Introducing the Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor

Have you ever found yourself liking a brand for one reason or another (general design aesthetic, price points, etc) but really wishing they had that “one style” that you really prefer? Christopher Ward seems to be reading your mind then, as they’ve introduced a number of new and interesting styles. Their latest is an old one that’s new again – the Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor.

Now, you might be asking what, exactly, a super compressor is. No doubt you’ve seen watches with dual crowns, acting as they do on the Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor – the top one for the internal bezel, and the lower one for winding and time-setting. However, many of those watches just adopt the look. For a case to be a super-compressor, it needs a different sort of construction. In that, as the watch goes deeper in the water – and is subjected to more pressure – it actually becomes a more watertight case. This is a clever design, and something we don’t normally see today, as we rely on machining tolerances and gaskets to help ensure water tightness. If you want to read more on this style, check out this GearPatrol article.

Then again, I’m guessing a great number of you are like me – if the Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor was on the wrist, it probably wouldn’t get any deeper in the water than your local river or pond or pool. Which means it’s more of a styling exercise, frankly. And when it comes to a vintage-look diver, many of them can look, well, so much the same. Where this CW shines for me is in the use of color. Sure, you could go with the brown-and-black combo for an under-the-radar look, but the real star for me is the teal dial, especially with the teal strap (though I’d still get the bracelet as well).

Mix in the orange that shows up on the dial (on the hand) and in the caseback (hello retaining ring!) you get those nice pops of color. Speaking of – that exhibition caseback? Not something we’re used to seeing on a 200m dive watch, let alone on a super compressor, so it’s an interesting twist. And it does give you a nice view of that delicious Sewllita SW200 automatic in there.

The Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor was just released today, and is available at some compelling prices – just $1,025 on the strap, and $1,145 on the bracelet. While this vintage of a look may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I can certainly applaud that design getting brought into the modern age, complete with modern fit and finish. christopherward.com

Tech Specs from Christopher Ward

• Diameter: 41mm
• Height: 13.05mm
• Weight: 72g
• Calibre: Sellita SW200
• Case: Stainless steel
• Movement Crown: Screw-down (4 o?clock)
• Water resistance: 15 ATM (150 metres)
• Vibrations: 28?800 per hour (4 Hz)
• Time tolerance: -20/+20 seconds per day
• Dial colour: Ocean Blue or Black Sand
• Lume: Super-LumiNova? Grade X1 GL C1
• Strap width: 22mm
• Lug to lug: 47.12mm
• Bezel diameter: 39mm
• Movement diameter: 25.60mm
• Movement height: 4.60mm