NEW CHRISTOPHER WARD C65 AQUITAINE COLLECTION

Meet Christopher Ward’s new, improved take on the retro dive watch theme. More sophisticated, more alluring and more capable than before, this new generation of the brand’s hit C65 range is no longer as closely associated with the C60 Trident Pro series of professional diving watches and has instead earned itself a new, distinct identity: Aquitaine.

Named after the historic French coastal region home to celebrated undersea explorer, Jacques Cousteau, Aquitaine takes design influence from the first modern dive watches of the 1950s, launching with a confident three-model collection: a steel automatic, a steel GMT and a bronze-cased wristwatch complete with certification from COSC (Contrôle officiel suisse des Chronomètres, the official Swiss chronometer testing institute, responsible for certifying the accuracy and precision of Swiss watches).

Virtually every aspect of the new C65 is significantly improved. Water resistance is up, from 150m to 200m, there’s a new sapphire exhibition caseback, and the date display has moved from three o’clock position to the more symmetrical, less obtrusive six. On the dial, an applied version of the company’s well-known twin-flags logo sits just below the twelve, with the Christopher Ward wordmark now relocated to the caseback.

Perhaps most noticeably, the new bezel has a curved and highly polished sapphire insert, reminiscent of that used by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. It brings an unexpected level of soft, curvaceous luxury to what’s still, at heart, a sports watch. It’s also remarkably tough — because sapphire is fifty percent harder than even ceramic, this is actually the most difficult-to-scratch bezel Christopher Ward has ever offered. Other improvements include a new glass box crystal reminiscent of those seen on classic 1950s and 1960s dive watches, plus a sleek new steel bracelet utilising screwed links. An updated quick-change mechanism makes tool-free swapping between straps and bracelets easier than ever. There’s also the new ‘Dry Marshal’ safety feature, designed to remind you when Aquitaine’s screw-down crown isn’t fully secure.

Though it combines brushed and polished elements throughout, this is a shinier, glossier wristwatch than Christopher Ward is known for. The blue and green dials feature a sunray finish, while the applied indices are specifically designed to reflect light. Additionally, Christopher Ward’s highly regarded Light Catcher case has been modified, not least with lugs now a millimetre shorter than before. This might sound insignificant, but makes the 41mm comfortable on all wrists, big or small.

At launch, the C65 Aquitaine is offered in three versions. The automatic uses Sellita’s SW 200-1 movement and comes in Marine Blue, White Sand or Seamoss (dark green), while the bracelet is complemented by a range of straps, including blue tropical rubber and a new line of vintage oak leather in assorted shades.

The Aquitaine GMT makes use of Sellita’s SW 330-2 movement to keep track of two time zones simultaneously. Its White Sand dial comes paired with a striking Marine Blue bezel and an eye-catching

GMT hand in the same colour. This is available on the bracelet, tropical rubber or vintage oak leather options. Power reserve is rated at fifty hours. Finally, the bronze Aquitaine pairs a Marine Blue dial and bezel with this richest, most charismatic of case materials. Bronze isn’t just horology’s hottest metal, it’s also well-suited to a retro dive watch, considering its historical associations with maritime exploration. This version is supplied with rubber, canvas webbing or vintage oak straps, and uses Sellita’s SW 200-1 COSC movement, the only one of the trio to be an official certified chronometer.

Price: From £895 christopherward.com or call 01628 763040

BRONZE ISN’T JUST HOROLOGY’S HOTTEST METAL, IT’S ALSO SUITED TO A RETRO DIVE WATCH