Perpetual lunacy
Perpetual lunacy
The earth’s nearest celestial neighbour has long been a subject of fascination for elite watchmakers – including Christopher Ward. After 2015’s C9 Moonphase and 2019’s C1 Moonglow, we present our third and most ambitious moon watch yet: the C1 Moonphase.
The dial is made from aventurine, a glass – invented on the venetian island of Murano in the 17th century – infused with reflective flakes of copper oxide that resemble the starry night sky. And because every piece of aventurine is different, each watch is unique.
Unlike previous CW moonphase models, the dial has been stripped of all adornment – dispensing with indexes, markers and even the logo, so your focus lies squarely on the shimmering aventurine and that beautiful moon.
Twenty-five percent bigger than the moon on the C1 Moonglow, the moon – we use two which rotate on an aventurine disc – is made from Globolight©, a ceramic and Super-LumiNova mix that can be carved into any shape. And because the aperture is also bigger you see even more of it.
When covered with a four-colour print of the real moon, the moon here displays a more accurate three-dimensional look than that of the C1 Moonglow. And in the dark, its glow is white rather than green.
Thanks to the genius of Calibre JJ04, our in-house modular movement, the moon is linked to the hour hand and is in constant motion, with the phases of the moon represented in a single smooth movement. If the watch is kept wound, JJ04 delivers accuracy for 128 years. And you can see the magic of mechanical watchmaking by turning the piece over and gazing through the sapphire case back at the movement.
Clarity has also been improved. The sapphire crystal of the C1 Moonglow has been replaced with a box-sapphire crystal, covered on both sides with an anti-reflective coating. Comfort and wearability are ensured by the new 40.5mm Light-catcher™ case, which boasts brushed and polished surfaces.
The watch is available on The Consort™, our latest and most jewellery-like bracelet. Brushed and polished, it’s made from 127 individual links (and over 200 components) and boasts an ultra-slim 3mm profile and discreet butterfly clasp.
If you’d prefer something lighter, the fine italian leather strap is an understated option. Both are fitted with our quick-release system for no-hassle swapping.
Calibre JJ04 Automatic Moonphase
Calibre JJ04 Automatic Moonphase
Calibre JJ04, Christopher Ward's in-house moonphase modification, is a technological marvel.
Unlike most moonphase complications that transition once per day, JJ04 offers a more dynamic approach. Using the Sellita SW220 as a base, the date wheel, along with its spring-loading assembly, have been stripped out and replaced by four further wheels to drive the moon disc, with two more required for the setting mechanism.
The result is a smooth perpetual action that sees the moon arc gracefully across the star-filled night sky, and if kept wound, Calibre JJ04 will remain accurate to a day every 128 years.
Crazy about the details
The dial is made from aventurine – a translucent glass invented on the island of Murano, Venice – infused with reflective flakes of copper oxide that resemble the night sky. The radically unadorned dial carries no markings apart from the words ‘Swiss Made’ at 6 o’clock, so you can experience both the beauty of the oversized moon, and the shimmer of aventurine as it plays with the light.
JJ04: perpetually brilliant
The moonphase is powered by CW’s own modular movement, JJ04, which is able to follow the waxing (and waning) of the moon accurately for 128 years. This also allows the watch’s ‘moons’ to chart a continuous, uninterrupted journey across the dial.
Dark side of the moon
If you like to get close to the magic of traditional watchmaking, you can view the movement through the exhibition back. Note the decorated rotor, which transfers energy to the mainspring and powers the watch.
Our best moon yet
Constructed in Globolight, a ceramic-Super-LumiNova mix which allows for intricate sculpting, the moon – or moons, there are two in constant rotation – is 25 percent bigger than any previous CW ‘moon’. The increased aperture lets you view even more ‘moon’ than ever before.
The remarkable C1 Moonphase
Christopher Ward’s C1 Moonphase pairs the remarkable Calibre JJ04 with perhaps the most beautiful dial you’ll ever see – and one of the brightest moons in watchmaking.
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