Christopher Ward C1000 Typhoon
Inspired from the Eurofighter Typhoon multi role fighter jet which features the sweeping delta wing configuration, British watch brand Christopher Ward introduces their latest aviator timepiece, C1000 Typhoon.
In keeping with the technical sophistication of the computer-controlled jet fighter, the C1000 Typhoon marks another technical advancement for the British luxury watch company, being the first of its watches to boast a ceramic outer case. In a further refinement, a titanium case supporting the movement sits inside the ceramic. The protective carapace of ceramic is fitted around the inner case through intense pressure. The appeal of this advanced composite comes from its light weight, scratch resistance, durability, smooth touch and deep opaque appearance, especially in the matt black finish used for the C1000 Typhoon. Today’s advanced ceramic is probably six or seven times tougher than steel; it is so tough that only a diamond can scratch it.
A modified version of the revered ETA Valjoux 7750 movement has been used for this stylish new chronograph. The backplate, crown and twin pushers are IPK black-coated titanium, complementing the predominant colour scheme of the watch, and this identity is carried through to the rugged leather and webbing strap options.
Details taken from the plane itself have enriched the appearance of the watch. The outlines of the chronograph eyes echo the twin circles of the jet’s after-burners. In one variation, the lower eye is modelled on the official low-visibility RAF roundel of baby blue and salmon pink. The SuperLuminova white numerals are rendered in the font used on the Typhoon’s HUD (Head Up Display), part of its sophisticated Cockpit Information Unit (CIU). These and the sky blue indexes are luminous, providing highly effective standout against the charcoal black dial.
Although the Typhoon aircraft itself has no dials, using only LED displays, the aero theme is further developed through the elegant shape of the titanium minute and hour hands, which are inspired by the traditional hands on an aircraft’s dials. In a very neat touch, the counter balance of the second hand displays the unmistakable silhouette of the Typhoon while its tip carries a canard-delta reference.
On the detailed backplate a full rendition of the wonderful shape of the FGR4 is seen in the form of an intricate 3-D raised coin effect. In a high-precision stamping, the plane as seen from above sits in the centre of the case back and makes a smart contrast to the matt black ceramic case. The plate is engraved with ‘Typhoon FGR4 Multi-Role Combat’ and the RAF motto ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra’ (‘Through Struggles to the Stars’).
Technical details
• Swiss Made
• Customised self-winding ETA 7750 automatic chronograph
• Hour/Min chronograph function
• 42 hour power reserve
• 42mm Ceramic case with titanium sub-frame, titanium crown and pushers with PVD black finish
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal with museum-grade AR08 coating to both sides
• Dial colour: Black
• After-burner detailing on dial and crown
• Low visibility RAF roundel at 6 O’clock
• Typhoon delta wing designed stop-second hand
• SuperLuminova (TM) indexes and hands with blue emission
• Highly detailed, raised coin Typhoon medallion on case back
• Individually engraved serial number
• High density webbing or leather strap with titanium buckle or Bader deployment clasp in PVD Black Finish
• Beautiful presentation case, owner’s handbook and microfibre cleaning cloth
• Water resistance: 5atm/50 metres
• Price: £1,500 / $2,060
