English watchmaker Christopher Ward has had so many hit releases over the past two years that it’s difficult to keep track.
It was only toward the end of 2022 when the brand dropped the Bel Canto, a mechanical chiming watch priced under $4,000 that completely altered the perception of what the brand was capable of.
CW followed that up in June of last year with the release of its integrated sports watch, The Twelve, followed by a fast and furious expansion of the line to the point where it now boasts 40 references. More recently, we’ve seen the brand achieve new heights in its flagship Trident dive watch line with the launch of the titanium-and-Globolight Trident Lumière, along with a second, even more impressive version of the Bel Canto.
Between all of these much-hyped releases was the relatively quiet but no less impressive C1 Moonphase, released in the fall of 2023. The watch, which was nominated for a GPHG Award this year, is among the most stunning watches in its sub-$3,000 price point thanks to its pairing of a sparkling aventurine dial with a massive moonphase display made of Globolight ceramic lume.
There was just one problem with the C1 Moonphase. Because of its thin bezel and expansive dial — there’s no minute track or even indices to break up the starry sky — the watch wears much larger than its 40.5mm case size would suggest. Too large, I would say, for most people to wear as a dress watch.
Well, those worries are now moot. In typical CW fashion, the brand has heard your complaints and answered your prayers with a smaller version of the C1 Moonphase.
