Gold Bezel Goodness for Christopher Ward's C9

This just in from Christopher Ward -

These four models represent the latest interpretations of the C9 Gold Bezel Limited Editions -

Courtesy of Christopher Ward

C9 5 Day Automatic Limited Edition – 18ct Gold Bezel.  Here are the details:

Features

1. Special limited edition of 50 pieces
2. 18 carat solid gold bezel
3. In-house calibre SH21 automatic movement (100% Swiss made) by Johannes Jahnke
4. COSC certified chronometer
5. Twin barrel construction in a series connection
6. 120 hour power reserve
7. 31 jewels
8. Date display at 3 o'clock
9. Full tungsten automatic rotor with ball bearings
10. Continuous central second
11. Stop-second hacking mechanism
12. Optic white one-piece metal dial with raised PVD gold indexes and PVD gold hands 
13. Hand finished, surgical grade, stainless steel case and crown
14. Museum-grade sapphire crystal with AR08 anti-reflective coating 
15. Screw-down transparent case back with full diameter AR08 anti-reflective sapphire crystal
16. Embossed alligator pattern Italian leather strap with Bader deployment
17. Beautiful presentation case and owner's handbook

Technical

1. Diameter: 43mm
2. Height: 13.45mm
3. Calibre: SH21 automatic
4. Vibrations: 28.800 vph
5. Case: 316L stainless steel & 18ct solid gold
6. Water resistance: 5 ATM
7. Strap width: 22mm
8. Strap length: 110mm x 90mm
9. Dial: White with Gold

Courtesy of Christopher Ward

C9 Big Day Date Limited Edition – 18ct Gold Bezel 

Features

1. Special limited edition of 50 pieces
2. 18 carat solid gold bezel
3. Swiss made 
4. Self-winding automatic movement 
5. Hand polished surgical grade stainless steel case 
6. Big Day-Date complication by Johannes Jahnke 
7. 5 atm water resistance 
8. Unique engraved individual serial number 
9. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal 
10. Optic white one-piece metal dial 
11. Transparent case back 
12. Italian leather strap with Bader deployment 
13. Beautiful presentation case and owner's handbook

Technical

1. Diameter: 43mm 
2. Height: 12.3mm 
3. Calibre: ETA 2836-2 / Sellita SW220 (Modified) 
4. Case: 316L stainless steel & 18ct solid gold 
5. Water resistance: 5 ATM 
6. Strap: 22mm 
7. Dial: Optic white with Gold

Courtesy of Christopher Ward

C9 Jumping Hour Mk3 Limited Edition – 18ct Gold Bezel

Features

1. Special limited edition of 50 pieces
2. 18 carat solid gold bezel
3. Bespoke ETA 2824-2 Jumping Hour automatic modification by Johannes Jahnke
4. 38 hour power reserve
5. Personally assembled by Master Watchmaker Johannes and his team
6. Hand-finished, surgical grade, stainless steel case and crown
7. Optic white one-piece metal dial
8. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
9. Screw-down transparent case back with anti-reflective mineral crystal
10. Individually engraved limited edition serial number
11. Embossed alligator pattern Italian leather strap with Bader deployment
12. Personalised authenticity certificate signed by Johannes Jahnke
13. Beautiful presentation case and owner's handbook
    

Technical

1. Diameter: 43mm 
2. Height 13.3mm 
3. Case weight: 84g 
4. Calibre: JJ01 Jumping Hour modification of ETA 2824 
5. Timing tolerance: +20/-10 seconds per day 
6. Case: 316L stainless steel & 18ct solid gold 
7. Water Resistance: 5 ATM 
8. Strap width: 22mm leather 
9. Strap length: 110mm x 90mm
10. Dial: White
    with Gold

Courtesy of Christopher Ward

C900 Single Pusher Chronograph Limited Edition – 18ct Gold Bezel

Features

1. Special limited edition of 50 pieces
2. 18 carat solid gold bezel
3. Bespoke Unitas 6497 hand-wound mechanical chronograph by Johannes Jahnke with Jean Fillon
4. 40 hour power reserve
5. Continuous seconds and 30 minute totaliser sub-dials operated through central crown function
6. Worldwide limited edition of only 25 pieces
7. Personally assembled by master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke
8. Hand-finished, surgical grade, stainless steel case and crown
9. Museum-grade sapphire crystal with AR08 coating
10. Optic white one-piece 3-9 bi-compax dial
11. Screw-down transparent case back with full diameter anti-reflective crystal
12. Serial number engraved on both case and movement
13. 316L stainless steel bracelet 
14. Personalised authenticity certificate signed by Johannes Jahnke
15. Beautiful presentation case and owner's handbook

