Introducing the Christopher Ward C65 GMT Anthropocene Limited Edition

Among the several new releases Christopher Ward showed off at this years Windup in NYC was the C65 Anthropocene. The Anthropocene continues a recent trend among independent watchmakers: creating timepieces that force the consumer to think about the environment and climate change. Oris, Zodiac, and others have released watches this year with specific messages about conservation behind them, and that’s to say nothing of brands both large and small that have made concerted efforts to reduce packaging waste by offering consumers things like leather watch wallets instead of useless display boxes. Christopher Ward now finds themselves in that camp as well, with a watch that’s full of big ideas about the environment and art. Let’s get into it. 

Christopher Ward C65 Anthropocene

• Case Material: Stainless steel 
• Dial: White 
• Dimensions: 41 x 12mm
• Crystal: Sapphire  
• Water Resistance: 150 meters 
• Crown: Push/pull  
• Movement: Sellita SW330
• Strap/bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet, Hybrid rubber strap, leather 
• Price: $1135
• Reference Number: n/a
• Expected Release: Available now
  

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At a high level, the C65 Anthropocene is a pretty standard Christopher Ward sport watch. Powered by a Sellita SW330 automatic GMT movement, the watch is robust, attractive, and finished to the high standard we’ve come to expect from Christopher Ward in recent years, with subtle beveling and great transitions between highly polished and brushed surfaces that play exceedingly well with the light. What’s a little different about this watch is the crisp white dial, and the story behind its inspiration. 

Mike France, CEO and co-founder of the brand, was inspired to create the Anthropocene upon seeing his daughter perform in the opera of the same name earlier this year. The opera’s subject matter deals largely with the impact humans have had on the earth’s geology (“Anthropocene” is the name given to the geologic epoch during which humans began having a significant impact on the earth’s ecosystems), and features ethereal production design evoking expansive frozen landscapes. The white dialed C65 was born out of France’s desire to do what he could to highlight issues surrounding environmental conservation. To that end, 5% of sales from the Anthropocene C65 will be donated to an environmental charity selected for Christopher Ward by Scottish Opera composer Stuart MacRae.

It makes sense in a way that a watch with a focus on the environment would be a useful travel timepiece. The Anthropocene C65 is a very old school sports/travel watch, something that has a ton of utility for a world traveler, but will look good in any situation and remain ultra-reliable. While this isn’t a true dive watch, with 150 meters of water resistance very few travelers will ever have to worry about getting this one wet. The bezel here, in anodized black aluminum, has a 24 hour scale, making it possible to track up to three time zones simultaneously.

There’s something inherently fun about a white dialed sports watch. With so many iconic black dialed watches in this genre, white seems to beat against the grain just a little bit. They’re unique and special without being a contrarian choice, and when done well they look fantastic and can be incredibly versatile. The C65 Anthropocene is limited to just 300 pieces, and is available on Christopher Ward’s website right now. Christopher Ward