The moonphase complication tend to only take up a small part of a watch’s dial, showing the user what that night’s moon will look like, in the same way it shows them the time and date.
Not so, the new C1 Moonphase by Christopher Ward. Announced today, this watch lives up to its name and puts its moonphase complication front-and-centre. There is no date complication, no power reserve indicator and no subdials either. Instead, the entire dial is covered in a starry sky and the moonphase occupies the entire upper half of the face. It’s a thing of beauty.
Christopher Ward explains how the dial is made from aventurine. “A glass infused with reflective flakes of copper oxide that resemble the starry night sky.” Every dial is different, making the constellation of each C1 Moonphase unique.
This isn’t the first time Christopher Ward has fitted a moonphase complication to a watch. But this is by far the largest, being 25 percent bigger than the moonphase of its C1 Moonglow. Compared to that watch, the new model’s moon also looks more realistic, made from a mix of ceramic and illuminating Super-LumiNova and featuring a four-colour print of the moon itself. Instead of the usual green, the moonphase complication glows white at night.
The watch is powered by a Calibre JJ04 movement, with the moonphase linked to the hour hand and in perpetual motion, the complication moving smoothly from one phase to another throughout each month. So long as the watch is kept wound, Christopher Ward says the movement and its moonphase complication will remain accurate for 128 years. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case, contains 26 jewels and has a power reserve of 38 hours.
Priced at £2,120 on a stainless steel bracelet and £1,995 on a leather strap, the watch has a case diameter of 40.5mm and is 13.3mm thick. It has a push-down crown at the three o’clock position and watch resistance is 30 metres.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.
-
New Casio G-Shock models offer a stylish look – and do some good in the process
These classy pink ladies are made to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
By Sam Cross Published
-
Motorola ThinkPhone 25 really means business – tough as nails and fully juiced-up
Also as secure as they come
By Rik Henderson Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional – near-perfection with a dose of space history
Whisper it, but the OMEGA Speedmaster is probably better than the Rolex Daytona
By Roland Moore-Colyer Published
-
More than two years on, is the MoonSwatch still worth it?
I’m late to the MoonSwatch party, but that doesn’t matter
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
These new Seiko watches are inspired by a Tokyo cocktail bar
Drink it in: these Seiko watches are named after Tokyo’s Star Bar
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
These special dive watches celebrate World Manta Day in colourful style
Carl F. Bucherer expands its diving watch collection with three new timepieces
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
OMEGA’s new Constellation watch puts the night sky on your wrist
OMEGA adds to its Constellation collection with a stunning new timepiece
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer is a seriously seventies throwback and we’re here for it
Seiko's new chronograph is a beautiful 70s homage
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Ralph Lauren reinvents the Polo watch in bright, bold colours
Ralph Lauren launches the newest generation of the Polo Watch
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
TAG Heuer Carrera shifts up a gear with new Extreme Sport collection
TAG goes ultra technical with new revived Extreme Sport series
By Alistair Charlton Published