The moonphase watch is a long-standing marvel of the analog watch industry – featuring a complication that allows it to accurately track the phases of the Moon across a long period (provided the watch remains wound). Christopher Ward’s C1 Moonglow ($1,995) is a fresh, contemporary take on a moonphase that that really puts the Moon front and center, in a design that’s equally comfortable on the wrist for everyday wear, in the boardroom, or at a formal event. Its unique design is also sure to please anyone who likes to watch the stars, and the bourgeoning private launch industry that’s reaching out to them.
The basics
The C1 also includes a calendar complication, which occupies the outer ring of the watch face and uses a sub-dial red highlight to mark the date. The watch measures 40.5 mm on the wrist, with a primarily black dial and a polished stainless steel case. It’s 12.35mm thick, and spans 48.55mm lug-to-lug. The automatic movement is wound with a custom Christopher Ward rotor that’s finished in black with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, and the moment is 26 jewels with a 38 hour power reserve when fully wound. The included strap is a black Italian shell cordovan leather, with a deployant clasp.
Design and features
Setting the moonphase is very easy, and accomplished by pulling the crown to its second position and turning it counter-clockwise. Clockwise sets the date, but you can adjust both independently and also independently of the time. Getting the phase accurate can be a bit tricker, but Christopher Ward provides easy instructions in the included manual – or you can use an app like Watchville which provides a very handy and highly accurate virtual watch face with moonphase to set your analog by.
As one of the most consistent and admired microbrand watchmakers out there, Christopher Ward has a great reputation for delivering interesting timepieces. The C1 Moonglow is among the most unique and appealing of its offerings, providing a tremendous amount of value for a watch with a custom-modified in-house movement and a moonphase complication. Best of all, it sports a stunning visual design that’s sure to turn heads – and maybe even distract some skywatchers from their telescopes and observatories.