches. We know CW for their affordable approach to solidly-built watches, and MJW for their artistic whimsy. When they come together, that makes for one Celestial watch.
CW x MJW Celestial: what it is
What we have with this watch is a wild take on the moon phase watch that we’ve used to seeing from Christopher Ward. So, you know that means that it’s housing the JJ04 movement module that will keep the moon phase accurate for 128 years, provided it’s kept wound.
Housed in a 37mm case, it looks like painting took form as a moon phase watch. We see the moon moving through the sky, with the clouds acting to obscure part of the moon to reflect the moon phase. But, how do you tell time? That’s what the two purple birds are. The one closer to the center is the hours, while the outer rim is to mark the minutes.
How did they come up with that design?
Turns out, it was an internal competition at MJW to see who had the most interesting idea. The CW x MJW Celestial came from the lead assembly technician, Bea Watts. Here’s what she says about her design:
My design celebrates the beauty of the night sky in a playful way. I was inspired by the magical feeling of sitting outside to watch the sunset, and staying there till day transitions into night.
The moon begins to appear in the sky, swallows swoop and dive through the air, and in my design, you’re transported into the air too, hovering above a blanket of clouds. It’s a cosy, secret space from which to stargaze; my design captures a feeling of comfort and quiet, and encourages you to appreciate the fleetingness of a certain moment.
Wrapping things up
The CW x MJW Celestial is a limited edition, with only 300 examples being made. Combine that with the fact that it looks to be more-or-less based off of the Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase, the price tag shouldn’t be surprising. On the leather strap (either grey or brown) it’ll be $2,650, while the bracelet commands $2,810. Check it out, and order yours, directly at christoperward.com
