The John Player Special is an icon of Formula 1 racing, and not just because it took Lotus to the top of their game. Red might (and this is scientifically accurate) make you go faster, but the black and gold livery of the JPS made it one of the coolest rides on the track.
What better place to start a retro dive watch then? At least that turns out to be the thinking of Christopher Ward. Granted it feels like the link should be more relevant to a tachymeter-equipped racing watch than the latest in the Trident dive series, but there’s no denying it’s a striking piece.
If previous Trident models have imitated, at least in part, Omega’s Seamaster 300m and Planet Ocean then this is taking a leaf out of Oris’ playbook, with a Divers’ 65-style case and similar, two-tone colourway.
Still, Christopher Ward has made the formula with its mix of black caseback, dial and bezel with rose gold sides, lugs and crown. The mix is a perfect match for the old radium-coloured lume in low light and the overall retro feel of the oversized Arabic numerals with rectangular indexes.
Powered by a Sellita SW120 calibre hand-wound movement and weighing in at a wearable 41mm across, C65 Black Gold limited edition might not be quite as iconic as the John Player Special, but limited as it is to 200 pieces, it’ll go just as quick.
Price & Specs:
Model Name: Christopher Ward C65 Black Gold Limited Edition
Ref: C65-41H3H1-SBKK1-WK (Webbing), C65-41H3H1-SBKK1-HK (Hybrid), C65-41H3H1-SBKK1-VT (leather)
Case/Dial: 41mm diameter x 11.5mm height, stainless steel, black dial, case back and bezel with PVD gold-toned case sides, lugs and crown
Water Resistance: 150 metres (15 bar)
Movement: Calibre Sellita SW210
Frequency: 28,800 per hour (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 42h
Strap: Webbing, hybrid or leather strap
Price: £845
More details at christopherward.co.uk
