Christopher Ward x Oracle Time Introduce C65 Dune Shoreline

Having reported on literally thousands of watch releases over the years, it brings us great joy to be covering our first ever collaboration watch. After a year of development, we’re incredibly excited to present to you the brand-new Christopher Ward x Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline wristwatch. A watch with a dial inspired by the rugged, changeable coast of the British Isles. This will be the first in a series of collaborations with brands which will be available with priority access to paying Oracle Time print magazine subscribers (details at the bottom of article).

Anyway, enough waffle, let’s take a closer look at the watch in question. The C65 Dune Shoreline is based on the Christopher Ward C65 Dune in steel with a 38mm diameter, a seriously cool field watch with 150m water resistance. Although technically the Shoreline is hybridised with the bronze COSC editions because CW have never produced a steel chronometer edition of the Dune and the Dune Shoreline is indeed chronometer certified.

Aesthetically, we already love the retro, faintly militaristic vibe of the brushed steel design and smooth bezel, so you’ll be glad to know we haven’t made any alterations there. In fact, the only change to the case itself is the discreet Oracle Time name inscribed on the caseback, nice and subtle so you won’t even know this is a collaboration watch unless you really want to show people.

As you’ve probably noticed, the single biggest change on the watch is the dial. We wanted to create something that lived up to the concept of the watch while also being visually striking. The initial concept came from a trip to Cerro Blanco in Peru, where one of our co-founders noticed the incredible ripple patterns in the sand and thought a 3D, textured sand pattern would make for an eye-catching dial for a watch named the Dune. After several discussions, the team at Christopher Ward revealed they had been working on numerous processes to create a wave or ripple like pattern on the dial of their watches, and we pounced on this concept.

Regarding the process for creating the dials, William Brackfield, Christopher Ward’s Watch Designer, said, “we used this project as a way of experimenting with 3D stamping. We spent a lot of time altering the profile and depth of the peaks to try and give a real look of motion that the Oracle Time team requested. The brass dials are stamped onto a negative of the pattern using a hydraulic press. Then the dial print, marking the watch’s chronometer status and depth rating, is applied before a final clear lacquer.”

Once the technique for producing the sand ripple pattern dials were perfected, creating a dynamic design that catches the light in interesting ways, Will sent us a few samples and mock-ups in various styles and colours. While we anticipated that a khaki, sand colour would be the natural fit for this concept, Will encouraged us to explore some alternatives as well. And when the man who designed the Bel Canto gives you advice, you listen.

Nestled within the series of mock-ups was an incredibly striking version in a light grey colour. Immediately something about this grey edition captured our attention. It strongly reminded us of the overcast and rugged coastal shoreline of the United Kingdom. Looking like the desaturated darkness of coastal dunes under storm-light as thunder rolls in off the sea. Or perhaps the dark colour of sea itself under slate skies.

The addition of blue Super-LumiNova BL Grade X1 across the hands and hour markers really brought the design home, like the glimpse of blue sky seen through a break in the clouds. It’s an unconventional pairing of colours to be sure but it really ticks all the boxes we wanted to cover, playing with interesting colours while still being grounded. Will says, “it was interesting experimenting with the coloured lume, something we only do very occasionally, but it brings real character to this watch and ties in perfectly with the theme.”

Below the intricate dial is the COSC chronometer certified Sellita SW200-1 calibre. Choosing the movement was another really important decision for us. We always thought of this watch as a daily driver, and as such landed on the COSC Sellita. A movement with great accuracy (+/- 4 seconds per day) and that has been tested in multiple positions for reliability. Its 38-hour power reserve makes it ideal for daily wear.

Christopher Ward has helped to push British watchmaking into the mainstream of the industry and being able to work with their expert team has been a pleasure. Mike France, CEO at Christopher Ward said, “we’ve had a longstanding relationship with Oracle Time which spans more than a decade. As a British organisation that have played a key role in sharing our brand story, we take immense pride in our collaboration to craft a bespoke timepiece celebrating their centenary edition.”

Only 100 Christopher Ward x Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline watches are being produced in honour of our landmark 100th issue and they are available with priority access to paying Oracle Time subscribers (receiving a free copy through an existing partnership does not qualify). Priority access orders for the watches will begin on April 2nd at 11:00 GMT, with a first come first served policy. General sale begins on April 2nd at 14:00 GMT and delivery is expected in early July.

They’re priced at £1,260 on steel Bader bracelet with additional Vacona leather strap with accent blue stitching, £1,175 on bracelet, £1,020 on Vacona leather and £995 on #tide strap. But really, we can’t put a price on what it means to us as a business, a magazine and as a team to bring you this watch. We really like it and we hope you do too. Here’s to the Christopher Ward x Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline and here’s to many more collaborations in future.

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