Christopher Ward has launched its most complicated timepiece to date – the limited edition C900 Single Pusher Chronograph, a timepiece it has dubbed “one of the most significant watches to be launched by a British watchmaker this year”.
The watch will be limited to 250 pieces. It was designed by Christopher Ward in Britain but its Unitas 6497 calibre has been adapted and developed by watchmaker Johannes Jahnke, who is based in Christopher Ward’s Swiss studio.
Jahnke has introduced a sliding gear to the calibre and has reworked the bridges, the winding mechanism and the centre and second wheels, as well as the swan-neck adjustment system.
A release form the brand said: “To make so many major mechanical and aesthetic improvements required a mastery of traditional watchmaking skills – which have sadly become increasingly rare. Even among many of the leading luxury watch brands, mass-produced movements have become the accepted standard.”
Jahnke approached Jean Fillon who has worked with chronograph movements ever since the 1940s, to help with the work.
Jahnke said: “The last chronographs I made cost £70,000 and most of them are probably locked up in a safe somewhere. I have only ever seen one being worn.
“I’d like more people to get pleasure from my work and understand what I do. Christopher Ward has given me the opportunity to do that. The C900 is a watch which I am hugely proud of, which is also affordable enough to be worn, used and appreciated by a much wider range of customers.”
The automatic chronograph will be available for pre-order from the end of August.
Christopher Ward said of the new timepiece: “The C900 brings the world of complications and the upper end of watchmaking within reach of more people than ever before.
“One day we may produce even more complicated watches but the C900 will always be very special for me. Johannes has accomplished something extraordinary.”
