Introducing Christopher Ward Introduces The New C65 Super Compressor Elite

Released in 2020, the C65 Super Compressor was the first genuine ‘super compressor’ watch in over 50 years. Combining a 1970s-inspired Super Compressor case with bright, youthful colors, it made for a compelling offering and has earned iconic status in the Christopher Ward canon. Like the original, the new watch features a genuine super compressor mechanism, invented in the mid-1950s by case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA). This mechanism allows divers to go deeper without their watch malfunctioning. An ultra-thin compression spring just 300 microns wide is placed around the perimeter of the case. As a diver descends, water pressure presses the caseback against the O-ring gasket, increasing water resistance.

Christopher Ward's strategy of renewing old designs is proving successful, especially with their wide range of watches. This is evident in models like the C65 Dune GMT White Sand. However, the most famous piece of the british brand remains the Bel Canto C1, renowned for its chiming function and winner of the GPHG 2023 Petite Aiguille prize.

The case measures 41mm in diameter and 13.75mm thick, with a brushed finish. Exceptions include the slim polished outer bezel and the bevels along the case band, adding visual brilliance. On the right side of the case, you'll find two crowns. The C65 Super Compressor Elite features a dual crown design, with an extra crown at two o'clock, sealed by two gaskets to control the interior diving bezel. This crown features an orange ring that matches the orange accents on the dial. The second crown, which displays the brand’s logo, allows you to set the time. The case also boasts 150m of water resistance.

The sapphire crystal on the back reveals glimpses of the movement, along with a steel coin bearing the original EPSA Super Compressor diving-helmet logo in relief. This detail harks back to vintage watches, where the helmet denoted the authenticity of a true Super Compressor watch. and the box-sapphire crystal provides a clear view of the dial.

The dial features a striking blue hue with a sunburst blue vertical-gradient base. It has applied hour indices filled with lume and white markers for the minutes. Below these, the decompression scale is executed in light blue and orange. Divers historically used this classic decompression scale to avoid decompression sickness, a task now managed by dive computers. Surrounding the dial is a white internal dive-time bezel with large dark blue numerals and a prominent orange triangle as the 60-minute marker.

The design is complemented by a stainless steel hour hand, an orange minute hand, and a steel seconds hand with an orange tip.

Using the scale is simple. First, you establish the dive depth in either meters or feet. As you can see, there are indications for both flanking the hour marker at 12 o’clock. After identifying the depth, you follow the corresponding ring around the dial clockwise until you read the first maximum dive time requiring no decompression. If the dive extends beyond this point, along the ring, you will find numerals corresponding to the time required to decompress before surfacing. A simple example is diving at 40 meters. If you dive up to 10 minutes at that depth, no decompression is required. But if you dive 45 minutes at 40 meters feet, 60 minutes of decompression is required for a safe resurface.

Powering the watch is the automatic movement Sellita SW300-1. Chronometer-certified by COSC, it operates at 28,800 vph (3Hz) and offers 56 hours of power reserve. It runs with an accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day.

The watch is available with a choice of two straps or a bracelet. The first option is a light blue Aquaflex rubber strap, priced at USD 1,690, which is equivalent to 6,200 AED. The second option is a blue and orange rubber Tropic-style strap, priced at USD 1,675, which is equivalent to 6,150 AED. The final option is the brand’s stainless steel Bader bracelet with a folding clasp, priced at USD 1,825, which is equivalent to 6,700 AED.

For more information please visit Christopher Ward official website.