British watchmaker Christopher Ward recently introduced the C1 Moonphase, combining artistry and mechanical precision into a single wrist adornment. The new watch not only excels in aesthetic beauty but also stands out for its remarkable accuracy in moon phase representation.
The standout feature of the C1 Moonphase is its dial, made from aventurine, a glass material infused with copper oxide flakes. This eye-catching material mimics the appearance of a star-studded night sky. The name aventurine comes from the Venetian phrase “a ventura,” or “by chance,” as it was serendipitously created by a glass-blower in Murano. Every watch turns out unique because of this material’s distinct variations, meaning no two dials are identical.
Keeping the emphasis squarely on the moon, Christopher Ward took the unusual step of omitting indexes, markers, and even its own logo from the dial. The end result is an uncluttered presentation that allows the oversized moon and handset to dominate the display.
In the dark, the twin moons glow, rotating on an aventurine disc. These moons are crafted from Globolight, a unique blend of ceramic and Super-LumiNova, and have a printed four-color overlay that mimics the real moon’s surface. This meticulous detailing creates a three-dimensional appearance, further augmented by the box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
Christopher Ward breaks the mold with unparalleled precision in representing the lunar cycle. Typical watches simplify the moon’s orbit around Earth to 29.5 days, accumulating an annual error that demands correction every three years. In contrast, the C1 Moonphase, assuming continuous operation and accurate setting, will require manual adjustment only once every 128 years. This incredible accuracy is achieved through the integration of a Swiss automatic Sellita SW 220-1 movement, augmented with a specialized moon phase module comprising additional gear systems.
The watch’s internals are as impressive as its outer design. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement offers a 38-hour power reserve. A screw-down display caseback lets you view this intricate mechanism, and the watch is water-resistant up to 3 ATM.
Complementing the watch’s celestial aesthetic are strap options that include smooth leather in various shades and a stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp. Depending on the choice of strap, the C1 Moonphase is priced at Euro 2,495 / US$ 2,325 or Euro 2,655 / US$ 2,475. Also you might be interested in the most expensive watches in the world.
