British luxury watch brand Christopher Ward launches new C9 5 day automatic, the first 40mm model from the brand to be equipped with in house developed calibre SH21.
The new C9 5 Day Automatic (40mm) follows in the pioneering steps of the 2014 launch of its big brother (43mm), which was launched simultaneously with Calibre SH21 – a debut that inspired a huge reaction from watch aficionados and the media, including a flood of requests for a smaller sized option housing the innovative SH21 movement.
Created by Christopher Ward’s watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke, SH21 is COSC-certified and, once fully wound, can run for 120 hours/5 days. The smartest element of Jahnke’s creation is that, unlike most movements with such extended reserves of power, there is no compromise in the stability or robustness of the movement. This means the wearer can be confident that the watch will withstand even quite rugged conditions and requires the minimum of servicing.
The enthusiastic reaction to the C9 5 Day Automatic, the first model to house Calibre SH21, sparked a wave of calls for a smaller version. The new 40mm model expresses all the powerful design and technical qualities seen in the original C9 5 Day Automatic and gives those customers wanting a smaller size watch access not only to the C9 aesthetic but also the opportunity to own the stunning SH21 movement.
The design of the C9 5 Day Automatic exudes elegance and high quality – from the sharpness of the dial’s indexes to the subtle brilliance of the Bader deployment that gives the perfect, and practical, finishing touch to the fine embossed alligator pattern Italian leather strap with Bader Deployment.
The new model is offered in three choices of dial colour – white, blue and a new charcoal option – and, behind the stylish galvanic sun-ray dial, the pièce de résistance on the new C9 5 Day Automatic is Christopher Ward’s in-house movement, Calibre SH21, viewed through the sapphire crystal exhibition window in the case-back.
The SH21 movement’s subtle finish has sparked a spirited debate in watch circles as the brand has emphasised its English roots with a deceptively simple finish using a traditional, highly skilled, hand-grinding technique favoured by English watchmakers of an earlier era. Each wheel has been properly turned and each screw flat-polished, with the traditional English steel finish – design, quality and tradition combined.
Technical details
Movement
In-house calibre SH21 automatic movement (100% Swiss Made) by Johannes Jahnke
COSC certified chronometer
Twin barrel construction in a series connection
Vibrations: 28.800 vph
120 hour power reserve
31 jewels
Date display at 3 o’clock
Full tungsten automatic rotor with ball bearings
Continuous central second
Stop-second hacking mechanism
Dial
Galvanic sun-ray one-piece metal dial with raised nickel indexes and nickel hands
Case
Diameter: 40mm
Height: 13.45mm
Hand finished, surgical grade, stainless steel case and crown
Museum-grade sapphire crystal with AR08 anti-reflective coating
Screw-down transparent case back with full diameter AR08 anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Strap
Embossed alligator pattern Italian leather strap with Bader Deployment
Packaging
Luxury presentation case and owner’s handbook
Retail price
£1375
