The Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase is a remarkable new moonphase timepiece featuring a distinctive aventurine dial reminiscent of a starry night sky.

The British watchmaker recently announced this beautiful entry to their roster that refreshingly embellishes the Luna module. In contrast to most, where the moonphase is a complication that features as one aspect of a dial, Christopher Ward pits it centre stage. I think it’s a great example of a brand thinking outside the box, and the result looks stunning. A fitting tribute to our celestial companion.

Following on from the brands’ Moonglow watch, this new work of art offers a more refined and elegant take on the Luna theme. Striped down to the bare essentials, this three-hand dial is only accompanied by the extraordinary night sky dial that’s layered superbly to frame a unique moonphase complication.

It showcases a larger and more accurate 3D moon sitting at 25% bigger than their previous design. Crafted from aventurine, a transparent glass created on the island of Murano in Venice, the dial is enriched with reflective copper oxide flakes, evoking the likeness of a starry night sky. The exceptionally minimalist dial bears no other markings, except for the ‘Swiss Made’ inscription at the 6 o’clock position. This design choice allows you to fully appreciate the magnificence of the enlarged moon and the captivating play of light on the aventurine surface.

Powering this innovation is the Calibre JJ04, the proprietary moonphase modification by Christopher Ward, which stands as a remarkable technological achievement. In contrast to typical moonphase complications that advance once daily, JJ04 takes a more dynamic approach.

Built upon the Sellita SW220, this modification involves the removal of the date wheel and its spring-loading assembly, replacing them with four additional wheels to drive the moon disc, along with two more for the setting mechanism. The outcome is a continuous, fluid motion that gracefully guides the moon across the starry night sky. When consistently wound, Calibre JJ04 retains its accuracy, deviating by only a day every 128 years.

In addition, the watch incorporates a box-sapphire crystal for enhanced clarity and is housed in a new 40.5mm Light-catcher™ case designed for comfortable wear on any wrist.

The Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase comes in two options; One with a dark blue Italian leather strap, or an alternate stainless steel consort bracelet. These are priced at £1,995.00 and £2,120.00 respectively. Personally, I think the strap compliments the aesthetics of this watch above the bracelet. The dark blue almost feels like an extension of the night sky dial and for me, maintains the same level of elegance. It’s an exciting piece with a unique design that surpasses the price tag. Here’s hoping for more of the same to come from the brand in the near future.

C1 Moonphase Specs

SKUC01-40AMP2-S00B0-MB
ModelC1
Case Size40.5mm
Case MaterialStainless steel
Case Height13.3mm
Dial ColourMidnight Blue
Lug-to-Lug47.9mm
Water Resistance3 ATM (30m)
MovementCalibre JJ04 (Automatic)
Power Reserve38 Hours

Where to Buy the Christopher Ward C1 Moonphase?

Order your C1 Moonphase direct from the Christopher Ward website. Also, if you fancy something personal, get a custom engraving from just £30.

Author

Aaron is a passionate watch enthusiast and the founder of BezelBuzz. With a keen eye for craftsmanship, he delves into the intricate details of timepieces, sharing in-depth reviews, industry insights, and the latest watch trends.

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