Technical

1. Diameter: 43mm
2. Height: 15.9mm 
3. Calibre: JJ02, hand-wound chronograph, highly modified from Unitas 6497 
4. Vibrations: 18,000 vph 
5. Case: 316L stainless steel & 18ct solid gold 
6. Water resistance: 5 ATM
7. Strap:22mm 
8. Dial: Optic white

Jumping Hour Mark III

Christopher Ward announced a slightly smaller version of their C9 Jumping Hour  - the Mark III featuring what they are referencing as the Calibre JJO1.  Jumping Hour version.

Courtesy of Christopher Ward

We are a bit tight for time this morning, so you're getting the info straight from the source -

Christopher Ward launch the C9 Jumping Hour Mark III – the third expression of Johannes Jahnke’s outstanding calibre JJ01 modified movement – presented in a stylish new design.

• Swiss made
• Bespoke ETA 2824-2 automatic Jumping Hour modification by Johannes Jahnke
• 38 hour power reserve
• Personally assembled by Master Watchmaker Johannes and his team
• 40mm surgical grade stainless steel case
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Screw-down transparent case back
• Unique engraved serial number
• Optic-white one-piece metal dial
• Embossed alligator pattern Italian leather strap with Bader deployment
• Luxury presentation case and owner’s handbook

Technical

• Diameter: 40mm
• Height: 13.3mm
• Case weight: 71g
• Calibre: JJ01 Jumping Hour modification of ETA 2824
• Timing tolerance: +20/-10 seconds per month
• Case: 316L stainless steel
• Water Resistance: 5 bar
• Strap width: 20mm leather
• Strap length 110mm x 90mm
• Dial: Optic white

With the growing demand for smaller diameter dress watches, Christopher Ward present a Mark III version of their ground-breaking C9 Jumping Hour – a new 40mm model offering a stunningly elegant evolution of the C9 aesthetic that has become the signature look of the brand’s premium watch collection.

Hand-assembled at the company’s atelier in Biel, Switzerland, by Christopher Ward watchmaker Johannes Jahnke and his team, the Mark III adopts Arabic numerals in the mesmerising hour change aperture at the ‘12’ position on the optic white dial. The new features combine perfectly with the elegantly understated design of the dial, producing a watch of captivating beauty and clarity. Each watch is offered on a premium quality strap with a double folded Bader deployment.

Behind the design enhancements the Jumping Hour Mk III retains, of course, the proven calibre JJ01 that beats beneath the dial and is visible through the screw-down exhibition case-back.

Further refined since Jahnke’s original development in the 43mm Mark I & Mark II, his ETA 2824-2 with modified jumping hour complication is among the most precise jumping hour mechanism ever seen. The energy for the ‘jump’ is generated over the course of an hour, ensuring that the power usage for the watch remains consistent throughout and also makes for a more robust movement. The model incorporates a 38-hour power reserve.

Mike France, co-founder of Christopher Ward, explains the emphasis behind the new sizing: “The Jumping Hour, powered by the outstanding calibre JJ01, stands as one of our finest creations. The new 40mm size provides a stunning new option for customers seeking a smaller case size and we see this model appealing to both men and women wanting not only a more compact Dress watch but also a more intriguing one.

We are especially delighted to see how the evolution of the model has delivered three unique expressions while clearly retaining the essence of the crisp design aesthetic of the C9 family.”

This brand was founded on a mission to put premium quality watches within the reach of everyone and, with this launch, the Jumping Hour achieves a quantum leap in the level of value for the customer.  We’re delighted that we are starting to reap the cost benefits of last year’s merger with our long-standing Swiss atelier partner, Synergies Horlogères, and the release of the stunning new smaller diameter Jumping Hour Mk III is an opportunity for us to share these benefits with our customers.”

The stylish presentation box for each watch contains a letter of authenticity, signed by Johannes Jahnke.  Since the 2011 launch of the original Mark I version, the C9 Jumping Hour has become a powerful expression of Christopher Ward’s unique blend of innovative design, exquisite craftsmanship and outstanding value.

The C9 Jumping Hour Mark III £995 ($1375, EUR1250) is available to buy at www.christopherward.co.uk.  

Wrapping up the Christopher Ward C9 Harrison Jumping Hour

I wanted to allow a few days for those of you out there reveling in the holiday spirits to, well, quit reveling so that I could give the summary report of the C9 Harrison Jumping Hour.

Perhaps one of the most striking - and for me appealing factors of this watch is the dial and the face.  The dial is a beautiful execution with the pattern on the interior with the minute indication divided by a silver-toned ring.  The ring then dips downward at 12 o'clock to create a display window for the hour indication.  Overall, a very nice balance, lending texture and depth of field.

The use of a blue hour hand was also a very well-considered choice.  It lends just enough differentiation without sticking out like a sore thumb.

As I have said earlier in this review, the finish on this Christopher Ward offering is really of a different class than some of their lower-priced models.  This is understandable - a more expensive watch would lead you to expect a higher price tag.  But I think that is also a case where you can really see where the extra money went.  It is really smooth case and crown, and the deployment clasp functions smoothly without a hiccup.

The decision to use an actual alligator strap as opposed to an embossed calf strap was also a good choice.   It adds the right "feel" for this watch.  After fifteen days the leather is nice and comfortable, and a real pleasure to wear.

Comfort wise, the C9 Jumping Hour is really a joy to have on the wrist.  It is substantial without being overwhelming.  It is 43 mm which is right at the cusp of the outer limits for a dress watch, but because of its classic design, and a rather subdued bezel, this size seems to be "just right".

The timekeeping has been great.  I did finally have it "timed" by a watchmaker using "electronic methods" ; )  and the rate was + 6 seconds!  I really got used to the Jumping Hour function, and now I find myself slightly confused by traditional three handed set-ups!  I can honestly say that that once you get used to the orientation, it really becomes second nature!

I have to say at $1,585 the C9 Harrison Jumping hour is priced very well.  And it creates an opportunity for Christopher Ward to offer something of a different class for those who want something unique, not just the latest version of a diver, a pilot's watch, etc.  And to be clear, there is nothing wrong with those choices either - but this is something else - something not for everyone - and I think that should be appreciated.  Whether or not Christopher Ward should focus more on watches at this level, diversify even further, who will win the European Championship this summer... all of these topics will be discussed over numerous cups of coffee, glasses of beer and the always available sausages in Basel by yours' truly and the usual suspects in a little more than two months' time!

Christopher Ward - finishing work

Having worn a Christopher Ward watch in a previous 15 day review, I can say that it was a pretty-well finished watch, and represented fair value for the money.

The Harrison Jumping Hour is of a completely different class!  The finishing work on this is on a par with anything I have seen (and worn) recently.  Everything, smooth, polished and shiny! And no sharp edges or spots.

From the back laser etching, to the detail on the rotor, the attention paid to each detail is really evident.
In a time where nearly everyone is using a display back, but almost nobody takes the time to make it really visually appealing, it is wonderful to see something like this!  Well done!

And in case you were curious, the timing has been perfect so far.  Please bear in mind that being absent a second hand it is challenging to be completely precise in rates without outside electronic assistance, but it appears to be bang on time each morning when I put it on.  More to come - stay tuned!

Christopher Ward C9 Harrison Jumping Hour - 2 days in

So I've had a few days to get acquainted with the Jumping Hour and it has been a fun 48 hours!  I've worn several single-handed watches, but this is the first time I've worn a "jumping hour" watch and I must say it is enjoyable - and incredibly easy to read.  


Today's word is legibility.  The dial of the C9 Harrison Jumping Hour is so well laid out and clear.  It is rally a joy to look at, and after a few days, it is pretty much second nature to gauge the time.  The indices are clear and very well executed, and the minute increments are a real blessing as opposed to many others that simply indicate five minute blocks allowing you to give your best estimate.  


The hour indicator is clear and bold and really works well with the minute hand.


More to come -

15 Days with Christopher Ward

Courtesy of Christopher Ward

It's that time again!  Tomorrow I start 15 days with Christopher Ward's C9 Harrison Jumping Hour  

We kick-off tomorrow, stay tuned!